How to Visit Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta in Menorca
Situated in a deep ravine on Menorca’s southern coast, the twin coves of Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta delight visitors with their verdant surroundings and mesmerizing turquoise waters.
The true essence of Menorca can be witnessed here among the wild nature, weather-worn limestone cliffs, ancient burial caves and underwater treasures.
To get to Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta, you’ll need to strap on some walking shoes, but it’s a little effort for a huge reward.
What makes Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta Worth Visiting?
Cala Macarelleta is the poster child of Menorcan beaches. Its striking beauty has been featured in the pages of travel magazines and its unmistakable appearance is a prominent fixture on social media.
It can be likened to the equally idyllic Calanque d’en Vau beach in Provence, or Mallorca’s beloved Caló des Moro. That is to say, it’s up there with the Mediterranean’s best beaches. Don’t be put off by its fame though, for Menorca is still somewhat undiscovered as opposed to the aforementioned summer hotspots!
It boasts ideal cliff diving and snorkelling conditions, and underwater caves are ripe for exploration.
Next door, Cala Macarella offers relatively easy access, convenient facilities, in-season lifeguards, a large swathe of sand, and safe shallow waters for splashing in, making it a firm family favourite.
How to get to Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
The best way to get to Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta depends on which season you visit, and which part of the island you’re staying in.
There is a car park close to these beaches on the southern coast of Menorca, but it’s closed to the public during the peak months and it’s not convenient for those staying in the eastern end of the island (as you have to drive into Ciutadella before diverting back out to the coast).
Instead, arriving via Cala Galdana is often the best choice for those staying in the capital or nearby resorts.
We’ll go over all of your options below.
By Bus
If you’re staying in Ciutadella, the number 69 bus will take you from the city centre, right to the car park at Cala Macarella. It runs from June to September, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. You can see the current timetables, and book your buses here.
Do note that there’s a fifteen-minute, fairly pleasant walk from the bus stop to Cala Macarella. And a further 15-minute walk to reach Cala Macarelleta via the coastal path (further details on this below).
By Car
If you’re visiting Cala Macarella in the shoulder, or off-season, you can drive directly to the car park noted on the map here. It’s a little more than 20 minutes drive from Ciutadella. Note that there are limited parking spaces, so aim to arrive as early as possible.
However, this free public car park is closed to private vehicles during the months of June-September (inclusive). Only buses and taxis are allowed access during this period.
If you’re coming from elsewhere on the island, it may be more efficient to drive to Cala Galdana and walk from there instead.
In Cala Galdana, aim for the large free parking lot in the centre of town. If that’s full, you can also try the parking at Cala Mitjana, which will add an extra 10-minute walk to your journey.
By Foot / On Bike
Without a doubt, the most enjoyable and rewarding way to arrive at Cala Macarella is via the Cami de Cavalls!
The most efficient route is from Cala Galdana, but you can also walk in the opposite direction from Cala en Bosch (just be prepared for a full day hike if you take this option out & back. I’ve done it a couple of times from Son Xoriguer and it’s an amazing leg of the Cami that takes in several stunning beaches – including Son Saura, Cala des Talaier and Cala en Turqueta).
The walk from Cala Galdana begins at the harbour bridge. It’s clearly signposted. You’ll start out by walking along a craggy trail that hugs the coast. After a short while though, the trail takes you inland where the path widens and is more even.
Towards the end of the walk, there are a series of wooden platforms and staircases leading down to Cala Macarella.
Lookout points along the way
Don’t miss the two lookout points signposted along the walk to Cala Macarella. The first, about halfway through your hike, leads you through flowering bush to a wooden gate at the cliff’s edge. Beyond, you can take in the sea vistas, the incredible coastline, and catch a glimpse of Cala Macarelleta in the distance.
The second is just before your descent to Cala Macarella. Here you have a clearer view of the bay that houses these two beaches. In summer, expect that it will be full of sailboats!
Mountain biking to Cala Macarella
The route to Cala Macarella from Cala Galdana is fairly straightforward for mountain bikers. But the last leg down to the beach that can prove challenging. The original trail runs parallel to the wooden staircase, but it doesn’t prove any easier going on two wheels.
By Boat
One of the easiest and most scenic ways to reach Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta is by taking a boat trip.
There are several tours departing Cala Galdana, but unfortunately, many of them only offer a passing glance as opposed to a longer stay in this serene bay.
For a unique experience, join this snorkel cruise to Cala Macarella. It allows an hour to explore the underwater caves at Cala Macarella and go snorkelling at Cala Trebaluger, as well as photo stops at several other bays (including Cala Mitjana).
Alternatively, this small group tour also offers time to swim at Cala Macarella and you can use the paddleboards and snorkelling gear provided.
Those who would rather go at their own pace, and discover the beauty of Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta at leisure, can hire a self-drive boat (no licence needed!), to cruise around the coast. Boats are available to hire on the beach in Cala Galdana.
How to Walk Between Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
Walking between these beautiful beaches is a wonderful part of the experience. The cliff trail (coastal route) offers incredible views and photo opportunities. Whereas, the inland route offers tranquillity and nature.
Both trails start at the same spot, on the western end of Cala Macarella. There’s a small clearing beneath the pine trees and the routes are marked from there.
Follow the coast to take the shorter route, or the Cami de Cavalls to take the longer inland route.
A word of warning here – although the coastal trail is more scenic, it’s also very popular and can get crowded. This sometimes causes congestion as there are several stretches that are too narrow for people to pass.
It’s also unsuitable for very young children (due to the high cliffs) or those with mobility issues. There are several obstacles to navigate and areas where the stone stairs have worn away – so you’ll need to watch your step.
That said, it’s a wonderful way to approach Macarelleta as you get an unbeatable view of the small beach flanked by sandstone cliffs as you approach.
The alternate inland route via the Cami is interesting, as it follows a traditional stone wall, and weaves through the pine forest, providing shelter along the way. It takes a little longer, but the track is wider, a little easier to navigate when busy, and safer for children.
Walks & Beaches to Visit Near Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
This stretch of southern Menorca is known for its stunning beaches and walking trails. So make time to discover these other magical destinations during your visit.
Cala Turqueta
Cala Turqueta benefits from its tranquil location, far removed from any resort or town. It’s commonly referred to as one of the best on the island due to its rustic beauty. Here, the water is deep, crystal-clear, and sheltered by the cliffs and dense woodland that surrounds it.
Cliff diving is a popular activity here, as is snorkelling around the caves on either side of the bay.
Despite its seclusion, it does get busy in the summer season as there are boats ferrying people in from Cala Galdana and Cala en Bosc.
As you may have guessed, I personally prefer to walk there! It’s around 3hrs (one way) from Son Xoriguer, or 2hr 20 (one way) from Cala Galdana. The route from Son Xoriguer is easier, despite being longer, but they’re both beautiful routes to take.
Cala Galdana
Don’t bypass Cala Galdana on your way to Cala Macarella! Although easy to do, allow at least a little time to see what makes this resort town so popular.
Wander up to the viewpoint over the bay (you can find it here), tuck into a homemade dessert with a delicious view at El Mirador, or partake in one of the many watersports on offer.
Discover more about Cala Galdana here.
Cala Mitjana & Cala Mitjaneta
On the other side of Cala Galdana, you’ll find two more enchanting Menorcan beaches – Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta. These twin coves are as frequented as Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta, but are even more untouched and natural.
Hiding between pine forests, and with transparent waters lapping soft white sand, they’re beloved by the locals.
Find out how to reach Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta here.
What to bring to Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
Unlike some of the more secluded beaches in Menorca, Cala Macarella boasts a beach bar, shower facilities, a toilet, and lifeguards (note – all of these are seasonal). So it’s an easy place to stay for a day.
Cala Macarelleta on the other hand, doesn’t have any facilities available, and it’s not super convenient to have to trek back to Cala Macarella just to grab a bite to eat.
I’d therefore recommend timing your visit so you can grab a drink or a meal at Macarella before/after a visit to Macarelleta, or bring a picnic basket with you instead.
In any case, you’re going to want to bring plenty of water, possibly some shade (although the cliffs at Macarelleta provide shade in the morning/late afternoon if you want it), suitable walking shoes, a snorkel, and snacks!
Final Things to Know About Visiting Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
Expect crowds at these popular beaches in the summer months. Although not as busy as the beaches of nearby Mallorca, it can still be a push to find a suitable spot to set up for the day – particularly on Macarelleta – if visiting in July and August.
Due to the boat traffic, it’s also important to note the buoys marking where it is safe to swim – there’s plenty of room, just something to watch out for, particularly on Macarella where a boat lane exists for boats and watersports at the eastern end of the beach.
I don’t get cell phone reception on these beaches – but whether you do may depend on who your provider is – be prepared to go without.
Where to Stay Near Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
Cala Galdana and Ciutadella make great places to stay in the south of the island if you’re planning a day trip to Macarella Bay.
In Ciutadella, I recommend the exquisite Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux for an upmarket stay. They offer rooms for singles, couples, families and groups – and everyone will love the onsite spa, swimming pool, and Mediterranean-themed restaurant.
For a more modest stay in Ciutadella, Hotel Nou Sant Antoni ticks all the boxes. The beautifully decorated rooms have kept the traditional charm of the historic building they’re housed in, and you’ll be within walking distance of all of Ciutadella’s attractions.
In Cala Galdana, Artiem Audax offers adults-only accommodation with a sea view. This hotel also boasts an onsite sports centre where you can hire paddle boards and kayaks, or join biking and walking tours.
Read More: Best Places to Stay in Menorca
