2022
One of the things that I love to do while at home is browse through my old travel photos. This not only brings me joy but also makes me feel like I’m revisiting those places. I want to take you back to one of my favorite trips.
Last year, I went to Menorca, which is one of the Balearic Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It is not so popular among tourists as its party counterpart, Ibiza, and the largest island, Mallorca, making it ideal for full-time relaxation. What is more, Menorca seems to have more beaches than the other two islands combined. They vary from sandy crescents to rocky, turquoise-watered bays called “calas.”
Menorca was all about sunbathing and relaxation, and I had added several beaches where I could do that to my list before going. I rented a car for ease of traveling around the island. There were taxis and public transportation available, but they weren’t as convenient as the car.
Cala Macarella was the first place I went to, and my jaw dropped. I could easily say that it became my favorite beach in Menorca. The fine sand, rocky cliffs, and dark green pines, complemented by the shallow turquoise waters of the bay, made me feel like I was in paradise. There was a seafood restaurant there, which was also a plus. Most of the beaches in Menorca didn’t have restaurants, bars, or shops nearby.
Macarelleta was a quaint beach, some 10-minute hike from Cala Macarella. I climbed the rocky cliffs, careful not to fall. Flip-flops were not a good idea, but the view was worth the adventure.
One of the days was too windy, so a local recommended me to try the warmer southern coast. I spent that day on Platja Binigaus, a very long sandy beach with a clothing-optional zone. Fun fact: that was the only beach where my cell phone had a signal.
The wind had brought clouds the next day. As sunbathing was a no go, I decided to drive around the island. Thus, I reached the northernmost part of the island, Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse. The dramatic sea views were a real treat after the long drive.
After Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse, I checked out the Cavalleria Beaches, which were nearby. They were surrounded by red-soil dunes with low vegetation. Quite an interesting place!
Cala en Turqueta was the last beach I visited. Despite being the most famous on the island, it was not easy to reach. In peak season, some of the beaches in Menorca are accessible only by minibuses, with tickets sold out for days ahead. Be that as it may, I had to see Cala en Turqueta, and I wasn’t disappointed. The water was so clear that I went in for a good swim. One thing I didn’t enjoy, though, were the boats with tourists that came every two hours and disturbed the tranquility of the place. Wildlife enthusiasts will probably appreciate the wild goats rambling around the beach as if there were no people to bother them.
On the last night of the trip, I had a great dinner in Ciutadella de Menorca, a city on the western end of the island. The old town featured 17th- and 18th-century mansions and Moorish architecture. The sunset at Castell de Sant Nicolau tower was the perfect ending to the trip.
Have you ever been to the Balearic Islands? Share your memories from a beach or island trip in the comments below.
The photos and the beaches are breathtakingly beautiful @MoniDi, No doubt they help us re-live the moments and freshen up the mind in these days of a forced lockdown.
~Greetings from New Delhi
Hi @MoniDi,
wow very nice post and very beautiful photos, wish to be there right now with the such warm temperature we are having 🌅. I'm sure you enjoyed a lot the trip and it is very nice to browse back those photos.
I've never been to Balearic Islands but I'll attempt to do it once, many friends are saying only good things from those places 😊.
Thank you for sharing your experience 😉.
