The beaches of northern Menorca are the island's wildest side: golden or reddish sand, dark rock, islets offshore and landscapes that look nothing like the white coves of the south. Many can only be reached on foot and have no facilities, which keeps them quiet even in August. This guide covers the best of them, how to reach each one, why the sand is that colour and the one thing to check before you set off.

The north coast beaches at a glance

• Cala Pregonda: the most spectacular, on foot only from Binimel·là.
• Cala Pilar: unspoilt and remote, a 40-45 minute walk.
• Cavalleria: broad and photogenic, beside the Cap de Cavalleria lighthouse.
• Binimel·là: coarse sand, with a car park and beach restaurant.
• Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili: near the Favàritx lighthouse.
• Arenal d'en Castell and Son Parc: the family options with full facilities.

Why is the sand in northern Menorca red?

The answer is geological. The north of the island is made of far older material than the south, with iron-rich rock that, as it erodes, tints the sand golden, reddish, almost coppery. That's why the contrast is so abrupt: the south coast offers white limestone sand and postcard turquoise water, while the north has coarse sand, dark rock and a deeper blue sea. It's a rugged landscape, with low wind-shaped vegetation and an almost lunar feel in places.

The wild coves you have to walk to

The best northern beaches come with a toll: you can't drive to the shore. That barrier is exactly what preserves them.

• Cala Pregonda. For many, the most beautiful beach in Menorca. There's no road access: park at the free car park at Binimel·là, cross that beach and follow the Camí de Cavalls for about 25-30 minutes. Offshore islets break the swell and create a natural pool, ideal for snorkelling. There's no beach bar, no parasols and no bins: bring water and take your rubbish with you.
• Cala Pilar. The walk is longer — around 40-45 minutes from the car park, much of it through woodland — which is why it rarely gets crowded, even in August. Reddish sand, dark rock and complete isolation.
• Cavalleria. More accessible than the previous two, with nearby parking and a short walk. It's wide, highly photogenic and a step away from the Cap de Cavalleria lighthouse, the island's northernmost point.
• Cala Mica and Pregondó. Two small coves on the same path towards Pregonda. Many people stop at Pregondó by mistake, so walking a few minutes further usually pays off.

North coast beaches with facilities

If you're travelling with children or prefer the car nearby, the north also has comfortable options:

• Binimel·là: coarse sand, rich seabed, car park and restaurant. It's also the gateway to Pregonda.
• Arenal d'en Castell: a large bay of fine sand and shallow water, with full facilities.
• Son Parc: the only northern beach beside a golf course, very well set up for families.
• Fornells: more a huge sheltered bay than a beach, a windsurfing and sailing paradise, and the best place on the island to try lobster stew.

Which northern beaches are closest to Maó?

From Maó the north coast fans out to the northwest, but two areas are very close by:

• Es Grau, about 15 minutes by car. Golden sand, shallow water and the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park all around. It's the easiest natural beach if you're staying in the capital.
• Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili, near the Favàritx lighthouse, inside the same natural park. Note: from 1 June to 30 September private cars are banned and you have to take the shuttle bus from the Maó bus station.

Cavalleria, Binimel·là and Pregonda are around 45-50 minutes' drive from Maó, and Cala Pilar slightly more. All work perfectly well as a day trip.

The tramuntana: the factor that decides your beach day

This is the thing many visitors learn too late. The north is a tramuntana coast: when a strong northerly blows, the sea turns rough, the water clouds up and the sand flies. On the same forecast, a southern cove can be flat calm while a northern one is unusable. Before driving 50 minutes, check the wind forecast and decide: if the tramuntana is blowing, switch coasts; if the wind is southerly, the north will be spectacular and almost empty.

Practical tips for the north coast

• Closed footwear: access is via dirt, rock and loose stone paths. No flip-flops.
• Water and food: the wild coves have no bars or fountains for miles.
• Arrive early: car parks are unsurfaced and limited; in August they fill by mid-morning.
• Snorkelling: the rocky seabeds of the north are among the island's best. Bring a mask.
• Best months: May, June and September. In August, first thing in the morning.
• Respect the environment: these are protected areas. Take your rubbish and stay on the marked paths.

Where to stay to explore northern Menorca

The island is small and you can cover all of it from one good base. At JUME URBAN ROOMS, right in the centre of Maó, Es Grau and Favàritx are minutes away and the rest of the north coast is under an hour by car, with the whole city waiting for you at dinner time. Book your stay and discover Menorca's wildest side.

Frequently asked questions about northern Menorca's beaches

What is the best beach in northern Menorca?

Cala Pregonda is the most highly rated for its reddish sand, its islets and its unspoilt setting. Cala Pilar stands out for its isolation and Cavalleria for being wide and more accessible.

How do you get to Cala Pregonda?

On foot only. Park at the free car park at Binimel·là, cross that beach and follow the Camí de Cavalls for about 25-30 minutes. There is no car access and no facilities at the cove.

Why is the sand in northern Menorca red?

Because the rock in the north of the island is far older than in the south and rich in iron. As it erodes it tints the sand golden and reddish, quite unlike the white limestone sand of the south.

Can you drive to Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili?

Not in summer. From 1 June to 30 September private vehicles are banned and you have to use the shuttle bus that leaves from the Maó bus station.

When is the best time to visit the northern beaches?

May, June and September are the best months. Always check the wind forecast: with a strong tramuntana the sea turns rough and it's better to switch to the south coast.

Are there northern beaches with facilities?

Yes. Binimel·là has a car park and restaurant, and Arenal d'en Castell and Son Parc are family beaches with full facilities.