Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana (Galdana cove) is a beach resort village on the south coast of Menorca, 9 km south of Ferreries.

Understand

The Torrent d'Algendar flows into the sea immediately to the west of the bay. There is a small boat harboir in the mouth. The townscape is characterized by several high-rise hotels, villas and apartment houses that line the rocky slopes around the bay and the river mouth.

Get in

The Me-22 road from Ferreries is the only way in.

Do

The beach, 300 m long and 40 m wide, is characterized by its fine white sand, typical of the south of the island, and its abundant vegetation. In addition, it is a very safe beach for swimming thanks to its shell shape. It has several services such as lifeguards, Red Cross and public showers, sunbeds and umbrellas rental offers, and water sports such as boats, kayaks and pedal boats. It is one of the most frequented beaches in Menorca during the summer months, both by tourists and by the island's own people.

In the vicinity of the place there are other, undeveloped bays that can be reached via hiking trails and are popular excursion destinations: in the west, Cala Macarella with Cala Macarelleta and Cala en Turqueta, in the east, Cala Mitjana and Cala Trebalúger.

• 1 Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta, parking available on Camí de Macarella (can be reached from Cala Galdana or Ciutadella, but parking is a few hundred metres from the beach so prepare to walk!). Macarella is relatively easily accessible and is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on Menorca, with crystal clear blue waters, a brilliant natural cove and a small cafe/bar to keep you topped up. Macarelleta involves a small walk over the clifftop but is even better than Macarella, being quieter, smaller and less noisy. Both are worth a visit. Arrive early to get a spot - these beaches fill up fast, especially Macarella! (updated Jun 2018)

• 2 Cala en Turqueta (Cala Turqueta), Marjal Vella (a car park is available on Marjal Vella when approaching from Ciutadella, but is a few minutes walk to the beach). A brilliant beach with great soft sand and the same turquoise water (where it gets its name from) as Macarella and Macarelleta. Split in two by some rocks, there are often sailing boats floating in the shore. Spaces fill up fast, so arrive early. There is a small snack bar and toilets. Free. (updated Jun 2018)

Buy

Buy avarcas, the traditional Menorcan sandal, here:

• 1 Industrias Artesanas, Poligono Industrial de Ferreries (just off the main Mahon - Ciudadela road at the Ferreries roundabout; look for the building with the flags), ☏ +34 971 15 50 77. Daily in summer. See traditional Menorcan footwear being made at the Industrias Artesanas factory shop. Known locally as Abarcas or Avarcas, they once were the footwear of choice for farmers and land workers, but now a fashion icon and exported all around the world. 
• 2 RIA Menorca, Carrer dels Trencadors, 25, 07750 Ferreries (entering the industrial estate from Ferreries, turn right at the roundabout and the store is on your left), ☏ +34 971 37 30 70. M-Sa 09:30 - 20:00. Another direct factory shop selling a huge range of shoes for adults and children. They are available at a slight discount here than in other shops. €40-90 for a pair of Adult Avarcas. (updated Jun 2018)

Eat

• 1 Restaurante El Mirador, ☏ +34 971 15 45 03. 10:00–23:00. (updated Dec 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Meliá Cala Galdana (Sol Gavilanes), Av. de sa Punta, s/n (drive down the ME-22 from the ME-1 and you'll see the hotel on your right), ☏ +34 971 154 545. Excellent quality hotel. Rooms bright and modern with most rooms having a balcony looking out to sea (due to being built into cliff). Extremely high quality of food and drink and staff very welcoming. Over 300 rooms. Air conditioning in all rooms. 3 restaurants and a bar on site as well as 2 pools, one normal and one child. (updated Jun 2018)