Cala Pilar Beach in Menorca

Cala Pilar is one of the jewels that the north coast of Menorca has in store for you. With golden and reddish sands and even clay to repair your skin by taking a mud bath, you can enjoy its crystal-clear waters if you go when the Tramontana wind is not blowing.

Like some of the best paradises on the island, this unspoilt and paradisiacal beach is not accessible by car. You'll have to walk to it, but it's well worth the hike. I'll tell you everything you need to know to get there as comfortably as possible. See on Google maps.

By car

The nearest car park for you to park on your way to Cala Pilar is just over a kilometre from the beach, which is about half an hour's walk. Check here for the location of the car park so that you can easily reach it by car from your hotel or flat.

Walking

It will take you about 30 minutes on foot if you walk from the car park: you will cross a stretch of the popular Camí de Cavalls along which you will also see a shady pine grove that you may find useful because there is an area to sit down and have a picnic. The walk is not usually very long, especially if you decide to do it early in the morning, before the sun is too high and it gets too hot.

By bus

At present it is not possible to get to Cala Pilar by bus, so you will have to have a car (you can hire one at the airport) to get there by car and then walk to the beach.

Cala Pilar is one of the best beaches in the north and because it is not very easy to get to, a great option to visit the north coast of the island is to book a boat trip, like the one that will take you to other coves such as Cavalleria, Cala Pregonda or Fornells.

By catamaran or sailboat, you will sail along the turquoise waters of the north coast following the direction of the wind and throughout the morning or afternoon (you can choose to do a half-day tour or spend the whole day on the boat) you will have the chance to snorkel, take a dip and get to know the rugged coasts and caves of the north.

If you go on a day when it is not too windy (which I recommend 100% to enjoy this beach to the full) you can snorkel and enjoy its crystal clear waters with a refreshing swim. On the way to the beach there is a picnic area, so you can eat in the shade under the pine trees and take a break from the heat.

Along its extensive sandy surface, you'll find muddy areas where you can smear clay on your skin to experience the benefits of these mud baths. Afterwards, a nice dip and that's it!

Given that the cove is not very easy to get to and requires a 30-minute walk, it is best to arrive early in the morning (before 10am if possible) so that you can park easily in the car park and start the 30-minute walk without being too hot.

If you're thinking of going out of high season, you can arrive at any time of the day: bear in mind that the north coast is less crowded than the south coast, so outside of July and August you should have no problem visiting Cala Pilar at almost any time of the day.

None. Cala Pilar is totally unspoilt, so you won't find any bars, beach bars, restaurants or sun lounger and umbrella rental services. That's why it's important that you take an umbrella and food and drink with you for the day. Remember to bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes so that the walk to the beach is not too difficult.

Cala Pilar with children is always a good idea, especially if you avoid days with heavy swell or Tramontana winds. This way you can enjoy a calm sea and a stay on the beach where the wind does not dampen the experience. The little ones can play in the sand, swim safely and stroll along the long coastline enjoying the scenery.

So if you're thinking of visiting Cala Pilar with your family, you can rest assured that it's a good idea. Just remember to bring enough food and drink for everyone, as there is no bar or cafeteria where you can buy refreshments or food.

In general, snorkelling in Menorca is a great experience. The crystal clear waters and calm sea give you a great view of the underwater panorama and you can discover some of the protected species that inhabit Menorca's underwater world. All you need is a pair of goggles and a snorkel and you won't even have to go far from the shore to see colourful fish, so no special physical fitness is required.

On the other hand, as you already know, avoid visiting Cala Pilar when the Tramontana wind is blowing so you can snorkel without too many waves and currents to make the experience difficult.