The southern coves were born from ravines: pale rock, pine woods running down to the shore and finest sand the sea piles up at the bottom of each inlet. The water is a turquoise that looks retouched, especially under the midday sun. The downside is their fame: in July and August they fill up early and many close to cars. The good news is there are more than you think, and the best have no road.
Macarella and Macarelleta, the queens
The most famous, and rightly so. Macarella is wide, with its beach bar; Macarelleta, next door and a little wilder, is the one in the photos. In season you reach them by shuttle bus from Ciutadella or a fifteen-minute walk through pines. The local plan: arrive by sea, anchor off the cove and land where there's no queue.
Half-day cruise to Menorca’s most charming covesCheck availability →
Speed boat shuttle service to Macarella from Cala GaldanaCheck availability →Turqueta, Mitjana and Son Saura
Cala Turqueta is the one that gives the colour its name: small, sheltered, ideal with children. Cala Mitjana and Mitjaneta, further east, have that rock ledge everyone jumps from. Son Saura is two wide twin beaches, less crowded. All are best enjoyed with a mask: the southern seabed is living rock and posidonia meadow, pure life.
Half-day Kayak and Snorkeling excursion in the Menorca Marine ReserveCheck availability →
Paddle tour along the coast of Ciutadella: visit the most secret covesCheck availability →If you can only do one day of southern coves, combine it: a morning in Turqueta or Macarelleta, lunch in the shade, and a short stretch of the Camí de Cavalls to the next cove. You'll see why on Menorca the beach isn't a destination, it's a path.