Illa d'en Colom (Menorca): how to get there and what to see

Illa d'en Colom is the largest of the islands ringing Menorca, and it sits right opposite Es Grau, on the north coast. Nobody lives on it; it's uninhabited, and you can only set foot on it by arriving by sea. That, more than a drawback, is what keeps it the way it is: two sandy coves, clear water and a setting that forms part of the Parc Natural de s'Albufera des Grau, the heart of the island's Biosphere Reserve.

If you're after somewhere that doesn't look like the usual sandy stretch with a beach bar and sunbeds, this is one of the places that fits the bill best. There are no facilities here, no road and no access on foot: just the island, its two small beaches and a seabed that's among the most rewarding on the north coast for putting on a mask and snorkel.

Where it is and what it's like

Illa d'en Colom lies off the coast of Es Grau, in the municipality of Maó, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel. It belongs to the Parc Natural de s'Albufera des Grau, one of the best-preserved areas of Menorca, so everything around it is protected: the vegetation, the shoreline and the waters.

It's a low island, of Mediterranean scrub, with no tourist buildings or anything resembling a village. It has two sandy coves on its landward side, both small and sheltered, with that clear water that turns almost swimming-pool blue on calm days. The scenery is that of northern Menorca: more earthy, rugged tones than the white coves of the south, but with a character all its own.

Being an uninhabited island within a protected natural area, don't expect to find anything set up: no bar, no toilets, no lifeguard, no parasols. What you see is what there is, and that's exactly why it's worth the trip.

How to get to Illa d'en Colom

You can only reach it by sea

You cannot get to Illa d'en Colom by car or on foot. There's no bridge and no walkway; the channel separating it from Es Grau has to be crossed by water. It's important to be clear on this before planning your day: however close to the coast it looks, you can't set foot on it without a boat.

There are three usual ways to cross. In peak season a small boat or ferry tends to run the short trip from Es Grau, though it's worth confirming timetables and availability because it depends on the year and the numbers. The second option is to go by kayak: the channel is shallow and the distance short, so for anyone with a bit of experience it's a manageable crossing setting off from Es Grau beach. And the third is to arrive by your own or a chartered boat, anchoring off the island when conditions allow.

Es Grau is, in fact, the natural base for getting across: the village has parking, the beach is right by the centre and the options for crossing to the island leave from there. If you're going to be moving around this part of the north coast, leave the car in Es Grau and organise the hop over to Colom from there.

By sea, on a boat trip

Getting to know Illa d'en Colom from the water is the way to see it as it deserves: the line of the island, the two coves, the channel and the whole coast of s'Albufera des Grau all around. The north of Menorca has anchorages along this stretch, but it's a coast very exposed to the tramuntana: when the north wind blows, the sea here gets up and the picture changes completely.

Our llaüt sets off from Es Canutells, on the south coast, and we sail south or north depending on the day, on how the sea and wind are. I'm not going to promise you we'll head to Illa d'en Colom on a particular trip, because it depends on the forecast and the conditions, and I don't want to sell you something the weather might not let us deliver. What I can do is tell you what's within reach that day and put together a route that's worth it. If the idea of seeing the north coast by sea is on your mind, take a look at the boat routes and we'll talk it over.

What you'll find

The island's two sandy coves are its most immediate draw: small, sheltered and with water that turns very clear when it's calm. They're the spot to anchor, swim and while away the time without the crowds of the beaches you can drive to.

Where Illa d'en Colom really stands out is for snorkelling. The rocky seabeds around the island, within a protected setting, make for good fun with a mask and snorkel: rocky corners, fish and patches of seagrass meadow. It's one of the most rewarding stops in the north for poking about underwater, always with respect for the seabed and touching nothing.

As for facilities, none. There's no beach bar, no toilets, no bins, no lifeguard. You're on an uninhabited island within a natural park, so come prepared: water, food, sun protection, your own shade and, above all, take all your rubbish back with you. Natural shade is scarce, worth bearing in mind if you go in high summer.

Best time to go and tips

• When to go. June and September are best: warm water and a good deal fewer people than in the thick of August. In peak season, around midday, the island gets visitors and you notice it, though it never reaches the levels of an urban beach.
• The wind rules. It's a north coast, very exposed to the tramuntana. With a northerly wind, neither the crossing nor the anchoring is pleasant. Check the forecast before planning your day: it's with calm or a southerly that Colom shines.
• Confirm the crossing. The seasonal boat doesn't run all year or every day. If your plan depends on it, check beforehand that it's running; if not, consider the kayak or a boat trip.
• Respect the park. You're in the Parc Natural de s'Albufera des Grau, within the Biosphere Reserve. Leave no waste, don't touch the seabed when snorkelling, and respect the vegetation and the marked anchoring areas.
• Bring your own shade. There are no trees to cover the beach at midday. A parasol or a light awning makes all the difference in July and August.

Nearby coves and surroundings

If you're planning your day around this part of the north, the most sensible thing is to combine the island with its closest surroundings. Es Grau is the gateway: the village from which you cross to Colom, with a beach of calm, family-friendly, shallow water, ideal for a quiet swim before or after the island. A little further north, towards the Far de Favàritx, are Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili, two unspoilt coves in the natural park with a very different landscape of dark slate.

To get your bearings on the whole picture, 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. And 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 Illa d'en Colom?

Only by sea. You have to cross the channel that separates it from Es Grau, whether on the boat or ferry that runs in peak season, by kayak from Es Grau beach, or by your own or a chartered boat. There's no access on foot or by car.

Can you walk to Illa d'en Colom?

No. It's an island and there's no bridge or walkway; the channel has to be crossed by water. Although it looks very close to the Es Grau coast, you need a boat or a kayak to get there.

Does Illa d'en Colom have facilities or a beach bar?

No. It's an uninhabited island within the Parc Natural de s'Albufera des Grau: no bar, toilets, lifeguard or parasols. You need to bring water, food and shade, and take all your rubbish back with you.

Is it worth it for snorkelling?

Yes, it's one of the best things to do on the island. The rocky seabeds around Colom, within a protected setting, offer good snorkelling, with fish and patches of seagrass meadow. Always with respect for the seabed and touching nothing.

When is the best time to visit Illa d'en Colom?

In June or September, with warm water and fewer people. As it's a north coast, it's best to avoid the days of tramuntana: with a northerly wind the crossing and the anchoring aren't pleasant. Also check that the seasonal boat is running if you're depending on it.