Cala Binidalí (Menorca): How to Get There and What to See

Cala Binidalí is one of those southern coves you don't see until you're right on top of it. It sits within the municipality of Maó, very close to Es Canutells and west of Binibèquer, wedged between two cliffs that hide it from the road. It's small, with little sand, and that's precisely why it keeps a tucked-away feel that the bigger beaches have lost. Here's where it is, how to get there, and what you'll find once you head down.

Where It Is and What It's Like

We're on Menorca's south-eastern coast, on the stretch running from Es Canutells towards Binibèquer. Binidalí is a narrow inlet set between rock walls, with a tongue of sand at the far end that fills up quickly the moment people arrive: don't expect the open expanse of Son Bou or Cala en Porter. It's the opposite, an intimate cove.

There's housing around it. It's an unspoilt cove in the sense that it keeps its natural shape and character, but it has homes nearby up on top, so it isn't some lost corner in the middle of the countryside. That mix, cliff, clear water and a few houses looking out over it, is typical of this band of Maó's south coast.

What stands out most is the way it closes in between the two rock walls. Seen from the water, hemmed in and compact, it gains a great deal: that's why it's a cove that looks especially good from the sea.

How to Get to Cala Binidalí

By Car

The usual way to get there is by car. Binidalí is a short distance from Maó via the Es Canutells area, and you reach it through the housing development above it. Once at the top, getting down to the sand means taking some steps: the cove sits at the foot of the cliff and the last stretch is done on foot, heading down.

Worth keeping in mind if you have limited mobility, a pushchair or a lot of gear, because the steps are the only way down to the sand and in summer you feel the slope. Park sensibly within the development and respect access to the homes.

On Foot Along the Camí de Cavalls

This whole coast is stitched together by the Camí de Cavalls, the historic path that circles Menorca. If you enjoy walking, you can link Binidalí with neighbouring coves by following the GR-223 along the shoreline, taking in the cliff views as you go. Work out your water and shade before setting off: this southern stretch has little tree cover and in high summer the sun beats down hard.

By Sea

Binidalí is also one to take in from the water, and that's where it comes into its own. It sits on the same band of coast as Es Canutells, so it falls within the south-eastern shoreline you sail along when the day's sea allows. We set out on the Capeador 43, our Menorcan llaüt, from the port of Es Canutells, and we work this coast depending on how the sea and wind are.

I want to be honest: the plan for each outing is decided by the skipper as we go, according to the sea and the tramuntana, and I won't promise you we'll drop anchor off Binidalí on any given day. What we do do is sail this southern stretch at an easy pace, hugging the shore, so you can see the coves wedged between cliffs from the perspective only the water gives. If you'd like to see the outings we run, you'll find them on our boat routes around Menorca.

What You'll Find

The sand is fine but scarce: a short strip at the back of the inlet that fills up early. The water, on the other hand, is the kind that makes you want to get in, clear and sheltered when there's no sea coming straight in. Being so enclosed between the two walls, it tends to stay calmer than the open coves, which makes it comfortable for a quiet swim.

For snorkelling, the interesting bits are along the edges, by the rocks on either side, where the bottom turns richer than in the sandy middle. Bring a mask and snorkel if you like exploring the rocks.

As for facilities, don't expect much: Binidalí is a small cove without the infrastructure of the big beaches. Bring your own water, some food and a parasol, because there's little natural shade and in the middle of the day the sun falls relentlessly on the sand. Don't count on a beach bar or any services at the water's edge.

Best Time to Go and Tips

The May–June stretch and September are the best for this cove: the water is already good, there are fewer people and the heat is more bearable. In July and August, being so small, it gets crowded fast; if you go in summer, arrive early in the morning, both for a spot on the sand and for parking in the development.

Three practical notes:

• Shade. Scarce. A parasol is a must if you're staying the day.
• Crowds. The cove fills up early because of its size. Early morning or late afternoon.
• South wind. With a southerly sea the inlet gets choppy and loses its usual calm; on those days, better to pick a more sheltered cove.

By road, Binidalí works well combined with a swim at Es Canutells, its immediate neighbour, or with a visit to the spectacular Cala en Porter a little further west, which also has the Cova d'en Xoroi clinging to the cliff.

If you're planning the area, our guide to the coves of southern Menorca will help you take in the whole southern shoreline, and the complete guide to the coves of Menorca if you want an overview of the entire island. And if seeing them from the water tempts you, on bookings you can check our llaüt outings along the south coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Cala Binidalí? By car, a short distance from Maó via the Es Canutells area, reaching it through the housing development above it. From the top, you go down to the sand by some steps at the foot of the cliff.

Is there parking at Cala Binidalí? You park within the development above the cove. It isn't a large car park, so in July and August it's worth arriving early in the morning to find a space.

Is Cala Binidalí good for children? The water tends to stay sheltered and calm as the cove is enclosed between cliffs, which helps. The drawback is the descent by steps and the fact that the sand is very limited and fills up early in summer.

Are there facilities or a beach bar? No. It's a small cove with no services at the water's edge. Bring your own water, food and a parasol, because natural shade is scarce.

Can you see Cala Binidalí from the boat? Yes, it's on the south-eastern band of coast near Es Canutells, which is sailed when the sea allows. The route of each outing is decided by the skipper according to the day's sea and wind; you can see our outings on the routes page.