Cala Escorxada (Menorca): how to get there and what to see

Cala Escorxada is one of those beaches that looks the same as it did fifty years ago: no road, no beach bar and not a single building in sight. It sits on Menorca's south coast, on the unspoilt stretch running from Cala Trebalúger towards Sant Tomàs, right next to its neighbour Cala Fustam. If you're after fine sand, clear water and silence, this is one of the most pristine corners of the Migjorn. But you have to earn it: either you walk for a good while, or you arrive by sea.

Where it is and what it's like

Escorxada belongs to the municipality of Es Migjorn Gran, on the heart of the south coast. It's a cove tucked between low limestone cliffs, with a pine wood that drops almost down to the sand and a dry torrent that runs out at the back. The sand is pale and fine, the typical Migjorn sand of Menorca, and the water turns turquoise because the bottom is sandy.

What defines it is its isolation. There's no road access at all: you can't drive here, and you won't leave the car ten minutes away either. That keeps the crowds at bay even at the height of August, when other south-coast coves with car parks are packed. Here, unless there are a lot of boats anchored offshore, you'll usually find plenty of room.

It lies within a protected natural area, like almost all of this stretch of coast. That comes down to one simple rule: there are no bins and no services, so whatever comes in with you, leaves with you.

How to get to Cala Escorxada

On foot along the Camí de Cavalls

The overland route is the Camí de Cavalls, the historic path that rings the whole island. Reckon on 1.5 to 2 hours of walking to reach Escorxada, depending on where you set off from and your pace. It's a lovely but demanding stretch: uneven ground, ups and downs between pine wood and cliff, with little shade on the higher sections.

There are two usual sides to tackle it from. From the west you link up with the stretch coming in from Cala Galdana via Cala Mitjana and Cala Trebalúger; from the east you come in from the Sant Tomàs area. Either way, count on a half-day outing and come prepared: closed shoes, plenty of water, a hat and sun cream. There's no spring or bar along the path or at the cove.

By sea

The other way to reach Escorxada is by water, and for a cove with no road access it's one of the most practical. Menorca's south coast is sailed by hugging the cliffs, passing one cove after another. Arriving by sea saves you the two hours on the Camí de Cavalls and drops you straight in front of the sand.

Here we should be honest: the sea calls the shots. Boat trips along this coast depend on the wind and the state of the sea on any given day, and no particular cove is guaranteed. There are days of easterly winds or swell when getting into the south-coast coves isn't on and it's wiser to change the plan. If you fancy getting to know this area from the water, you can see how we work on our boat excursion routes around Menorca, with the route always set up according to the sea on the day.

What you'll find

A wild beach of around a hundred metres of pale sand, without a single facility. There's no bar, no kiosk, no showers, no toilets, no lifeguard and no bins. Nothing at all. That absence is exactly what keeps it the way it is.

The water is clear over a sandy bottom, ideal for a long swim. For snorkelling, the interesting parts are the sides: the centre of the cove is sand, but the limestone rock walls on either side create structure where some marine life gathers. If you've brought a mask and snorkel, spend a while working along the rocks.

Shade is limited. The pine wood offers a little cover at the ends, especially early and late in the day, but at midday the sun is fierce. Bringing a parasol or something to cover up with makes all the difference on a July day.

Best time and tips

The swimming season runs from late May to October, with the water warmest between July and September. To dodge the midday heat and find the cove at its quietest, go first thing in the morning or in the mid-afternoon. August is when you notice people most, above all boats anchored off the sand, although the long walk in always filters the atmosphere.

Four things worth being clear about before you go:

• Take all the water and food you'll need. There's nowhere to buy anything at the cove or along the path.
• Closed shoes for the Camí de Cavalls: the path is stony and long.
• Leave no trace. It's a protected area with no bins; your rubbish comes back with you.
• Watch the wind. With a strong tramuntana (northerly) the south is usually sheltered; with an easterly or swell, arriving by sea may not be comfortable.

Escorxada rewards anyone who makes the effort to reach it. It's one of those coves where you sit on the sand, can't hear a road, and understand why Menorca's south coast has the reputation it does.

Neighbouring coves

If you're planning this area, its immediate neighbours are Cala Fustam, even more remote and little visited, and Cala Trebalúger to the west, another wild cove with no road access. You'll find the rest of the coastline laid out in the guide to the coves of southern Menorca and, for an overview of the whole island, in the general guide to the coves of Menorca.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get to Cala Escorxada by car? No. Cala Escorxada has no road access at all. You can only reach it on foot along the Camí de Cavalls (between 1.5 and 2 hours' walking) or by sea.

How long does it take to walk to Cala Escorxada? Between 1.5 and 2 hours along the Camí de Cavalls, depending on where you start from and your pace. It's uneven ground with ups and downs, so count on a half-day outing.

Does the cove have any facilities? No. There's no bar, no showers, no toilets, no lifeguard and no bins. There's no spring along the path either. Bring water and food and take your rubbish back with you, because it's a protected natural area.

When is the best time to go? First thing in the morning or in the mid-afternoon, to avoid the midday heat and find it quieter. The swimming season runs from late May to October.

Is it good for snorkelling? Yes. The water is clear and, although the centre is sand, the rock walls on the sides gather some marine life and are worth a while with the mask on.