Sailing in Menorca is a fabulous way to get to appreciate this island variety, from white sandy beaches, to coves and creeks, to terracotta sands and crystal waters. Hire a boat in Menorca or a kayak in Es Grau, over the years we have tested various areas and it’s so difficult to decide which ones we are more fond of, best to decide on the day or the day before, depending on the wind. This boomerang-shaped island has a charming port at each end: to the east, postcard capital Mahón sits high above one of the greatest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; to the North west, the cobbled streets and palaces of Ciutadella hug a narrow channel lined with yachts. Unesco Biosphere Reserve since 1993, Menorca’s charm is easily seized by boat or kayak with its white and golden beaches, forested coves, Megalithic ruins and turquoise silent bays.
We started the kiddies young in here in Spanish style : sailing in Menorca and swimming with toddlers or even babies barely few months old is the week-end norm in here! So a certain 3 years old got to the privilege of indulging early into Balearics like a local. 
1. South sailing route: Canal de Sant Jordi, Biniancolla, Binibeca, Cala de Biniparratx. We left the quiet beautiful Passeig de Mariners around 11am and sailed smoothly into Canal de Sant Jordi. The first 30 minutes of our ride were incredibly smooth and picturesque : Fortalesa de la Mola on one side, Castell de Sant Filip the other.
The fortress and the castle look glorious from the sea, my hair less so!
The sea looks deceivingly calm from the shore, but once out of the port, the wind and currents made a very fun bumpy and wobbly fast ride. R was incredibly keen on speed at the beginning, but after few showers, he concluded he is better off either under a towel or in the inside cabin.
We stopped for our first swim by a gorgeous golf, crystal clear water and lots of other boats with families – Cala de Biniparratx, a little paradise for Menorca with toddlers.
We picked my Menorcan friend from an exquisite little harbour called Biniancolla.
The locals swimming made some space for our boat – fun casual talking in my broken Spanish. We should be back in here for lunch – I’ve been instantly swept off my feet by the water and this charming spot. I’m also told the pizzeria in here – Baia is great.
We stopped for lunch on the boat in another magic golf by Binibeca – first another dip, thereafter lots of beer, delicious Spanish cheeses and jamons. Snorkelling in great in here, a certain young man loved exploring and observing the fish: a spotted eel by the caves, baby fish nurseries, funny silvery and black bigger fish.
For R it’s been his first snorkelling in the sea – 6 months ago in Nevis he was not quite ready and in Procida he preferred to splash and jump in the big waves. London swim classes certainly helping, as he manages even 15secs under the water. What a difference 6 months make with the kids – I have been truly fortunate to have a partner in crime for sailing in Menorca, dinners and snorkelling!
We concluded our sailing back to where we started – passed Punta Prima and back to Passeig de Mariners.
2. Kayaking Es Grau or sailing in here if the wind is too strong in the South makes a fantastic day, we tested on few occasions, adults only or with kids (ideally above 6 years old).
8 km away from Mahon or 15 minutes taxi ride, Es Grau has great chiringuitos by the beach but it is also the starting point for exploring virgin beaches of Albufera stunning nature reserve : small caves, natural tunnels, snorkelling, defence towers from 1802, small pinewoods by the beach are all part of a 2.5 hours exciting journey.
3. Sailing from Ciutadella and Menorca’s gems: Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana, Cala Trebaluger.
Cala Macarella has a chiringuito with fish and roasted Menorcan lamb; but if you’re after unspoilt desert-island vibes, drop anchor in the luminous waters off Cala Macarelleta. Hugged by pine-scented woodland and cliffs, its only man-made features are the stone steps leading down to the sugar-fine sands.
Cala Mitjana is another favourite of ours and one of Menorca’s most emblematic and frequented coves. Boat is definitely best to enjoy as well as savour own refreshments (no beach facilities in sight or nearby), otherwise accessed from a busy car park; its shallow, translucent waters also wash the sands of neighbouring Cala Mitjaneta, a smaller enclave flanked by the remains of stone bunkers from Spain’s 1936-39 Civil War.
Cala Trebaluger is only accessible on foot and is located around 45 minutes from the nearest car park; so hardly busy even in the busy weekends of the summer. The lucky fellow boaters will love it: an idyllic bay and top swimming spot, with flat waters ebbing the white sands; there is also a river on the west side of the beach as well as an unusual feature: a Civil War bunker hidden in the forest on its eastern flank.
For a lively party scene, head for Cala en Porter and stay in the bright blue waters of its cove: Cova d’en Xoroi with several cliffside terraces high above the water make a top spot for drinks and dancing!
4. Kayaking South West Menorca: for some more great kayaking routes, deep caves and huge stalactites head to Es Canutells (20 min drive from Binibeca or Mahon): cave of s’Esbrufador with three holes in its upper part through which you can see the sky; cave of Ses Atxes with an immense stalactite and so much more until you reach the Binicalaf area.
This entire kayaking route is virgin, with high cliffs and no houses or buildings in sight; one can snack and have a drink in the kayak, snorkel and swim, couple of fantastic hours by the sea, exploring south Menorca at its best.
Swimming, dining and wining on repeat ON but in case one is inclined for more, Binibeca is a great base for kayaking and the South West coast has wonderful caves to be explored, coves and stunning crystal sea pools.
Travelling during the pandemic (July 2021) : being fully vaccinated and travelling from UK to Spain was easy, just a couple of extra forms. Coming back to London we booked our private tests at a Mahon clinic 3 days ahead of our travels and thereafter, Day 2 tests once back in London. Luckily the travelling guidance is all greenlighted now ( UK Foreign travel advice in here just in case).
For short getaways in Menorca, head to our Long weekends in Mahon; for Menorca with kids, head here; for Es Castell and charming Sant Joan de Binissaida here, for more rural Menorca family holiday by Llucmacanes head here and the latest in Binibeca in here. And for the best and hottest restaurants in Menorca, head here!