Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta, Menorca: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting These Iconic Twin Beaches
If you’ve seen even a handful of photos of Menorca, chances are they featured Cala Macarella or its smaller neighbour Cala Macarelleta. These two beaches are among the most famous on the island—and for good reason. With their white sand, vivid turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs, they look almost unreal in good light.
But here’s the thing: they’re also among the most visited beaches in Menorca, and that changes the experience if you don’t plan properly. Having visited multiple times in different seasons, I can tell you this: they’re absolutely worth it—but timing and approach are everything.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to visit Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta the right way, so you get the beauty without the frustration.
Where Are Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta?
Both beaches are located on the south coast of Menorca, around 20 minutes from Ciutadella. They sit within one of the most scenic coastal stretches on the island, close to Cala Turqueta and Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta.
Key facts on Cala Macarella
- Location: South Menorca
- Nearest town: Cala Galdana
- Beach type: Soft sand and gently sloping
- Facilities: Yes, Restuarant and bar
- Lifeguards: Yes
- Toilets: Yes
Key facts on Cala Macarelleta
- Location: South Menorca
- Nearest town: Cala Galdana
- Beach type: Soft sand and gently sloping
- Facilities: No
- Lifeguards: No
- Toilets: None
This entire area is often featured in guides to the best beaches in Menorca, and it’s easy to see why.
Why Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta Are Among Menorca’s Best Beaches
There’s a reason Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are consistently ranked among the best beaches in Menorca. While they sit just minutes apart, each offers a slightly different experience—and it’s that contrast that makes visiting both so memorable.
What Makes Cala Macarella Special
Cala Macarella is often described as one of the most iconic beaches in Menorca, and when you first arrive, it’s easy to understand why. The cove opens up into a wide stretch of soft white sand, framed by rugged cliffs and pine trees that give it that unmistakable Mediterranean feel.
What stands out most is the water. On a clear day, it shifts between shades of turquoise and deep blue, with a clarity that makes it perfect for swimming. The gentle slope into the sea makes it accessible for all types of visitors, whether you’re there for a quick dip or a full day on the sand.
Despite its popularity, Cala Macarella still manages to retain a sense of natural beauty. Yes, it can get busy, especially in peak summer, but if you arrive early or later in the day, there’s a window where it feels calm, almost serene. It’s this balance between dramatic scenery, swimmable water, and accessibility that makes it such a standout.
What Makes Cala Macarelleta Special
Just around the headland, Cala Macarelleta offers a more intimate and slightly more secluded experience. The walk there is short but enough to create a noticeable shift in atmosphere. Where Cala Macarella feels open and social, Cala Macarelleta feels quieter, more tucked away, and a little more personal.
The cove itself is smaller, with the same crystal-clear water but often an even more vivid colour, particularly in the morning light. Surrounded by steep cliffs and accessed via a narrow path, it feels more like a hidden corner of the coastline than a main destination.
There’s also a more relaxed, natural feel here. Part of the beach is known for being clothing-optional, which adds to the laid-back atmosphere and sense that this is a place where people come to truly switch off. It’s less about facilities or convenience and more about enjoying the setting exactly as it is.
Why Visiting Both Is the Real Experience
What makes this area so special isn’t just either beach on its own—it’s the combination of the two. You can start at Cala Macarella, take in the wide, iconic scenery, then make the short walk to Cala Macarelleta and experience something quieter and more secluded.
That contrast between accessible and hidden, lively and peaceful is what defines this part of the Menorca coastline. It’s also why visitors who take the time to explore both tend to leave with a much richer experience than those who stop at just one.
Are Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta Worth Visiting?
Yes—absolutely. Despite the crowds, these two beaches are among the most stunning in Menorca. With the right timing and a bit of planning, they can easily be a highlight of your trip.
How to Get to Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta
By Car from Ciutadella
From the Me-1 road at Ciutadella, join the ring road RC-2 heading south, at the third roundabout follow the brown beach signs to Cala Turqueta. Continue following signs until you reach the car park, journet time is about 20mins. From the car park, follow sign posts to the beach, its a 10-15 minute walk.
Walking from Cala Galdana
From the west side of Cala Galdana next to the beach and bridge you can join the coastal route and walk to Cala Macarella. Its approximately 2.5km and will take around 40 minutes.
Please note there is no coastal road from Cala Galdana, a short trip on the Me-22 to Ferreries, joining Me-1 westbound to Ciutadella is required. Total journey time is about 40 minutes
FAQs
Where are Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta?
Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are located on the south coast of Menorca, near Ciutadella.
How do you get to Cala Macarelleta?
To reach Cala Macarelleta, walk from Cala Macarella along a coastal path for around 10–15 minutes.
Is Cala Macarella crowded?
Yes, Cala Macarella is one of the busiest beaches in Menorca, especially in summer.
Is Cala Macarelleta quieter?
Yes, Cala Macarelleta is usually quieter due to its smaller size and slightly more difficult access.
Can you swim at Cala Macarella?
Yes, the calm, clear water at Cala Macarella is perfect for swimming.