As I walked the winding path toward Cala Macarella and Macarelleta, I started to get why people call these twin coves Menorca’s treasures. The cliffs suddenly open up, revealing that unreal turquoise water and soft white sand.
The hike gets a bit rocky and hilly, so I had to watch my step, but every step made me more excited for that first glimpse of the beach.
When I finally reached the coves, the water looked clear and bright—just as stunning as every photo promised. That walk? Totally worth it. But it’s not just about the beaches.
The calm pine forests, the distant sound of waves, and that feeling of stumbling onto a hidden spot make the journey feel special.
If you’re thinking about going, pack good shoes and a bit of patience. The trail rewards you with a quiet, beautiful place that’s hard to forget.
These twin coves deliver everything you want from a Mediterranean escape: peaceful sand, clear water you can swim in, and a real sense of adventure before you even drop your towel.
Discovering Cala Macarella & Macarelleta: Menorca’s Twin Coves
Tucked between limestone cliffs and pine forests, these beaches show off Menorca’s famous turquoise water and that soft, white sand. Each cove has its own vibe, and honestly, I get why so many travelers (me included) make the hike.
What Makes These Coves Iconic?
Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta have this wild blue-green water that almost looks fake in the sunlight. The beaches sit right next to each other, divided by rocky cliffs and all that lush greenery.
People list them as top sights in Menorca, and yeah, I see why.
What really stood out to me? Both coves feel mostly untouched. No big hotels or crowded boardwalks here—just peace and a rugged vibe, only a short walk from the pine woods.
I’ve seen plenty of guides call these coves “must-sees,” and I’m not about to argue. The short hike can be rocky, but once you spot that water, you forget about the effort.
Unique Features of Cala Macarella
Cala Macarella’s the bigger cove, with a wide stretch of fine sand and tall cliffs on both sides. The water stays clear and shallow, so it’s perfect for swimming or just wading along the shore.
I found a small beach bar tucked near the back and grabbed a cold drink after the hike. There are restrooms too, which is rare for remote Menorca beaches.
Sunlight seems to bounce off the water all day. Families spread picnic blankets under pines, while snorkelers drifted by with colorful fish. Even with a crowd, it felt lively and relaxed—never too noisy.
Charming Appeal of Macarelleta
To get to Macarelleta, I followed a trail that climbs up and over the cliffs from Macarella. It’s a bit steep and rocky, but the walk takes less than fifteen minutes.
On the other side, I found a smaller, quieter cove that felt even more secluded.
Macarelleta has a narrower beach, hugged by cliffs on both sides. The sand seemed even softer, and there were fewer people, which gave it that secret spot energy.
The water looked crystal clear and shallow near the shore. I saw people sunbathing and others exploring the rocks for their own quiet corners.
This cove draws anyone after a little extra peace—even during busy season.
The Journey: Hiking to the Turquoise Paradises
Getting to Cala Macarella and Macarelleta is an adventure by itself. The trail winds through rocky forests and hugs cliff paths. You’ll need some planning, solid shoes, and a willingness to embrace both the views and the effort.
Best Hiking Routes to Cala Macarella & Macarelleta
I started from the main parking lot near Cala Galdana, which seems like the most popular spot to start. Signs point you toward Macarella, so getting lost isn’t really an issue.
The main trail (Camí de Cavalls) takes about 45 minutes, winding through shaded pine woods and across sunny ridges. It’s not just about arriving—the way sunlight filters through the trees and hits the Mediterranean is something else.
If you want a longer walk, you can start from Ciutadella. That’s around 14 km and probably best for experienced hikers.
Here’s a quick look:
| Route Start | Distance | Typical Time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cala Galdana | 1.5 km | 45 min | Well-marked, shaded |
| Ciutadella | 14 km | 4-5 hours | Challenging, scenic |
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail gets rocky in spots, with some steep climbs and drops. I had to watch my step, especially on loose stones.
Some parts are shaded by pines, which is a lifesaver on hot days, but other stretches leave you exposed to the sun.
Early in the morning, I barely saw other hikers, but by midday, the path started to fill up. Along the way, I passed dramatic cliffs, wildflowers, and caught quick glimpses of turquoise sea far below.
Birds sang overhead, and the scent of pine followed me the whole way.
A couple of benches pop up along the route for resting. Since there aren’t many facilities, I brought my own water and snacks.
The final stretch gives you sweeping views of Cala Macarella’s blue bay before the path dips through the trees to the sand.
Accessibility and Trail Difficulty
The trail isn’t paved and turns pretty rocky and uneven, especially between Macarella and Macarelleta. Good shoes are a must—don’t even think about flip-flops.
The walk isn’t super tough, but you’ll find some moderate sections with loose stones and short, steep climbs.
If you have limited mobility or very young kids, the trail could be tricky. I saw families with older children managing just fine, though.
There’s no car access right to the coves—the closest parking is at Cala Galdana, so everyone walks a bit.
In summer, the sun can be brutal. I wore a hat and kept reapplying sunscreen. The effort totally paid off when that turquoise water finally came into view.
Jaw-Dropping Scenery: First Impressions on Arrival
When I finally stepped onto the path overlooking Cala Macarella and Macarelleta, the view hit me. The hike felt instantly worth it.
These coves are famous for their wild colors, dramatic cliffs, and inviting beaches.
Crystal Waters and White Sand Beaches
The first thing I noticed? The water. It’s this bright, unreal turquoise—almost glowing in the sun.
Both coves are known for crystal-clear water, so clear I could spot the sandy bottom from way up on the path.
Kids splashed near the shore, where the gentle slope makes swimming easy and safe. The sand is nearly white and felt soft under my feet.
I loved how powdery it was—perfect for laying out a towel and just relaxing.
Locals and travelers claimed spots under umbrellas, but there was still plenty of space. Even as more people arrived, it never felt too crowded.
The water stays shallow for a while, so swimming and wading work for almost anyone.
Cliff Views and Hidden Lookouts
Looking up, I saw steep cliffs covered in pine trees. The rocks curve around the coves, blocking strong winds and making the beaches feel like secret hideaways.
A few marked trails lead out to cliff edges with big, open views. I stopped at these lookouts to snap photos and watch boats drift by.
Wildflowers and tough little shrubs grow in cracks in the cliffs, adding color against the stone.
Just moving a few steps gave me a totally new view of the coves. If you want to remember the colors and quiet beauty here, these lookouts are a must.
Swimming, Sunbathing, and More: Making the Most of the Cove Experience
Cala Macarella and Macarelleta offer more than just postcard-perfect views. They’re made for hours of swimming, relaxing, and a bit of adventure.
Their gentle turquoise water, clean sand, and natural setting invite you to slow down and soak it all in.
Snorkeling and Water Activities
The water’s usually so clear that I could spot little silver fish gliding past my feet. There are calm, shallow spots near the shore and deeper blue pools further out—great for snorkeling.
Even with just a basic mask, I found starfish pressed against rocks and tiny crabs hiding in the sand.
Boats keep their distance from the beach, so swimming felt safe even with a lot of people in the water.
If you’re into paddleboarding or kayaking, both coves have gentle conditions. I’d suggest bringing your own gear, since rentals aren’t always available.
Heads up: the rocky sides are great for underwater exploring, but watch out for sea urchins near the stones.
Beach Essentials and Facilities
Packing for a day here is simple but makes all the difference. I always bring a towel and plenty of water, since the shaded spots under the pine trees fill up fast.
Cala Macarella has a beach bar and public restrooms, but Macarelleta feels more remote—no facilities there at all.
Facilities at a glance:
| Cala Macarella | Cala Macarelleta | |
|---|---|---|
| Bar | Yes | No |
| Restrooms | Yes | No |
| Umbrella Rental | Sometimes | No |
Light snacks, sunscreen, and a garbage bag (to leave no trace) always go in my backpack. Flip-flops work on the sand, but for hiking, I stick with trainers or sturdy sandals.
Best Times to Enjoy Peaceful Moments
Early morning is hands-down my favorite time—the air feels cooler, and there’s something special about having the cove almost to myself.
If I arrive before 10 a.m., I can usually set my towel wherever I want and enjoy the sound of the waves with barely any distractions.
By midday, especially in peak season, the crowds and noise pick up. Late afternoons get quieter again as families and groups leave.
Sunset brings a different light to the cliffs and water—perfect for relaxed sunbathing or one last swim before heading back.
For anyone craving serenity, weekdays and shoulder months like May or September are way less crowded than summer weekends.
Tips, Tricks, and Insider Advice for Planning Your Own Hike
A little planning made my Cala Macarella and Macarelleta adventure smoother and way more fun. Packing the right gear, timing your visit, and respecting the area make a big difference on a busy trail like this.
Packing Suggestions for the Trail
I quickly learned that a good pair of sturdy walking shoes is non-negotiable. That rocky, uneven path between beaches gets slippery, and sandals just aren’t up for it.
Breathable running shoes saved my feet.
Here’s what I tossed in my small daypack:
| Item | Why I Packed It |
|---|---|
| Water (at least 1L) | No shops on the trail, it gets hot |
| Light snacks | Energy boost—think fruit or granola |
| Sunscreen & hat | Little shade, sun can be strong |
| Swimsuit & towel | Impossible to resist the water |
| Phone/Camera | Couldn’t skip capturing these views |
| Trash bag | Leave no trace |
I also brought some cash, since restaurants and beach huts don’t always take cards.
Avoiding Crowds and Peak Hours
Crowds catch almost everyone off guard at Cala Macarella and Macarelleta. Even in late spring, the parking lots fill up fast, and by midday, the sand’s already packed.
The trick? Start early—like, really early. I headed out just after sunrise. By 8:30 am, I was already one of the first people on the sand.
The hike felt peaceful. Only birds and a few other early risers kept me company.
If you’re not much of an early bird, maybe go later in the afternoon. By around 5 pm, most sunbathers have left, and the coves feel calm again.
Try to skip summer weekends and Spanish holidays if you can. Those are the busiest times, hands down.
Responsible Travel and Local Etiquette
Macarella and Macarelleta are protected spaces. You really should do your part to keep them beautiful.
I always carried my trash out since you won’t find many bins around. If someone leaves plastic behind, it just blows straight into the sea—nobody wants that.
Swimming there is amazing, but touching the rocks or messing with the plants can actually harm the ecosystem. I made sure to stick to the marked paths.
I didn’t wander through the dunes or bushes. It just feels wrong to trample such a fragile place.
Locals seem to genuinely appreciate quiet, respectful visitors. I kept my noise down, skipped the loud music, and usually greeted people with a smile or a quick “hola.”
Honestly, these little gestures go a long way. They help keep these unique beaches special for everyone.
