Cala Galdana is one of the most beautiful resorts to visit in Menorca.
Here you’ll find my complete guide to help you enjoy your experience, with map, photos and tips covering :
- Best time to visit
- Parking
- Access to Cala Galdana beach
- Map to help you find your way
- And lots of other tips!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Menorca:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Menorca: DiscoverCars
My favourite sea activity: transparent kayak
My favourite excursion in Menorca: a half-day catamaran trip
My favorite places to stay:
- Cala’n Porter, close to the village of Alaior – my favourite hotel: Osprey Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
- Port Mahon, the most convenient for exploring – my favourite hotel: Catalonia Mirador or view top rated hotels
- Cala Galdana, the liveliest – my favourite hotel: Ilunion Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
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Why visit Cala Galdana in Menorca?
Is Cala Galdana worth a visit?
Exactly! Cala Galdana is one of Menorca’s largest seaside resorts. In the south-east of the island, it is attached to the municipality of the village of Ferreries. Cala Galdana is one of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches and most beautiful coves. It is known for:
- its extensive sandy beach and turquoise-blue waters,
- its cove where beautiful boats dock, offering a panorama worthy of a painting,
- restaurants and lively nightlife,
- beautiful hotels and accommodation to suit all tastes.
The reality of Cala Galdana – the most popular seaside resort?
This long sandy beach bordered by cliffs is like a canvas to be admired in the morning or at sunset. It’s also one of the island’s most popular and liveliest seaside resorts, renowned for its nightlife. You’ll find activities for young and old, a wide range of shops and good restaurants with live music. I spent an evening by the illuminated pool at Sa Lluna, best restaurant and tapas bar in Cala Galdana.
Is access to Cala Galdana difficult?
Access to Cala Galdana is fairly easy, this seaside resort can be visited by car by taking the main Me-1 via Me-22 road, by boat or by bus.
Tips and Map – Cala Galdana, Minorca
Where is Cala Galdana? Map
Find here a map to locate Cala Galdana on the island of Menorca.
How to get to Cala Galdana
There are several options for getting to Cala Galdana:
- the car, the simplest option: you’ll arrive on the Me-22 road, with its series of bends after the main Me-1 road. Note that there are no freeways in Menorca, but the roads are tarmac, with clear signage and in very good condition. I strongly advise you to rent a car if you don’t have one at your disposal on site to be freer of your movements. The best way to make the most of the island and its magical corners! From Port Mahon (or the airport) to Cala Galdana, 35min drive. From Ciutadella to Cala Galdana, 25min drive.
- the boat, an original but inflexible option: various cruises are organized to and from this must-see seaside resort in Menorca. You’ll be seduced by the glass-bottomed boats which will offer you a spectacle you won’t forget! Please note that the tours are organized around specific times.
- Public transport like the bus: Getting to Cala Galdana by bus or public transport is conceivable, but I’d like to leave you with a few points to bear in mind. Indeed, you will be dependent on these means of transport to get around as there are few options on site. Timetables and itineraries vary according to the time of year, so check the official Menorca public transport website here.
Parking at Cala Galdana and parking regulations
Check in advance whether your accommodation has a parking lot or parking space. There are several parking options at Cala Galdana:
- At the entrance to the Cala Galdana urbanization, you’ll find the free Cala Mitjana parking lot, less than a 10-minute walk from the beach,
- at Passage Riu in the neighboring Serpentona urbanization, a 5-minute walk from the beach, where you’ll also find a parking lot,
- A little further on, a 15-minute walk from Cala Galdana beach, is the free Plaça na Gran parking lot,
- If you’re lucky, you can also find free parking in the alleyways, but it can be difficult to find a space during the day if you’re not staying at Cala Galdana. Try to arrive early for easier parking.
Need to rent a car in Menorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Best time to visit Cala Galdana
The best time to visit Cala Galdana really depends on your tastes, expectations and the type of vacation you’re looking for. As Menorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate, it’s a destination you can visit all year round. Here are a few points to bear in mind, depending on the season:
- In summer: it’s peak tourist season, with sunny days and warm temperatures. Perfect for swimming and water sports. Note that the beach can be busier during vacation periods.
- In autumn: temperatures remain pleasant, although slightly cooler than in summer. There are also fewer tourists, which can make your on-site experience more peaceful.
- In winter: temperatures are cooler, but rarely very cold compared to other European destinations. You’ll enjoy peace and quiet, but some establishments may be closed at this time.
- In spring: temperatures warm up, but the region is still relatively quiet before the summer tourist influx. Nature is in full bloom, offering magnificent scenery for your hikes.
Practical advice
- Deckchairs and parasols are available for hire on the beach.
- You’ll find public toilets and showers just beyond Hotel Mélia Cala Galdana on the promenade facing the beach.
- Recycling garbage cans, picnic tables and several restaurants are set up near the beach.
- There’s no particular difficulty getting down to the beach, so you can bring your own inflatable accessories.
- Paths, stairs and ramps provide easy access to the beach (PRM access).
- Camping, picking flowers or collecting seaweed, sand or shells is prohibited.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Rentals for activities and water sports.
- Ideal beach and cove for families with children, as the water is not very deep and there are not many waves.
- The beach is supervised by lifeguards during the season.)
- There’s a tourist information office.
- Several parking lots nearby (see above).
- To stay nearby, choose one of Cala Galdana’s top-rated accommodations.
Where to stay in Menorca?
I recommend staying either close to one of the 2 main towns, Ciutadella or Port Mahon, or in one of the charming little villages all over the island. You’ll enjoy good restaurants, typical markets and their picturesque atmosphere. For example, you could opt for:
- Hotel Gran Melia Villa Le Blanc Hotel in Santo Tomas – View photos & availability
- Hotel Catalonia Mirador des Port, overlooking the natural harbour of Mahon – View photos & availabilities
- Hotel Smoix Hotel, in the old town of Ciutadella – View photos and availability
How to get to Cala Galdana
In this section, I’ll explain how to get to Cala Galdana, but don’t worry, it’s quite simple.
Road access
If you’re arriving by road, you’ll first take the Me-1 main road, which is an expressway – remember, there are no freeways in Menorca. Whether you’re coming from the east (Port Mahon or Menorca airport) or the west (Ciutadella), drive to the traffic circle at the village of Ferreries. Take the 3rd exit towards Travessia Cala Galdana, then drive down the Me-22 to Cala Galdana. There are several small bends, and the road is two-way, but visibility is good. Be careful, though, especially at dusk, when there’s much less light, and keep to the speed limit.
You will then arrive at Cala Galdana, see if your hotel is at the entrance to the urbanization or if you should continue towards Serpentona, getting closer to the beach and shops. Drive over the small bridge above and you’ll see the marina on the side with small boats and a few boats.
Hike through the forest from other coves
Cala Galdana can be reached on foot after a 20-30 min hike from Cala Mitjana, walking westwards. You’ll arrive at the top east of Cala Galdana on the other side of the cliff, towards Plaça na Gran, where there’s a parking lot.
You can also arrive via Cala Macarella or Cala Macarelleta to the east. You’ll reach the other cliff on the Serpentona urbanization side, towards Passage Riu, after a hike of around 45min to 1h.
Cala Galdana and its beach
Cala Galdana is a long sandy beach bordered by cliffs with a verdant mantle of dense groves of pine, wild olive and holm oak trees. A magnificent canvas to admire in the morning or at sunset! You’ll see pretty catamarans, sailboats and small boats coming and going between the 2 cliffs of this cove, which opens onto the immensity of the Mediterranean Sea.
In the surrounding shops and boutiques, you’ll easily find water sports equipment, inflatable buoys and other beach games for purchase or hire, to delight young and old alike.
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Urbanization of Serpentona near Cala Galdana
The urbanization adjoining Cala Galdana is called Serpentona. A pretty forest stretches upwards as you walk up the narrow streets. I also discovered some charming houses in this residential area and some very good restaurants where the atmosphere is quite lively!
I took the opportunity to spend a night at the Hotel Ilunion Menorca, one of my favorites in Menorca where I enjoyed the calm and proximity to nature. This charming hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Cala Galdana beach.
My favourite activity in Menorca
I highly recommend the Binibeca: guided transparent kayak tour.
In just 2 hours, you’ll experience an unforgettable moment: a glimpse of the turquoise waters without diving, in the magical coves, caves and beach of Binibeca.
Hiking trail between Cala Galdana and other coves
As mentioned above, after a short walk through the forest, you can reach Cala Mitjana to the east and Cala Macarella to the west. These are two of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches and coves, well worth a visit.
Other beautiful beaches nearby
Cala Mitjana Beach
Cala Mitjana is one of Menorca’s best-known southern beaches. I immersed myself in Menorcan nature, hiking through the forest before reaching the beach and cove. Along the way, I even spotted some old lime kilns, common on Menorca and a testament to how self-sufficient and sustainable this rustic island once was.
The sandbar isn’t large, but the color of the water and the surroundings, lined with white striated rocks and lush green trees, are worth the trip! You can reach Cala Galdana on foot by following the path that climbs between the rocks and heads towards the forest (approx. 25min walk). Don’t forget to bring a GPS and a flashlight, depending on the time of day. The Cami de Cavalls also passes nearby, so will you enjoy a horseback riding to admire the wild beauty of Cala Mitjana?
Cala Macarella Beach
Cala Macarella is a typical natural spot on the island, but difficult to access to protect the flora and fauna of the beach and cove. Indeed, you can’t get there by car, only by boat, bus or after a hike from Cala Galdana.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Cala Galdana from Menorca airport?
To get to Cala Galdana from Menorca airport, you can :
- rent a car and get there in around 35min via Me-1 and Me-22 (see above),
- opt for private transport upon arrival,
- take a cab on your own,
- take several buses if you prefer public transport (see details and timetable here).
What are the most popular activities in Cala Galdana?
At Cala Galdana, you’ll find a variety of water sports activities as well as cruises from this must-visit seaside resort in Menorca. Climb aboard the glass-bottomed boats which will offer you a spectacle you won’t forget, sit down at a typical tapas bar! You’ll be carried away by the warm, lively atmosphere of this seaside resort in the south of the island. Admire the natural surroundings of cliffs, forest, sandbanks and sea – pure bliss!
Is Cala Galdana family-friendly?
Cala Galdana is a lively urbanization where you’ll find plenty of shops if you need to grab a bite to eat with the kids or do some shopping. The beach is also easy to get to, so there’s no need to hike, which is an advantage in Menorca! The water is not very deep, there are few waves and the beach is supervised by lifeguards in season at Cala Galdana, so children are safe while swimming. They must, however, remain under adult supervision.
Most hotels in Cala Galdana are family-friendly. My 2 favorites are the Hotel Ilunion Menorca and the Hotel Mélia Cala Galdana, one of whose 3 pools you can see below (with dedicated children’s area).
Are diving and other water sports available at Cala Galdana?
Yes absolutely, you can book your diving baptism at Cala Galdana.
Are there any local markets or interesting stores to explore?
Cala Galdana is known for its small resort shops and restaurants, but to visit typical Menorcan markets, I’d recommend heading to the nearest village. Ferreries is just a 10min drive from Cala Galdana and this picturesque commune is home to one of Minorca’s best markets.
What’s the nightlife like in Cala Galdana?
Menorca is a more family-friendly island with unspoilt nature, where the nightlife is a little less lively than its neighbor Mallorca for example, but you’ll be able to find something to suit you. Cala Galdana is generally known as a peaceful seaside resort on Menorca in the Balearic Islands.
In summer, many places along the beach and in the center of the urbanization can offer night-time entertainment options, including bars, restaurants with live music and possibly clubs. Evenings can be lively with more footfall and places that close a little later, especially during the peak tourist season.
Are there any special events or festivals at Cala Galdana during certain times of the year?
Less than a 15-minute drive from Cala Galdana, you’ll find the charming village of Ferreries, where the annual Sant Bartomeu or San Bartolomé patron saint’s festivals take place on fixed dates, usually around August 23 and 24. Horses and riders are the stars of Menorca’s traditional festivities. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or just curious, you’re sure to be swept away by the island’s rich culture, with its mix of emotion and tradition!
Find all the dates of Menorca’s patron saint festivals on the Tourist Office website here.
Plan your trip to Menorca:
Best-of:
- 35 best things to do in Menorca
- Menorca’s most beautiful landscapes
- Menorca’s most beautiful villages and towns
- Best beaches in Menorca
- Menorca hidden gems
- Best museums in Menorca
- Best caves
- Best calas
- Markets in Menorca
- Best restaurants
Useful tips:
- Where to stay in Menorca
- Best luxury hotels in Menorca
- Best family hotels in Menorca
- Best boutique hotels
- Tips for driving in Menorca
- Renting a car in Menorca
- My itineraries in Menorca – coming soon
- Road trip in Menorca – coming soon
Towns:
- Port Mahon: Things to do – Best hotels
- Ciutadella: Things to do – Best hotels
All my advice in this article was put into words with the help of Myriam.
