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

Cala Morell sits at the north-western tip of Menorca, in the municipality of Ciutadella, inside the Cul de sa Ferrada inlet. It is not an unspoilt cove: up above, on the cliffs, there is a development of stepped white houses that many people compare to a Greek village. But down below, in the water, it keeps something hard to find: an "L"-shaped mouth that leaves it well sheltered, a clean seabed for snorkelling and, a few steps away, one of the best-known prehistoric necropolises on the island. It is one of those coves you can enjoy as much from land as from the sea.

We are not going to sell you the idea that this is a wild, lonely cove, because it isn't. The good thing about Cala Morell is something else: you get there easily, you can swim in calm water with almost any southerly wind and, if you fancy it, you can round off the day with a bit of history.

Where it is and what it's like

You are about 9 to 11 kilometres from the centre of Ciutadella, on the north-western coast. The cove pushes inland, forming that "L"-shaped elbow that protects it from the swell, and you notice it: when other beaches in the north are churned up by the tramuntana, the water here usually stays calmer.

Sand is scarce. Cala Morell is mostly rock, ledges and pebbly stretches where people spread out their towels and dive in from the stone. Don't expect a wide sandy beach like the ones in the south; expect a snug cove with clear water and the development peering over from above. For many people that is part of its charm: the white houses climbing up the cliff give it a look the unspoilt coves don't have.

How to get to Cala Morell

By car

This is the most convenient way and the one almost everyone uses. From Ciutadella you head out on the road north, following the signs to Cala Morell; the tarmac runs all the way to the top. There is parking next to the development, although in high summer it fills up early: if you want a space, go first thing in the morning. In peak season there is usually also a bus service from Ciutadella, which is a good alternative on the days when the car park is full.

From the car park you walk down to the swimming areas. It isn't a long or hard walk, but bear in mind that you get into the water over rock and steps, not over sand.

On foot and along the Camí de Cavalls

Cala Morell is also a point on the Camí de Cavalls, the path that rings the whole island. The stage that passes through here links this stretch of the north-west with the Algaiarens area, so if you enjoy walking you can arrive or leave on foot. It is exposed terrain with little shade, typical of the Menorcan north: bring water, a cap and closed shoes.

By sea

Cala Morell looks beautiful from the water, with its "L"-shaped mouth opening between the cliffs. The north coast of Menorca can be sailed, but you have to understand it: it is very exposed to the tramuntana, and much of this shoreline falls within protected areas. Navigability and anchorages depend on the day, the wind and the state of the sea; nothing is guaranteed.

Our llaüt sets out from Es Canutells, in the south, and works "south and north depending on the day", always according to the sea and the wind. If you'd like an idea of how we plan our outings and which coves we can reach depending on conditions, take a look at our routes along the Menorcan coast. We won't promise you a particular cove in the north in advance: the honest thing is to decide on the day itself, seeing how the sea is.

What you'll find

The big draw at Cala Morell, in the water, is the snorkelling. The bottom is rocky and the sheltered mouth keeps the water clear much of the time, so with mask and snorkel you'll see rock fish working the crevices, seaweed and pebbly patches. It is a cove that rewards the one who goes in to look at the bottom, more than the one who only wants to lie on the sand.

Out of the water, what sets Cala Morell apart is the prehistoric necropolis: a group of burial caves carved into the cliff, from the pre-Talayotic period, that you can visit right beside the cove. It is one of those places where you realise the Menorcan coast has been lived in for thousands of years. If you have time, it is well worth the short walk over.

As for facilities, don't expect a big beach offering. It is a small cove inside a residential development, with somewhere to grab a drink in season, but it is not a tourist hub with everything to hand. Bring the basics: water, something to eat, sun protection and your snorkelling gear.

Best time to go and tips

• Shade: very scarce. The cove is open and rocky, with no pine wood reaching the shore. In the middle of the day in summer the sun is fierce; bring a parasol or aim for mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
• Crowds: in July and August it fills up, the car park above all. To go in peace, get there early or save your visit for June or September, when the water is still good and there are far fewer people.
• Wind: its "L" shape makes it a good choice on tramuntana days, which are frequent in the north of Menorca. It is one of the few coves on this coast that holds up well with a northerly wind.
• Heritage: the necropolis is a protected site. Visit it with respect, touching and disturbing nothing, as the heritage rules require.

Nearby coves in the north

If you are exploring this north-western corner of the island, you have two very different options close by. La Vall (Algaiarens), also in Ciutadella, is two unspoilt beaches with broad sand (Tancats and des Bot) and a protected shore, the opposite of Cala Morell: there is no development there, only dunes and pine wood. And further east you come to Cala Pilar, a red cove with an almost Martian look that can only be reached on foot, with a long, shadeless walk, very exposed to the tramuntana.

You can keep comparing options in our guide to the coves of northern Menorca, or take in the whole island in the complete guide to the coves of Menorca. And if what you fancy is seeing them from the water, we explain how we do it on our routes.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Cala Morell? The most convenient way is by car from Ciutadella, following the road north-west; the tarmac runs all the way to the development and there is parking. In summer there is usually also a bus from Ciutadella. It is also a point on the Camí de Cavalls, so you can reach it on foot.

Is there parking at Cala Morell? Yes, next to the development. In July and August it fills up early, so it's best to go first thing in the morning or use the seasonal bus if you find it full.

Is Cala Morell good for snorkelling? Yes. The bottom is rocky and the sheltered mouth keeps the water clear, so with mask and snorkel you can get a good look at the rock fish and the pebbly areas. It is one of its strong points.

What is the Cala Morell necropolis? It is a group of prehistoric burial caves carved into the cliff, from the pre-Talayotic period, beside the cove. It can be visited and is one of the best-known sites in Menorca.

Does the boat stop at Cala Morell? We don't promise it. We set out from Es Canutells, in the south, and operate south or north depending on the day, always according to the sea and the wind. The north coast is very exposed to the tramuntana, so the particular coves are decided on the day itself depending on conditions.