Cala’n Porter is one of the most beautiful resorts to visit in Menorca. My favorite on the island!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’n Porter 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’n Porter in Menorca?
Is Cala’n Porter worth a visit?
That’s right! Cala’n Porter is one of Menorca’s most important seaside resorts. It’s attached to the municipality of the village of Alaior. I was carried away by the scenery: transparent water, fine sand, cliffs, all with few crowds in the morning. And best of all, you can easily get there without planning a hike. A real advantage in Menorca!
It’s one of the most beautiful coves and most beautiful beaches on Menorca.
It’s a well-known seaside resort on the island, but one that’s not overcrowded with tourists throughout the day. You’ll find a multitude of water sports activities, a few quiet spots, access to several nature spots, and an exceptional setting with clear turquoise water in the middle of cliffs that open up like 2 gigantic gates. Isn’t this landscape bewitching?
The reality of Cala’n Porter – a family-friendly, budget-friendly cove?
The long sandy beach at Cala’n Porter, with its clear turquoise water and shallow start, is truly one of the most family-friendly coves I’ve visited in Menorca. The beach opens onto a mouth between 2 30m-high cliffs, giving a glimpse of the catamarans and other boats that dock before setting sail again. No hiking, lovely views, fine sand for toddlers to make sandcastles, deckchairs and parasols for hire, lifeguard surveillance in season and, above all, shallow waters with virtually no waves! Isn’t this ideal for families? You can observe fish quite close to the rocks, where the water is not yet very deep.
You’ll also find plenty of affordable accommodation options compared to other parts of Menorca. My favorite Cala’n Porter establishment? The Hotel Osprey Menorca with adorable, attentive staff, just 2 steps from the beach with sublime views of the surrounding nature! In fact, it’s one of the best family-friendly hotels in Menorca.
Is access to Cala’n Porter difficult?
Access to Cala’n Porter is fairly easy, this seaside resort can be visited by car by taking the main Me-1 via Me-12 road, by boat or by bus.
Tips and Map – Cala’n Porter, Minorca
Where is Cala’n Porter? Map
Find here a map to locate Cala’n Porter on the island of Menorca.
How to get to Cala’n Porter
There are several options for getting to Cala’n Porter:
- by car, the easiest option : After taking the main Me-1 route, take the Me-12 road. There are few curves and the road is not hilly. 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’n Porter, allow 25min for the drive. From Ciutadella to Cala’n Porter, a 45min drive.
- the boat, an original but not very flexible option : you can access this magnificent cove and its crystal-clear beach by opting for a boat tour. Please note that the tours are organized and therefore based on specific time slots.
- Public transport like the bus: getting to Cala’n Porter by bus or public transport is conceivable, but I’d like to deliver a few points of attention. Indeed, you will be dependent on these means of transport to get around, as there are few options on site. Timetables and routes vary according to the time of year, so check out the official Menorca public transport website here.
Parking at Cala’n Porter and parking regulations
Check in advance whether your accommodation has a parking lot or parking space. There are several parking options at Cala’n Porter:
- Disabled parking is available at the junction of Avenida Central and Carrer de Xaloc,
- 2 other parking lots are located near the Oprey Menorca Hotel and closer to the beach (open 24 hours),
- A final parking lot is located on Carrer de Sa Cova in front of Cova d’En Xoroi,
- 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’n Porter. 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’n Porter
The best time to visit Cala’n Porter 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.
- Recycling garbage cans and a few restaurants have been set up near the beach and in several places in the urbanization.
- There’s no particular difficulty in getting to the beach, so you can bring your own inflatable accessories.
- 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.
- Several parking lots nearby (see above).
- To stay close by, choose one of the best-rated accommodations in Cala’n Porter.
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’n Porter
In this section, I’ll explain how to access Cala’n Porter, but don’t worry, it’s quite simple.
Road access
If you’re arriving by road, you’ll first need to take the Me-1 main road, which is a dual carriageway (remember, there are no freeways in Menorca). If you’re coming from the east (Port Mahon or Menorca airport) or west (Ciutadella or Alaior), drive to the traffic circle at Cales Coves. Take the 1st exit onto the Me-12 lane and continue along the Avenida Central. The road is fairly easy, with few bends and no undulations. Be careful, though, especially at dusk, when there’s much less light, and keep to the speed limit.
You’ll then arrive at Cala’n Porter, see if your hotel is at the entrance to the urbanization or if you should continue closer to the beach and shops or up the steep road from the residential area towards Cova d’en Xoroi and the Mirador del Mediteraneo.
Walk to Cala’n Porter via Torre den Galmès
You can reach Cala’n Porter on foot from the archaeological site of the Torre d’En Galmès, an ancient prehistoric Talayotic village. Allow 1h45min to 2h hiking time. Head in the direction of Cami de Sant Llorenç, during your walk you’ll pass by the Cami de Cavalls and the Torre Vella ravine. Take good shoes and plenty of water, as you’ll be in the middle of nature. Head south towards Camí Huerto de Cala’n Porter.
Access by sea (boat, kayak…)
Excursions by boat and kayak are also organized for you to visit this extraordinary cove and beach.
Did you know that Cala’n Porter is home to one of the most beautiful sea caves on Menorca’s south coast? I’m talking about the Cueva de la Luz, accessible only by kayak!
Access by bus
To reach this magnificent seaside resort by bus, you can take line 33 in the center of the village of Alaior, which will take you to Calle de la Tramuntana in Cala’n Porter in just 20min. Remember to check timetables and ticket prices here, and take some change too, as credit cards are not always accepted on public transport.
Cala’n Porter and its beach
Attached to the village of Alaior, Cala’n Porter boasts an exceptional beach, easily accessible and protected from the wind by the 2 majestic cliffs that surround it. The sand is fine, the water turquoise, the walk easy and the access flat. You can snorkel here to discover the marine flora and fauna close to the rich.
Lifeguards supervise swimming in season. If you then take a stroll up the steep stairs into the more residential area, you’ll be able to admire the white houses with their red tiles. A relaxing and pleasant landscape!
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 Cala’n Porter
The urbanization of Cala’n Porter is very residential, with pretty white houses with red tiles that stand out against the blue sky and green gardens of the area. The locals are very friendly and helped me find my way around on my walk.
As you move up into the more residential area, with the beach below, the roads are steeper, but you’ll still be able to walk on the sidewalk if you’re on foot.
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.
Mirador de Cala’n Porter, one of Menorca’s most beautiful spots
No need to bring a drone, this magnificent natural spectacle can be seen from the Mirador de Cala’n Porter.
After climbing the steep stairs from the beach, you’ll come to a small open space with a few benches to sit and contemplate the view.
Be careful going up and down these stairs. There may be sand on the steps, so wear closed shoes and take your time going up and down them to avoid slipping.
Mirador del Mediteraneo, wild landscape at Cala’n Porter
Do you know the Mirador del Mediteraneo? It’s one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Menorca! After strolling along the steep streets of Cala’n Porter in the south-east of the island, follow the path cut into the rock above the cliffs (no sign). I decided to go after typing the name into my GPS after being advised by locals.
Admire this quite exceptional view of the blue expanse of the Mediterranean Sea from which these immense rocky cliffs emerge, a sweet moment of contemplation! Discover kayaking activities and enjoy the panorama.
Cova d’en Xoroi cave in Cala’n Porter
La Cova d’en Xoroi is a disco bar nestled in a cliff-top cave in Cala’n Porter.It’s an atypical and rather popular spot in Menorca, known for its nightlife since the mid-1960s!
Thousands of people come every year to visit this exceptional bar, more than 30m above the surface of the sea, which blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings.
Fancy a drink on a cliff-side terrace? After queuing outside for a while (as the place is famous for!), climb the stairs to reach the cave. You can get there in the late morning, when it’s usually less crowded, or at sunset, to enjoy the exceptional colorful views from the terraces, or at night, to experience the discotheque and musical atmosphere. An all-inclusive ticket is available on the official bar website. Note that only drinks are served.
Hiking trail around Cala’n Porter
Nature plays an impressive role at Cala’n Porter, and that’s what makes this place so unique in my eyes! This exceptional view of the island’s verdant mantle is a real moment of calm. For lovers of hiking and archaeological ruins, the prehistoric Talayotic village of Torre d’En Galmès can be reached about 2 hours’ walk from Cala’n Porter beach (see above) by heading north.
Other nearby coves and beaches
Cales Coves Beach
This pretty cove, just a 15-minute drive from Cala’n Porter, is surrounded by cliffs into which several caves have been carved. The clarity of the water will leave you speechless! The cove is also accessible by boat.
Cala Es Canutells
Also surrounded by cliffs, you can enjoy this magical cove where few tourists make the detour, just a 20-minute drive from Cala’n Porter. A peaceful, tranquil village, the hotels blend in perfectly with the scenery without spoiling the natural beauty of a place frequented mainly by locals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Cala’n Porter from Menorca airport?
To get to Cala’n Porter from Menorca airport, you can :
- rent a car and get there in around 15 to 20min via the Me-12 axis (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 timetables here).
What are the most popular activities in Cala’n Porter?
At Cala’n Porter, you’ll find various water activities but also boat tours. You’ll be carried away by the natural beauty of this place, which has all the assets of a seaside resort without the drawbacks! Go for a hike, grab your snorkeling masks, climb up to contemplate the view, admire the nature that surrounds you between the cliffs, the greenery, the sandbank and the sea – pure bliss!
Is it possible to dive or do other water sports at Cala’n Porter?
Yes, you can book your diving experience at Cala’n Porter.
Are there any local markets near Cala’n Porter?
Cala’n Porter is known for its small resort shops and restaurants, but to visit typical Menorcan markets, I’d recommend heading to the nearest village. Alaior is just a 15-minute drive from Cala’n Porter, and this picturesque village is home to one of Minorca’s best markets.
What’s the nightlife like in Cala’n Porter?
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’n Porter is generally known as a peaceful seaside resort on Menorca in the Balearic Islands, with a place renowned for its atmosphere day and night: the Cova d’En Xoroi. This cave, carved into the rock of a cliff, has been converted into a bar, and the setting is quite exceptional both day and night (see earlier in this article). In high season, the bar becomes a discotheque after a certain hour, and evenings with live music are also organized.
Are there any special events or festivals at Cala’n Porter during certain times of the year?
Less than a 15-minute drive from Cala’n Porter, you’ll find the charming village of Alaior, where the annual Sant Llorenç patron saint’s festival takes place on fixed dates, usually around August 12 and 13. 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 carried away by the island’s rich culture, with its mix of emotion and tradition! Enjoy these typical Menorcan festivities at Cala’n Porter for 3 days around mid-September every year.
Find all the dates of Menorca’s patron saint festivals on the Tourist Office website here.
What precautions should I take against the sun at Cala’n Porter?
Because of the Mediterranean climate, remember to take sunscreen, a hat and light clothing to protect yourself from the sun. Staying hydrated is also essential. If you’re enjoying the beach with young children, avoid exposure to the sun at its most intense between 12 and 4pm.
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.
