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

Cala en Tortuga is one of those northern beaches that plenty of people never know about until they set foot on it. It sits within the municipality of Maó, inside the Parc Natural de s'Albufera des Grau, very close to the Far de Favàritx, that lighthouse of white and black stripes rising over a landscape of dark slate. There's no development and no beach bar: it's an unspoilt cove, open sand facing north and a protected setting all around.

What sets it apart from the white coves of the south is exactly that, the frame. Here the rock is dark, almost black in places, the tramuntana wind has shaped the vegetation, and the landscape has a wilder, more solitary feel. You arrive, you see the lighthouse to one side and a broad stretch of sand in front of you, and you understand why this part of the island is held in such affection.

Where it is and what it's like

Tortuga belongs to the north coast, the one that faces the tramuntana, inside the protected area of s'Albufera des Grau, which is the heart of Menorca's Biosphere Reserve. That shapes two things: the landscape, far more natural and bare than in the south, and the way you move around, because you're in a nature park and you have to respect it.

The cove is sandy, broad and open, with no buildings around it. Right next door, towards the lighthouse, is Cala Presili, its near-neighbour, with that same unspoilt character and a slate seabed. Many people pair the two on the same visit, because they're a stone's throw apart and you reach both from the same lighthouse car park.

How to get to Cala en Tortuga

On foot, from the Far de Favàritx

The usual way to arrive by land is to drive to the Far de Favàritx and leave the car in the car park next to the lighthouse. From there to the sand at Tortuga it's a walk of around 10 to 15 minutes along a path, part of it on the Camí de Cavalls, the trail that rings the whole island.

It isn't a tough walk, but bear in mind it's open ground with little shade: in July and August, at midday, it gets hot. Bring comfortable footwear, water and a cap. It's also worth knowing that in high season access to the Favàritx area can be regulated by capacity, with limited parking, so getting up early has a double reward: less heat and a place to park.

By sea

The other way to get to know Tortuga is from the water, and this is where the boat makes sense. Arriving by sea you skip the walk and the parking problem, and you see the north coastline and the lighthouse from a perspective you can't appreciate from land.

Our llaüt sets off from Es Canutells, on the south coast, and we sail south or north depending on the day, according to how the sea and wind are behaving. Cala en Tortuga is indeed one of the destinations we do on the north coast, along with Presili, when conditions allow. I can't promise it for a specific date because the north depends so much on the tramuntana, but if you fancy seeing this part of the island by sea, take a look at the routes and, when you want to lock in a date, we'll sort it out from bookings.

What you'll find

Tortuga is an open stretch of sand, with clear water and a seabed that mixes sand and rocky patches. When the north is calm, the swimming is superb; when the wind picks up, you feel the swell, because it's an exposed beach. That's the rule on the north coast: the day calls the shots.

For snorkelling, the rocky patches at either end are the most rewarding, with rock fish and nooks to nose around with mask and snorkel. Don't expect the textbook turquoise pool of the south: the appeal here is something else, wilder, with the dark seabed and the slate landscape of Favàritx as a backdrop.

As for facilities, none. No bar, no toilets, no lifeguard, no parasols to hire. Natural shade is scarce, so if you go in the middle of the day, bring your own shade. You're in a nature park: everything you bring in, you take out, and the rubbish comes back with you.

Best time and tips

• When to go. June and September are the best: warm water and far fewer people than in the thick of August. In high season, especially at midday, you notice the crowds and the lighthouse car park fills up early.
• The wind rules. This is the north coast: with tramuntana, neither comfortable swimming nor a pleasant approach by sea. Check the forecast before planning your day. With a southerly or in calm conditions is when Tortuga shines.
• Get there early. Going early secures you a parking spot at Favàritx, spares you the heat of the shadeless path, and leaves the cove quieter.
• Respect the park. You're inside s'Albufera des Grau, a protected area. Stick to the paths, leave no trace and keep an eye out for possible access restrictions in summer.
• Take everything with you. Water, food, sun protection, comfortable footwear, and your rubbish on the way back. There are no bins and nobody to clear up after you.

Neighbouring coves

If you're planning a day around this part of the north coast, the sensible thing is to string a few together. Tortuga's natural companion is Cala Presili, right by the lighthouse and of the same unspoilt character. And another on the same coast that's worth knowing, further west, is Cala Pregonda, with its reddish sand and its islets.

To place it all in context, two reads will help: the guide to the coves of northern Menorca, with the beaches of this coast and how to reach each one, and the complete guide to the coves of Menorca, covering south and north. If what you fancy is seeing the coast from the sea, on the boat routes page I explain how we work depending on the day.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Cala en Tortuga?

By land, driving to the Far de Favàritx and leaving the car in its car park. From there it's a walk of around 10 to 15 minutes along a path, part of the Camí de Cavalls, down to the sand. The other option is to arrive by sea.

Can you drive all the way to the cove?

Not to the sand itself. The car reaches the Far de Favàritx car park, and the last stretch is done on foot in about 10-15 minutes. In summer access to the area may be regulated by capacity, so it's worth arriving early.

Does it have facilities or a beach bar?

No. Cala en Tortuga is unspoilt and lies inside a nature park: there's no bar, no toilets, no lifeguard and no parasols. You need to bring water, food and shade, and carry out all your rubbish.

Can you reach Cala en Tortuga by boat?

Yes. It's one of the destinations we do on the north coast, along with Cala Presili, when the sea and wind allow. Our llaüt sets off from Es Canutells and going north depends on the day's conditions, so a specific date can't be guaranteed.

When is the best time to visit Cala en Tortuga?

In June or September, with warm water and fewer people. As it's the north coast, it's best to avoid days of tramuntana: with a northerly the sea gets up and it's pleasant neither for swimming nor for arriving by sea.