Es Grau Beach, Menorca: A Complete Guide to This Calm, Natural Coastal Escape
If you’re searching for a beach in Menorca that combines calm swimming waters, authentic island character, and beautiful natural surroundings, then Es Grau Beach is a place you should absolutely add to your itinerary. View our Guide to Visiting Es Grau.
Unlike the dramatic cliff-lined calas that dominate postcards of Menorca, Es Grau offers something different. It’s a wide, peaceful bay with shallow water, a small traditional fishing village, and direct access to one of the island’s most important nature reserves.
After spending time exploring many corners of Menorca, I often recommend Es Grau to travellers who want a more relaxed beach day. It’s particularly ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious to experience a quieter, more authentic side of the island.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Es Grau Beach—from how to get there and what to expect, to nearby walks, restaurants, and practical tips that will make your visit even better.
Where Is Es Grau Beach?
Es Grau Beach is located on the north-east coast of Menorca, Around 15 minutes from the island’s capital Mahón (Maó).
What makes the location particularly special is that the beach sits within S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, Menorca’s most important protected natural area. This vast reserve of wetlands, lagoons, and coastal landscapes is a key reason why the island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The beach itself forms a broad, gently curving bay protected from the open sea. This natural shelter creates calm water conditions that are very different from the exposed beaches found elsewhere around the island.
Unlike many Mediterranean beach destinations, Es Grau has avoided overdevelopment. The small village retains a traditional feel, with whitewashed houses, fishing boats resting on the sand, and a relaxed pace of life.
What Es Grau Beach Is Like
Menorca is full of beautiful beaches, but Es Grau offers a slightly different kind of experience. It’s not about dramatic cliffs or hidden coves; it’s about space, calm water, and atmosphere.
One of the first things visitors notice about Es Grau is how shallow the sea is. The bay’s protected shape means waves are usually very gentle, the water warms up quickly in summer and you can walk far into the sea before it becomes deep.
For families travelling with children, this makes Es Grau one of the safest beaches in Menorca for swimming. It’s also ideal if you simply enjoy floating or paddling without worrying about strong currents.
Another reason Es Grau feels special is that it still functions as a small coastal village rather than a large tourist resort. Along the waterfront you’ll see colourful fishing boats pulled up onto the sand, low whitewashed houses, local cafés and restaurants and residents enjoying the beach alongside visitors
Behind the beach stretches the landscape of S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. This protected ecosystem includes wetlands and lagoons, pine forests, bird-watching areas and walking trails. If you enjoy combining beach time with nature walks, Es Grau is one of the best places on the island to do exactly that.
Key facts about Es Grau Beach
Beach Type: Sandy beach. A long sweeping sandy beach thats approximately 590 metres with a gentle slope into the sea.
Safety: As the beach is sheltered cove by the isaln dof , bathing is usually safe depending on weather conditions.
Lifeguards: During high-season there are lifeguards at Es Grau Beach.
Toilets: Toilets next to the beach and car park.
Parking: Yes, a small car park next to the beach and a larger car park 50m away.
Kayaking and paddle boarding: Between May – October you can hire kayaks, paddleboards and boats from Menorca en Kayak, either on the beach or at the main office based in Es Grau.
Restuarants and Bars: Several good quality and relaxed restuarants and bars, visit our Es Grau Travel Guide for more information.
Shopping: There is a super market a short walk from the beach and a boutique next to the beach.
How to get to Es Grau Beach
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.
