How to Visit Cala Mitjana & Cala Mitjaneta in Menorca
If you’re looking for untouched beaches in Menorca that are also easily accessible, Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta are where it’s at. These twin beaches are just a stone’s throw from Cala Galdana on the island’s southern coast, yet they feel a world away from the hustle & bustle of the resort town.
Lush green forests conceal these two pristine beaches with creamy soft sand. Located in a sheltered bay, the crystalline water is rarely rough, and you can spend hours swimming, sunbathing, and cliff jumping with the local families who flock here.
Pack for the day, and bring your walking shoes if you please, as in between dips you can wander along scenic coastal trails to sample other delightful secluded beaches in Menorca.
NB: As I travel to Menorca frequently, I’ve visited these beaches many times, at all different times of the year. You may, therefore, notice the seasonal differences in the photos shared with you below. i.e. the colour of the water, the presence of Posidonia (seagrass) and the number of people on the beach!
What makes Cala Mitjana & Cala Mitjaneta Worth Visiting?
Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta are beloved by locals. The bigger of the two, Cala Mitjana is a family-friendly beach with swathes of sand that stretches back around 50-60m into the valley behind. Nestled between sandstone cliffs topped with fluffy pine trees, it’s a scene straight out of a glossy travel magazine.
The rugged cliffs next to this beach make a natural diving platform. And there is normally a near-constant cascade of daring bodies thrusting themselves off the rocks into the turquoise waters below.
If you want to hang out with the cool kids, wander over to Cala Mitjaneta next door. A tiny slice of sand accessed via a stairway etched into the rock, you need to arrive early to claim a coveted spot in this cove.
Don’t worry if you arrive late though, as the rocks and cliffs surrounding this little beach make the perfect perch to have a siesta in the sun in between cooling off in the tranquil sea.
How to get to Cala Mitjaneta & Cala Mitjana
There are two main ways to reach Cala Mitjaneta & Cala Mitjana – by parking at the dedicated car park and walking from there, or via the Cami de Cavalls from Cala Galdana.
We’ll cover both these options, as well as how to get there via public transport, below.
By Bus
There are direct buses to these popular Menorcan beaches during the summer months. Bus 51 leaves Mahon and arrives in Cala Galdana approx 50 minutes later. Bus 52 leaves Ciutadella and arrives in Cala Galdana approx 35 minutes later.
If you’re travelling to Cala Galdana in the off-season, you’ll need to catch a bus to Ferreries first. Then jump on Bus 53 to Cala Galdana from there.
You can see all the current bus routes and timetables here.
When arriving in Cala Galdana on the bus, you can exit just before the main roundabout at the entrance to town. There is a bus stop here right beside the Cala Mitjana car park. You can see it on the map here.
Alternatively, catch the bus right into Cala Galdana and walk the cami instead (more on this below).
By Car
Driving towards Cala Galdana is straightforward following the main route through the island (the Me-1).
From Ciutadella, the journey only takes around 20 mins. And from Mahon, it’s around 35. From both directions, you’ll follow the main road that traverses the island, before turning off at Ferreries.
To park near Cala Mitjana, there’s a dedicated parking lot, here. It’s free and very large (as you can see above). However, it still pays to arrive before 10am or after 3pm in the summer months when these beaches get very busy.
Walking down to the beach is fairly straightforward. Look for the blue sign at the far end of the car park, follow the dirt path a little way, and you’ll meet up with a paved road which takes you the rest of the way to the beach.
It’s around a 20-minute walk that’s mostly downhill in this direction (so be prepared for an uphill walk on your way home!).
To go directly to Cala Mitjaneta, you can take a right onto a dirt path (it is marked) just before you reach Cala Mitjana, and follow a coastal path towards the smaller cove.
Alternatively, park your car in Cala Galdana (there’s another large free car park in town), and follow the directions for walking the cami below.
By Foot / On Bike
If you’re already staying in Cala Galdana, wish to combine a visit with the coastal town, or just want to enjoy a scenic walk (or cycle), take the Cami de Cavalls to Cala Mitjana.
From the centre of town, walk alongside the beach and take the stairs on the southern end. Be sure to take a little detour to the lookout point over Cala Galdana Bay – it’s spectacular!
You’ll then find signs directing you to the Cami which turns into a path at the end of Carrer Cami de Cavalls (here).
The walk along the Cami is beautiful, and mostly shaded by the large pines and oaks overhead. It’s a lot more interesting than the walk from the car park (in the other direction), and excitement builds as you catch glimpses of the water between the trees.
Tip: Before you reach the beaches, there are two great detours to take. The first is indicated by a “viewpoint” sign (see below) and leads to an amazing viewpoint over Cala Mitjana.
The second viewpoint, closer to Cala Mitjaneta, isn’t indicated, but you should see a white building near the end of the walk. Follow a side path to this building, and beside it you will find an abandoned quarry!
From the quarry, you can either return to the Cami or follow the more precarious route straight down to the beach (it’s uneven and rocky, so take care).
Once you’ve had your fill of Cala Mitjaneta, return to the coastal path for a few more minutes to reach Cala Mitjana. The total walk only takes around 20 minutes (a little longer if you take in the viewpoints along the way).
By Boat
Due to the proximity to Cala Galdana, there are several boat tours and water taxis available to whisk you around the cove to these gorgeous beaches.
This small group tour transports you from Cala Galdana to many of the most popular beaches on the south coast, including Cala Mitjana and Mitjaneta.
This glass-bottom boat trip leaves Cala Galdana and also takes in several beaches, while allowing guests to swim and snorkel during a 1-hour beach stop.
This half-day small boat tour visits 8 beaches and includes the free use of a paddle board, and free drinks.
If you prefer a little more flexibility, you might like to hire a boat so you can cruise around the coast without a worry. And you don’t even need a boat license! Browse boat rentals here.
Walks & Beaches to Visit Near Cala Mitjana & Mitjaneta
If you’re staying in or near Cala Galdana, or just want to make the most of a full day in the area, there are several other beaches and areas of interest to check out nearby Cala Mitjana.
The Old Quarry
As I mentioned briefly above, there is an old sandstone quarry behind Cala Mitjaneta. If you haven’t arrived via the Cami, you can climb the hill behind the beach to find this interesting site. The quarry itself is fenced off for safety, but you can observe the deep cavern from above, and explore the site on foot.
Cala Galdana
Cala Galdana is a hive of activity in the summer months. The beach is busy with families, the bay is full of boats, and the seaside restaurants are brimming. The perfect family vacation spot, Cala Galdana is also worth visiting if even to take in the views of the perfectly formed horseshoe bay.
Read More: Visiting Cala Galdana in Menorca
Cala Trebalúger
Continue walking the coastal trail from Cala Mitjana and the next beach you’ll encounter is Cala Trebaluger – the ideal beach for people wanting to escape the crowds.
It’s a fairly easy walk to Trebaluger (just beware of doing it on a hot summer’s day). But there is a steep descent at the end of the walk that can be tricky for some people.
It’s not dangerous, you just have to be careful with your footing. The stairs down to the beach abruptly stop short of the beach, so you have to cross a low cliff. Depending on the tides, it can be easier to take your shoes off and dip straight into the water instead!
Cala Escorxada
Keep going even further along the coastal trail, and after another 20ish minutes you’ll come first to the small cove called Cala Fustam, and then, around one more bend, to Cala Escorxada.
Cala Escorxcada is the most remote beach on the island because to get there you have to walk around 1h30 in either direction along the coastal trail. There are no closer car parks or access points.
Of course, there are visiting boats, but you won’t find this beach crawling with visitors at any time of the year.
Read Also: Best Things to do in Menorca
Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
Back in the other direction from Cala Galdana are another pair of beaches that share the same fame as Cala Mitjana & Cala Mitjaneta. They are, of course, Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta. The latter being the most Insta-famous beach on the island.
Despite their popularity, they do live up to the hype and are worthy of a visit.
There is a car park near Cala Macarella (that is only accessible outside of the peak summer months), but in order to get there, you have to drive right out of Cala Galdana, back to the main road, and continue down towards Ciutadella, before veering off to the coast again. It’s therefore much more convenient (and enjoyable) to walk there instead.
To do so, head for the main bridge over the harbour in Cala Galdana and you’ll find the signs for the Cami. It’s a very pleasant 30-minute walk to Cala Macarella. And then another 10 minutes around the bend to Cala Macarelleta.
Macarella feels less isolated, as there’s a beach restaurant and facilities nearby. Macarelleta is more scenic and has a more rustic feel.
Read More: How to Visit Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
What to bring to Cala Mitjana & Cala Mitjaneta
Cala Mitjana & Cala Mitjaneta aren’t particularly isolated, but they’re still virgin beaches with no facilities. Therefore you need to bring everything with you that you may need for the day. In particular, think about shade (umbrella, pop-up tent), as there is little naturally available.
Also bring water, food, a snorkel, and your camera!
If you have a paddleboard, it can be a great place to take it for a spin, as there are sea caves and nooks to explore within the large cove.
Final Things to Know About Visiting Cala Mitjana & Mitjaneta
If you’re travelling to Cala Mitjana with young children, you should be able to manage most of the way with a pram or buggy if you wish.
As mentioned above, this is a very popular beach that is made more so because it is fairly easily accessible. If crowded beaches aren’t your vibe, perhaps give these coves a miss doing the peak summer months.
Where to Stay Near Cala Mitjana & Cala Mitjaneta
Cala Galdana is the obvious choice of places to stay when wanting to visit these beautiful beaches in southern Menorca. But if you want a more authentic stay, Ferreries makes a good choice too.
Meliá is a popular place to stay in Cala Galdana. With its iconic location right on the beachfront, this full service hotel has all the bells & whistles you’d expect of a 5-star property.
If you prefer to go self-catering, opt for Comitas Floramar instead. Here, you’ll find apartment convenience alongside hotel facilities and service, all a short walk from the beach.
Ses Sucreres Small & Slow Hotel, located in Ferreries, is an excellent example of an authentic boutique stay in Menorca. The large rooms can cater for families and couples, and the swimming pool is an added bonus.
Read More: Best Places to Stay in Menorca
