Is Cala Macarelleta easy to access?
Cala Macarelleta is one of the most beautiful coves of Menorca. But, as we all know, we usually must deserve scenic landscapes! This rule applies to Cala Macarelleta. Indeed, it is a very secluded place, which you will love. So, is Cala Macarelleta easy to access?
Cala Macarelleta is not easy to access. There is no nearby car park and you will have to walk between 30 and 40 minutes to access Cala Macarelleta. To get to this beach, you must first arrive at Cala Macarella. In order to do so, you have to park your car at one of the two close car parks. There is one 5 minutes away from the beach and another one 15 minutes away from it.
The full story: how to access Cala Macarelleta?
From Ciutadella de Menorca
Ciutadella is the most populous city of Menorca (however, it’s not the capital, which is Mahón). It is located on the South Coast of the island and it is where most tourists spend their holidays. If you are one of those tourists spending your holidays in Ciutadella, you may be interested in accessing Cala Macarelleta. To do so, simply follow the Google Maps itinerary below. Basically, head out to San Juan, and then follow the only road to get to Macarella parking.
It will take you 30 minutes to access the parking from that town. However, keep in mind that this place is usually crowded after 10 A.M. The parking is usually full and you will have to wake up early in order to park your car. Make sure to come early to avoid both traffic congestions and full parking.
From the East of Menorca
If you spend your holidays in Mahón, Fornells, or Port D’Addaia, it isn’t the same road that you will be taking. It will take you more time to access Macarella parking because there is no direct road to get there. It is a shame because you really have to get to Ciutadella de Menorca and then drive South. However, Cala Macarelleta is such an amazing beach that it’s worth driving a bit more.
It will take you around one hour to get there. Once again, if you want to avoid the full car park, you will have to wake up early!
Where to go when you are at the parking?
The paths are well indicated, so you should not have any problem accessing both Cala Macarella and then Cala Macarelleta once you arrived at the parking. However, if you want to be sure about the way to go, here is another Google Maps screenshot, using the Walking option.
Then simply head West and walk following the coast to get to Cala Macarelleta. There are signs and the path is well maintained (as you can see on the following picture).
On this path from Macarella to Macarelleta, you will be able to enjoy lovely views.
Why are these coves so hard to access?
Menorca is doing its best to protect the seashore. Hence, there are lots of nature protection rules. Those rules are made to enhance both tourists’ and locals’ experience at the beach. It is totally different than going on holiday to a seaside resort. It’s quite the opposite actually. By choosing Menorca, you are choosing calm holidays on a secluded island. If this kind of holiday isn’t for you, you should think about visiting Mallorca instead. Mallorca beaches are totally different from Menorca’s ones.
It was proven that the roads close to the beach destroy the ecosystems. Thanks to Menorcan methods, the roads are a bit further away from the coves in order to protect the ecosystems living in it. You will see more fishes in Menorcan coves than in Mallorcan ones. Try it yourself! Take a snorkel mask when you visit Cala Macarelleta and swim close to the rocks: you will be amazed by the sea life close to the beach.
When is the best time to visit Cala Macarelleta?
Summer is of course the warmest season in Menorca. However, it can be a little too warm in summer if you are sensitive to warmth. Indeed, the temperatures can easily exceed 35 degrees. The Spanish way of living adapts very well to that island. As you may know, the locals usually nap after lunch. It could be a great idea to do the same. Indeed, since it’s very warm in the early hours of the afternoon, the best is simply to relax in your bed or in the swimming pool. Then, when the temperature lowers, you can go back outside.
If you are sensitive to heats, the best is maybe to visit Menorca in spring, or during September. The temperatures will be lower and you will still be able to enjoy the sun.
Furthermore, the beach is crowded in the afternoon, which makes the experience a little worse. Since Macarelleta is very little, it doesn’t support a lot of people. Hence, I recommend that you get to this beach early in the morning. This will help you to both parks your car and enjoy the uncrowded beach. 9 A.M is a good time to arrive at the car park. It will be almost empty and you will be just before 10 A.M at Cala Macarelleta.
Cala Macarella: is it worth staying?
Even tho everyone has its tastes and preferences, it is safe to say that Macarelleta looks more secluded and heavenly than Macarella. However, you could choose to spend a bit of time at Cala Macarella. This could be a good idea if you arrive too late at the parking for example. Or, if you arrived very early, you may be disturbed by the crowd arriving at Macarelleta. If you really prefer having space around you at the beach, Cala Macarella is the best. Also, Cala Macarella is a great cove, with visible cave houses around it. The water is not as clear as in Macarelleta, but the water is still warm and the sea life is very active too. Basically, those coves are both beaches without hotels around, and it is what makes them unique.
