Cala Macarella

Última actualización: 19/08/2024

Macarella is one of the most famous paradisiacal beaches of Menorca.
Macarella is located on the south coast and is one of the most crowded virgin coves during the summer vacations due to its immense popularity.
The photo of Cala Macarella illustrates hundreds of postcards of the island.

Upgrade Bus Access

• You can buy tickets online and, if tickets are left, on the bus. Book Tickets Ciutadella-Macarella (8.40€ per person)
• Buses will operate for 15 hours a day (from 08:30 to 20:20) and will run every 20 minutes.
• 2023: From June 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 Macarella and Macarelleta will only be accessible by bus from Ciutadella.
• 2022: From May 23, 2022 to September 30, 2022 Macarella and Macarelleta will only be accessible by bus from Ciutadella.
• 2021: From July 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021 Macarella and Macarelleta will only be accessible by bus from Ciutadella.
• 2020: From July 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 Macarella and Macarelleta will only be accessible by bus from Ciutadella(Note from the Consell Insular de Menorca).
• 2018 data: 47,000 bus users in 150 days: 313 users per day.

Beach Info

• Orientation:South
• Type:Virgin Beach
• Services: beach bar, kayak rental.
• Summeroccupancy: 168% occupancy
• Beach area*: -m2 (* Estimate. Changes every year)
• Access on Foot: 700 meters (10 minutes) – Only from October to June
• Nearest parking: Parking Macarella – Access by car forbidden from May to September (2022)
• Previous Beach: Cala Macarelleta
• Next beach: Cala Galdana
• Is it in the Camí de Cavalls? :Yes

How to get to Macarella

(Check the restrictions for cars and motorcycles before) To get there you only need to take the Camí de Sant Joan de Missa from Ciutadella and follow the signs on the road.
The journey from Ciutadella to Macarella can take you about 20-25 minutes by car, and a little more than 1 hour by bike.
It is the same road you have to take to go to Son Saura or Cala en Turqueta.
When arriving at the beach, there is a free parking from November to June.

1. Parking located about 900 meters away (15 min. on foot): Free of charge

To get there on foot from Cala Galdana by the Ruta de los Miradores (5km)

Since 2018 (due to the traffic restriction for cars and motorcycles to reach the beach) one of the most popular routes to get to Macarella and Macarelleta is the Miradores route from Cala Galdana.

• The route is 5km long
• The trail is easy and suitable for everyone, including children.
• The scenery at each viewpoint is spectacular

Arriving by bus from Ciutadella – 8.2€.

Since 2018 there are restrictions to cars and motorcycles for access to Macarella and Macarelleta.

• From June 1st (some years it is delayed to July 1st) to September 30th you can only access Macarella and Macarelleta by taking a bus from Ciutadella(Note from the Consell Insular de Menorca).

Once There…

On the same beach there is a beach bar with capacity for more than 100 people, and at lunchtime it is usually full.
The main problem of this beach is that due to its popularity, the parking lots and the services it has, it is quite crowded. The alternative to Macarella is Macarelleta, a small beach right next to it, which can be reached on foot in about 5 minutes.

• I personally do not like to go to Macarella in summer, as it is very crowded.
  While it is true that it is a beautiful cove, like almost all the beaches in the south, the amount of people can be a bit overwhelming.
• Obviously, people see pictures and don’t think twice before going to Macarella.
  My advice is to go early and take a short hike to Macarelleta, where at least you will be a bit calmer.

Visit the Underwater Cave of Macarella

If you like snorkeling and you have enough experience, you can try diving under a submarine cave in Macarella.

• If you swim out from Macarella, sticking to the cliff on the left, after about 150 meters there is a cave through which you can pass.
• If you decide to try it, don’t do it alone, you should always have someone by your side in case you have any problems.

Photos of Macarella

Video of Cala Macarella

Map and Points of Interest

Macarella T-shirt

• You can buy online the Macarella T-shirt from Menorca Republic.
  It has the coordinates of the beach on the front.

Hotels near Cala Macarella

As Cala Macarella is located in an unspoiled environment the nearest hotels are all in Cala Galdana (2km walk from Macarella).
If you don’t like to be in places with many tourists it is not advisable to stay there.

1. Hotel Audax Spa & Wellness Centre: In Cala Galdana, free wifi and a very relaxing environment.
   Macarella can be reached on foot in 25 minutes.
2. Confortel Menorca: In Cala Galdana, free wifi and parking.
   At 25 minutes walking from Macarella.