Cala Mitjana by boat

Most people reach Cala Mitjana on foot, along the path from Cala Galdana and after a fight with the car park first. Going to Cala Mitjana by boat flips the plan: we leave from Es Canutells, follow the south coast round, anchor off the beach and drop into the water from the stern platform, with no group but your own and the skipper at the helm.

How we get there under way

We leave from the port of Es Canutells, on the south coast, about 12 km from Mahón. Cala Mitjana lies further west along this same coast, so the natural course is to follow the southern shoreline past cliffs and pine woods until we reach its entrance, wedged between two points of limestone rock.

I'm not going to sell you the idea that we always make it. The route depends on the sea and the wind on the day: with a swell or certain winds there are coves on the south that aren't comfortable, and then we find an alternative or change the stretch we work. We decide that as we go, watching the forecast and the water. When the day is kind, the run in to Mitjana is one of the most rewarding: you watch the blue grow paler as more sand comes up under the keel.

Our boat is the Capeador 43, a restored 9-metre traditional Menorcan llaüt, taking a maximum of 7 passengers plus the skipper. It's not shared: the day belongs to your group.

What you'll find at Cala Mitjana

It's an unspoilt cove, with no beach bar and no facilities. A beach of fine, pale sand, a little under a hundred metres long, set into an inlet of mid-height cliffs covered in pine. The water has that clear tone because the bottom is sand with patches of posidonia, the seagrass that cleans the water and keeps it transparent. That's why we anchor with care: we always look for sand and avoid the meadows, which are a protected zone and not to be anchored on.

To the right of the beach, a short walk along the Camí de Cavalls, is Cala Mitjaneta, its sister cove: much smaller, with barely any sand, boxed in between rocks. It's the corner where people lean out over the cliffs. From the boat you get a good view of the two coves together and the rock formations that divide them.

As there's no natural shade on the sand until mid-afternoon, on the boat you have the awning and shaded area when the sun gets fierce, plus the sun deck if what you want is to stretch out.

Snorkelling and swimming

The water at Mitjana is usually calm, with no strong currents, which makes it comfortable even if you're not very practised. We carry the full snorkelling kit on board, so as soon as we anchor you can drop in off the stern bathing platform. Close to the rock walls, where the bottom alternates sand and weed, you'll see small fish and, with luck, a cuttlefish or a starfish among the tufts.

For the time afloat there's also the paddle board, which here, with little swell, is a real pleasure. And when you come out of the water you have the bow shower to rinse off the salt and the cooler with water and ice on board.

Which trip to choose for Cala Mitjana

Cala Mitjana works well on a half day or a full day; it depends on how long you want to stop and which coves you string together. On a half day there's time to anchor, swim and enjoy the cove without rushing. On the full day you have room to link it with neighbouring coves in the same stretch, such as Cala Macarella or Cala Trebalúger, which lie along the same south coast.

Prices are per whole boat, not per person, and include a qualified skipper, fuel, insurance, snorkelling kit, paddle board and water on board. You can see all the options and seasons on prices and the detail of each trip in the boat trips.

Frequently asked questions

Do you always reach Cala Mitjana by boat?

We can't guarantee it. It's a cove open to the south and, depending on the wind and the sea on the day, it may not be comfortable to anchor there. When that happens, we find another sheltered cove in the same stretch. We decide the course with the forecast in hand.

Where do you anchor and how do you get into the water?

We anchor in the sandy area in the middle of the cove, avoiding the posidonia. From there you drop in off the bathing platform at the stern of the llaüt, which puts the water within reach for swimming and snorkelling.

Are there any facilities at the cove?

None: Mitjana is unspoilt, with no beach bar or toilets on land. That's why on board you have a cooler with water and ice, a toilet (marine WC), a bow shower and a shaded area. Food isn't included, but optional catering is available on request.

Is it good for children and for weaker swimmers?

Yes. The water is usually calm and free of strong currents. We carry children's life jackets, and as it's a small private group the pace is set by you.

How many people fit?

Up to 7 passengers plus the skipper. The boat is just for your group, not shared with anyone else.