A Guide to Visiting Es Grau in Menorca
Tucked away on the quieter northeastern coast of Menorca, Es Grau is one of the island’s most charming and unspoiled coastal villages. Located within the stunning S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, this laid-back fishing village offers a completely different atmosphere compared to Menorca’s larger resorts. With calm shallow waters, nature trails, wildlife-rich wetlands, and traditional seaside restaurants, Es Grau is the perfect destination for travellers seeking a more authentic side of the island.
This guide highlights 6 of the best things to do in Es Grau, from relaxing on its sheltered beach to exploring the island’s most important nature reserve. Standout experiences include walking through the spectacular S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve filled with birdlife and lagoons, and taking a boat or kayak trip to Illa d’en Colom, a beautiful island just offshore with pristine beaches.
Es Grau is particularly well suited to nature lovers, walkers, birdwatchers, families with young children, and travellers looking to escape the busier resort areas. Its calm waters, traditional restaurants, and scenic surroundings make it one of Menorca’s most relaxing coastal destinations.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending a full day exploring the natural park and beaches, Es Grau offers a peaceful and memorable experience that showcases the island’s wild beauty.
Things To See & Do in Es Grau
Relax at Es Grau Beach
The main beach in Es Grau is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay with shallow turquoise water and fine sand. Unlike many beaches in Menorca, the bay is protected by the offshore island Illa d’en Colom, which keeps the water calm and ideal for swimming.
This is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Menorca. The water remains shallow for a long distance, making it ideal for young children and relaxed swimming. The backdrop of whitewashed houses and fishing boats gives the beach a very authentic Mediterranean feel.
Because Es Grau is within a protected natural park, development is minimal, giving the area a peaceful atmosphere rarely found in larger resorts.
Cost: Free
Facilities: Bar Es Grau beach bar, toilets near carpark
Tip: If nearby car park is full, use the two larger car parks on the main road in.
Explore S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park
S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park is the largest protected natural area in Menorca and the centrepiece of the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park contains wetlands, lagoons, forests, dunes, and coastal landscapes.
For nature lovers, this is one of the most important ecological areas in the Balearic Islands. The park is home to over 200 bird species, including herons, ospreys, and flamingos.
Several walking trails allow visitors to explore the lagoons, forest paths, and scenic viewpoints.
Cost: Free
Facilities: Rodríguez Femenías Visitor Centre, Toilet facilties
Tip: Bring water and sun protection; some trails have little shade
Visit Illa d’en Colom
Just offshore about 200 meters from Es Grau lies Illa d’en Colom, a small uninhabited island with two stunning beaches and crystal-clear water.
The island feels wonderfully remote and untouched. Its beaches, Cala Tamarells and Arenal d’en Moro, are known for their bright turquoise water and peaceful setting. The island is also home to an early Christian Basilica, where fragments dating back to IV century AD have been discovered.
Swimming across from Es Grau is popular with confident swimmers, though kayak and boat trips are also available.
Cost: Free if swimming or kayaking
Facilities: Rodríguez Femenías Visitor Centre, Toilet facilties
Tip: Take water and food as there are no facilties on the island, consider wearing a sun hat and sunglasses to help protect your head and eyes from the sun
Walk the Camí de Cavalls Coastal Trail
The Camí de Cavalls is a historic coastal path that circles the entire island of Menorca. Several sections pass close to Es Grau. Walking part of the trail allows you to experience Menorca’s wild coastline, hidden coves, and panoramic sea views.
Stage 1. Mahón – Es Grau. Distance: 10km, time: 3h
Stage 2. Es Grau – Favàritx cape (via Cala Tortuga and Ca;a Presili). Distance: 8.6km, time: 3h
Tips:
Kayak Along the Coast
Kayaking from Es Grau is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding coastline and nearby island. The calm water and sheltered bay make this one of the best kayaking locations in Menorca. You can paddle around Illa d’en Colom or explore quiet coves along the coast.
Menorca en Kayak, a local company based in Es Grau offers kayak, pedalo’s, dinghies and stand up paddleboards for hire, as well as guided excursions to the islands favourite spots.
Cost: Kayak and stand up paddleboard hire start at 12€ per hour
Tip: Mornings usually have calmer water conditions.
Visit Cap de Favàritx Lighthouse
A dramatic black-and-white lighthouse located about 15 minutes drive from Es Grau within the natural park. The surrounding landscape is rugged and almost lunar in appearance, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Menorca.
The lighthouse area is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Cost: Free
Tip: The lighthouse area is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset.
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Where to Eat and Drink in Es Grau
Tucked inside the protected landscapes of Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau, the coastal village of Es Grau is one of the most atmospheric places to dine in Menorca. There are no flashy cocktail bars or large resort restaurants here — just a handful of traditional, family-run establishments where the seafood is fresh, the recipes are local, and the views stretch across a calm, shallow bay.
Café Bar Es Moll
A wonderful location next to the quay, this tapas bar has a terrace overlooking the bay and Isla d’en Colom. Serving tasty fish tapas dishes including sardines and clams.
L’Avi Bernadet des Grau
A relaxed tapas bar, offering authentic Menorcan and fresh fish tapas, including tripe, octopus, cuttlefish, meatballs, mussels and prawns. Tapas from €3.75. (Carretera Mahón-Fornells; +34 650 974 685).
Tamarindos
A slightly more formal restaurant with a wonderful terrace at the water’s edge, specialising in paellas and fideua. (Pas Tamarell; +34 626 476 727).
Bar Es Grau
A beach side restaurant serving salads, baguettes and pizza with plenty of seating places underneath trees.
Can Bernat des Grau
A wonderful restaurant located in the Menorcan countryside, about 15minutes drive from ES Grau on the Me-7 road to Fornells. Well known for its fish dishes, its standout dish being the famous Menorcan dish of caldereta de langosta (Menorca’s famous lobster stew), rich and deeply flavoured, typically prepared to order. You’ll also find seafood paella, arroz caldoso, grilled dorada, slow-cooked meats, and classic Menorcan desserts like ensaimadas and flan. Open Tuesday to Sunday 12am-midnight (Carretera Mahón-Fornells; +34 650 974 685).
How to Get to Es Grau
By Car from Mahón Airport
From the airport follow the Me-14 north for about 3km in the direction of Ciutadella. When you reach the Me-1 roundabout turn right towards Mahón. Continue on the Me-1 until you reach the roundabout, turn left and head towards the port. On reaching the next roundabout at the base of the hill head towards Es Grau on the Me-7. After about 800m take a right onto the Me-5 road to Es Grau. If you need to a rental car we would recommend reading our guide Hiring a Car in Menorca.
By Taxi from Airport
You can catch a taxi directly from Mahón Airport, the official taxi rank is located immediately outside arrivals. The cost will be in the region of €25 for up to four passengers and take around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Es Grau.
By Bus from Mahón
From the islands airport catch the Line 10 bus to Mahón’s bus station, the cost is €2,80 and takes around 10 minutes. Then from the bus station catch Bus Route Line 23 to Es Grau operated by Autosfornells. The journey will take around 15 minutes. Please note buses do not accept card payment, cash only.
Es Grau FAQs
Is Es Grau worth visiting in Menorca?
Yes, Es Grau is one of the most unique places to visit in Menorca. Unlike the island’s larger resorts, it remains a small traditional fishing village surrounded by the protected landscapes of S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. Visitors come for its calm beach, nature trails, wildlife, and relaxed atmosphere.
How far is Es Grau from Mahón?
Es Grau is located about 10 km from Mahón, the island’s capital. The drive usually takes 15–20 minutes, making it an easy day trip from Mahón, Es Castell, or other nearby resorts.
When is the best time to visit Es Grau?
The best time to visit Es Grau is between May and October when the weather is warm and the sea is ideal for swimming. Spring and early autumn are particularly good for walking and birdwatching in S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park.
Is Es Grau good for families?
Es Grau is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Menorca. The beach has very shallow water and minimal waves thanks to the shelter provided by Illa d’en Colom. There are also several relaxed restaurants and plenty of space for children to play.
Can you swim to Illa d’en Colom from Es Grau?
Yes, many confident swimmers swim from Es Grau beach to Illa d’en Colom, which lies around 200 metres offshore. However, visitors should always check sea conditions first. Kayaks and small boat trips are also available if you prefer an easier option.
