Es Talaier (Menorca): how to get there and what to see

Es Talaier is one of those small coves that stays with you. It sits tucked between two better-known neighbours on the south coast of Ciutadella, Son Saura and Cala en Turqueta, and unlike them you won't find it in many brochures. An unspoilt cove, undeveloped, with a strip of pale sand and a shallow seabed that turns the water a very bright turquoise. Here's where it is, how to get there and what you'll find once you reach the sand.

Where Es Talaier is and what it's like

We're on the south coast of Menorca, in the municipality of Ciutadella, within the unspoilt stretch that runs from Son Saura to Cala Galdana. Es Talaier lies right in the middle of the route between Son Saura, to the west, and Turqueta, to the east. It's a pocket-sized cove: little sand, wedged between low rocky points, with a pine wood behind that gives it character and some shade at the edges.

What sets it apart is the water. Being shallow and sheltered, the sea comes in calmly and stays clear for much of the day. It's one of those coves where you can see the sandy bottom from the shore and the fish swim a hand's breadth from your feet. There's no development in sight, no buildings, no seafront promenade. Just sand, rock, pines and sea.

How to get to Es Talaier

You can't drive all the way to the sand at Es Talaier. It's a cove reached on foot, and that's precisely why it keeps its quiet feel.

On foot, via Son Saura. The usual way is to park in the same car park that serves Son Saura (paid access across private land in season) and, from Son Saura beach, carry on walking east. As soon as you leave the large sandy beach behind, a path through the pine wood and along the coast brings you in a few minutes to this smaller, more tucked-away cove. Wear something comfortable: there are stretches of earth and roots.

Along the Camí de Cavalls. The GR-223 runs along this whole southern coastline, linking one cove to the next. If you come walking from Son Saura or from Turqueta, Es Talaier falls right on the way. It's a stretch of unspoilt coast with nowhere to stock up between beaches, so carry enough water, especially in summer.

By sea. Like this entire south-western stretch, Es Talaier can be seen from the water, and it's a popular anchorage on calm days: the cove is shallow, sheltered and has a sandy bottom, comfortable conditions for dropping anchor and swimming. Our llaüt sets off from Es Canutells, on the south of the island, and the day's route is decided by the sea and the wind, not in advance. If sailing along this coast appeals to you, you'll find it in our boat trips around Menorca; without promising you any particular cove, because that depends on each day's forecast.

What you'll find

Es Talaier is a cove with no facilities. There's no beach bar, no showers, no toilets, no lifeguard, no bins. Nothing at all. That means two things: you have to come prepared, and the cove stays clean precisely because everyone takes away what they bring.

The sand is the pale, fine kind typical of the Menorcan Migjorn. The beach is short, so at the height of August it fills up quickly and it's worth arriving early. The water, shallow near the shore, is ideal for wading in, for children and for a relaxed swim. For snorkelling, the rocks on either side are the interesting part: the centre is sand, but the stone walls that close off the cove concentrate some marine life and are worth a while with mask and snorkel.

There's little shade, and what there is comes from nature: the cover the pines give at the edges first thing and last thing. At midday the sun beats straight down on the sand, so a parasol, water and sun cream are not optional.

Best time to go and tips

May to October is the bathing season on this coast. June and September are the perfect months: warm water, long daylight and far fewer people than at the height of summer. In July and August, Es Talaier gets packed by mid-morning because of its small size; if you can, go early or late in the afternoon.

A few things worth being clear about:

• This strip of the south of Ciutadella lies within a protected natural area. Respect the dune vegetation and the pine wood, don't light fires and take all your rubbish with you.
• There's no drinking water and nowhere to buy anything. Bring whatever you're going to need.
• Driving to the Son Saura area is usually paid in high season and the spaces run out early. Allow yourself time.
• On days with southerly winds or a heavy swell, the cove loses its usual calm; with the northerly tramuntana, on the other hand, this coastline tends to be sheltered.

Neighbouring coves and routes

If you like this south-western stretch, the two coves either side of it are the best way to carry on. To the west, Son Saura (Menorca): how to get there and what to see, a wide sandy bay with good anchorage. To the east, Cala en Turqueta (Menorca): how to get there and what to see, with calm, shallow water. And a little further on, right in the unspoilt heart of the south, is the boat trip to Cala Macarella, one of the most famous beaches on the island.

To place Es Talaier in the bigger picture, see the guide to the coves of southern Menorca and, if you're planning a route along the whole coast, the complete guide to the coves of Menorca.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to Es Talaier? Not all the way to the sand. The usual approach is to park in the Son Saura area (paid access across private land in season) and carry on for a few minutes on foot, heading east along the coast path or the Camí de Cavalls.

How long does it take to walk from Son Saura? It's a short walk: from Son Saura beach, following the coast eastwards, you reach Es Talaier in just a few minutes through the pine wood. It's the tucked-away cove between Son Saura and Turqueta.

Does the cove have any facilities? None: no bar, no beach bar, no showers, no toilets, no lifeguard, no bins. It's an unspoilt cove within a protected area, so bring water, food and sun cream, and come back with your rubbish.

Is it good for children and for snorkelling? Yes. The water is shallow and calm near the shore, comfortable for little ones. For snorkelling, the rocks on either side are the most interesting part; the centre of the cove is a sandy bottom.

When is the best time to go to avoid the crowds? In June and September there are fewer people and the water is already pleasant. In July and August, being a small cove, it fills up early: go first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.