Choosing where to stay in Menorca? This guide covers everything you need to know about Cala Galdana and why it makes an excellent base on the island.
Updated September 2023
We wouldn’t go out of way for a day in Cala Galdana.
That may seem an odd start point for a travel guide, but it’s important that we place the little town on the south coast of Menorca in context: the reasons for it being such an excellent holiday accommodation base for many on the island are the same reasons for it not being one of our favourite places in Menorca.
There are touches of overdevelopment, much of it is geared toward and around the wants and needs of visitors, and its vibe comes a little too close to that of a generic Spanish mainland tourist resort.
So, despite all that, why might Cala Galdana actually be the perfect choice for your own Menorcan holiday?
Well, there’s great transport connections, close proximity to three of the island’s best and most sought after beaches, an abundance of accommodations for all travel styles, kayaking, car rental, and boat trips right on your doorstep, plenty shops and restaurants, plus a long sandy stretch of family-friendly beach on your doorstep.
We visited a lot of holiday hubs during our month on the island - including Los Delfines, Cala en Bosc, and Son Parc - and Cala Galdana remains head and shoulders above them.
For families, the easy-access beach and amenities in town will appeal. For couples, it will be the existence of several adults-only hotels, a little bit of nightlife, and hassle-free day trips elsewhere with a self-drive boat, kayak, or scooter when you’re not lazing by the pool or on the sand. For more intrepid types, the excellent location and affordable accommodation available means you have access to several picturesque sections of the Camí de Cavalls and Litoral Path, wild paradise beaches, and excellent public transport connections to explore further afield.
It’s also super easy to reach from Menorca Airport.
Everyone may therefore choose Cala Galdana for slightly different reasons - some of which will overlap, and some which may butt heads - but there’s a reason why Cala Galdana is a popular choice for all types of visitors to Menorca.
For certain independent travellers and families, we’d say it’s the ideal coastal location to enjoy and explore the south of the island.
In this post, we’ve shared our tips on the best things to do in Cala Galdana, as well as advice on where to eat, day trips to take, and amenities like car rental, supermarkets, and transport connections. We’ve also done the hard work for you and shared our pick of where to stay in Cala Galdana, with options to suit every travel style and budget.
This is our guide to Cala Galdana.
(if you’re visiting for the day, we’ve shared transport links and the best places to park up at the end of the post)
Cala Galdana essentials
Base / Ideal tourism base for families and those reliant on public transport to get around island
Arrive / If you’re not hiring a car, consider this shared shuttle transfer from the airport to your hotel
Beach / Central beach with shallow, calm waters
Hike / Excellently located for Calaa Macarelleta & Mitjana
Boat / Hire a self-drive boat for the day or head out on this super popular 3.5-hour boat trip.
Stay / Our top hotel picks are Artiem Audax and Meliá Cala Galdana, this villa is wonderful whereas this is a good budget-friendly apartment
the best Things to Do in Cala Galdana
Hang out at Cala Galdana’s Beach…
The horse-shoe beach is picture-postcard from certain angles, bookmarked by limestone cliffs and pine trees, with Caribbean blues and whites colouring the sea and sand. The calm water is ideal for swimming, its Blue Flag status is clear to see, and you can access it easily from a beach front hotel or a short walk from town centre accommodation.
The facilities on hand are going to be the deal-maker and breaker for you though.
As we mention in our Best Beaches in Menorca article, the island is famed for its hidden coves and difficult to reach wild white or red sand beaches with no facilities; Cala Galdana is not one of them. Although it shares some of the aesthetic characteristics of nearby Macaralleta and Mitjana, those don’t have a large hotel behind them, a paved promenade, showers, several restaurants bordering the sand, a lifeguard, and lots of sun loungers and parasols.
That’s why Cala Galdana, with its relative level of development, is such a fantastic option for a hassle-free beach day in the south of Menorca. There are better beaches in Menorca, but this is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on the island if you’d like those amenities, access, and accommodation nearby! For travellers with limited mobility, Cala Galdana and Punta Prima also rank as the most accessible options for you.
You can lay your towel down for free, or rent an umbrella & 2 deckchairs for €20 for the day.
Good To Know // For the best panoramic view of Cala Galdana Beach, walk up to the Mirador Sa Punta (Google Maps), just 15-minutes from the beach.
…Then Hike to Menorca’s Best Beaches
As we said, Menorca has a huge collection of beaches to explore. Handily for those that base themselves in Cala Galdana is the ability to walk from the town centre to two of the island’s best (albeit most popular): Cala Macarelleta and Cala Mitjana.
Cala Macarelleta | This gorgeous little cala is one of the reasons we chose to return to Menorca, excited to discover more of her beauty. Recent changes to limit visitors numbers means that it is no longer possible to drive there during summer; instead it requires a 40-minute walk along the Cami de Cavalls from Cala Galdana (which actually makes Galdana the main entry point for visiting the wild beach!)
You can find full details on how to reach Cala Macarelleta (and its larger, sister beach, Cala Macarella) in our complete guide.
Cala Mitjana | One of the most popular beaches on the island, and certainly worthy of the distinction, Cala Mitjana is a great place for a day at a beach which still feels natural and remote. Whilst it does require a little walk (1.2 km from the nearby carpark), it is ideal for families in Cala Galdana that crave a more rustic experience but with manageable accessibility.
You can find full details on how to reach Cala Mitjana in our complete guide.
Hire A Boat for the Day
A very popular thing to do in Menorca is to hire a boat for a day to swim, snorkel, and explore some of the island’s best beaches and calas by sea.
What makes Menorca different to any other place we’ve visited is that you can hire the boat without a skipper, and drive it yourself - without a licence or any experience!
You are able to hire from a handful of places on the island, but the most popular and convenient is Cala Galdana, where there are about half a dozen different boat rental companies operating and (most importantly) competing with each other.
You’ll find them all operating from small colourful cabins lined up along Passeig des Riu (Google Maps), opposite the shops and cafes. The most popular rental period is four hours (€150 - €200 per boat), although you can also rent for six and eight hours (approximately €350 per boat).
The experience is unforgettable, but the obvious downside is that it’s a pretty pricey activity, especially if you’re a couple when two people would have to cover the entire cost of a rental. Also, you need to make sure that weather conditions are unquestionably excellent before paying for your boat…
We’ve written a full-guide covering how to rent a self-drive boat in Menorca, so we suggest taking a look at that before booking anything.
Alternatively, if heading out on the water sounds like an activity you absolutely want to partake in, but you’d rather a proper captain or something that doesn’t cost quite as much, consider this highly-rated glass bottom boat tour from Cala Galdana that includes snorkelling and stops at secluded beaches.
Another great option from town is this 3.5-hour boat trip along the stunning south coast, with swimming stops and paddle boards!
Hire Some Wheels and Explore The Island
Whilst the bus network in Menorca is fairly good, the lack of a circular route around the island (by vehicle at least) means that visiting multiple beaches and calas by public transport, or indeed even getting to some of the smaller towns, can be super challenging and something we’d actually caution against.
A much better alternative is to rent a car - or for those feeling a little more adventurous - a scooter for a day or two. One of our fondest memories from our month on the island was whizzing along country roads on two wheels, the pair of us squeezed on to the back of a moped, the sense of freedom and of having a real summer adventure.
There are a variety of rental companies located within Cala Galdana, the names of which can be found at the end of this post.
One area we’d absolutely recommend heading to is the section along the south east coast. Unlike most of the island, there is a road that runs along the majority of the shore for approximately 10 kilometres, allowing you to explore a number of Menorca’s best beaches, as well as the whitewash village of Binibeca.
We recommend looking + booking via Rentalcars.com as it has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, and often has discounts and deals. However, before renting a car or scooter, be sure to read our guide to hiring a car in Menorca.
If you don’t want to rent a car, but would still like to go a little off-the-beaten-track, then check out this full-day 4WD experience. The driver/guide collects you in Cala Galdana in their custom Land Rover Defender, and take you out on a customised itinerary into rural Menorca and along the coast for swimming stops, amazing landscapes, and photo opportunities - with the opportunity to learn and experience much more about Menorcan culture and history. Find out more here.
Go Kayaking
Kayaking is possible across various parts of the island, and there are a number of vendors that rent out kayaks in the summer season (as far as we are aware, Artiem Hotel has the largest selection, but there are likely other options in town).
Where you head depends on how fit your feeling, and whether you’d like to explore many of the caves along the coast. From Cala Galdana, you have the option of heading east to Cala Mitjana (approx 30 minutes) or further still to Trebaluger Beach (approx one hour). Alternatively, you can paddle west to Macarella and Macarelleta (30 minutes) and then on to Cala Turqueta (approx one hour).
Expect to pay around €45 for a double kayak for half a day, but there is also the option to hire by the hour if you’re short on time or not quite up for a big adventure.
However long you’re out for, slap on the suncream and watch the valuables (Andrew lost the only pair of designer sunglasses he’s ever owned whilst kayaking in Menorca).
If you’re keen to book a kayak tour in advance - and have your own vehicle - consider this highly rated half-day tour that leaves from Cala'n Porter.
Travel Tip // If the kayak sounds a little like too much effort to see the coast, then this highly-rated boat trip is a good alternative to enjoy the coastline. There’s also this popular snorkelling experience if you don’t feel like giving your arms a workout.
Take a Day Trip to Ciutadella (or Mahon)
Cala Caldana and its beach is obviously a good choice for going into full on holiday mode. However, we would highly recommend even the most committed beach bum takes a day out of their week or two based here to go on a day trip to the beautiful little city of Ciutadella or Mahón, the capital.
With much more culture on offer, far superior bars, nightlife, and foodie offerings, plus the welcome splashes of Menorcan life in comparison to the coastal resorts towns, you should definitely visit one during your holiday.
If you’ve got your own rental car, you can reach Ciutadella in 25 minutes, or Mahón in 35 minutes. Don’t worry if you’re relying on public transport however as there are regular buses to each from Cala Galdana during the summer season.
The 51 (Mahón to Cala Galdana / 50 minutes / €4.40 one-way), the 52 (Ciutadella to Cala Galdana / 35 minutes / €2.95) are your best bets, whilst you can also take the 53 to nearby Ferreries and connect (this bus doesn’t run outside summer).
You can find the bus stop in Cala Galdana here and schedules here.
Keep Reading | Check out the guide to our favourite things to do in Ciutadella or the best things to do in Mahón.
Where to Stay in Cala Galdana
Aside from the fact that high season sees prices rise and availability limited, it’s worth bearing in mind that the layout of Cala Galdana also dictates the quality and value of accommodation. If you don’t mind being a five or ten-minute walk from the beach or town centre, sometimes involving a walk uphill, then you can get something bigger, better, or more suited to your budget.
Hotels
Artiem Audax | We stayed in another Artiem property whilst visiting Mahón, and only have very excellent things to say about the sustainability-focussed chain. This particular 4* hotel is modern, right on the water, adults-only and has a focus on fitness, wellness and outdoors pursuits - perfect for a young, active couple. Find out more here.
Meliá Cala Galdana | Cala Galdana’s most luxurious hotel offering. Super modern and right on the beachfront, the facilities are top notch (think spa, infinity pool, yoga and pilates classes, excellent Italian restaurant) and whilst some of the rooms are a tad on the smaller, they are all of good quality with superb views. Find out more here.
Aparthotels
Hotel Cala Galdana & Apartamentos d'Aljandar | Whilst they do offer standalone rooms, it is the apartments within this complex that we are particularly drawn to. Clearly having undergone a recent upgrade, they are clean and contemporary and really quite well-priced for the standard. Find out more here.
Comitas Floramar is a good alternative to the above, with equally modern apartments and good amenities.
Ilunion Menorca | Another really great aparthotel in Cala Galdana, this time with a sustainability focus. Apartments are simple but modern, well-furnished and of a good size - they’re also really good value, even in super high season. Located a 10-minute walk from the beach. Find out more here.
Airbnbs
Harmony, balance and sea breeze | This small but perfectly formed one-bedroom apartment is excellent for those looking for a more budget-friendly accommodation in Cala Galdana. Communal pool and only a short walk to the centre.
The above apartment is currently unavailable, however other good budget options include: New, White Cottage and Apartamento en Cala Galdana.
Not the fanciest of accommodations, but these four two-bedroom properties in a complex called ‘Sea Alzines’ receive consistently good reviews on Airbnb. A little walk up the hill from the centre of Cala Galdana, they do have great views and a communal pool. Find the listings here: Casa Cris, Casa Lluis, Casa David and Casa Febrer.
The company that manages the above properties actually own and manage a large number of villas and apartments in Cala Galdana, all of which you can find here.
Miramar | This excellent three-bedroom, split level property is comfortably furnished, comes with a private pool, and its location above the main centre of Cala Galdana provides amazing views - and a quiet place to enjoy them! Find out more here.
Chalet con Piscina Privada | This three-bedroom house is on the pricier side, but one look at the photos and you’ll understand why! Large, really well furnished and full of home comforts - it has a lovely garden area with good-sized private pool. Find out more here.
Casa Playa is another good three bedroom house option.
Villa Bella Vista | Looking for a property for a large group? Consider this excellent four-bedroom villa. Comfortably furnished, it’s best feature is the large private pool with swim-up views out over Cala Galdana below. Find out more here.
Need even more space? Check out the beautiful, six-bedroom Villa Truvi.
How to Get to Cala Galdana
Most people will be arriving at Menorca Airport and travelling straight to Cala Galdana, but some of you may be thinking of a day trip here.
There are three options.
// RENTAL CAR
If your priority is relaxing on a lounger next to the pool or a towel at the beach rather than exploring too far beyond your hotel, then we appreciate that renting a car may not make much sense. For us however, having our own vehicle to explore the island was essential, and makes getting to and from the airport a little simpler - with a journey time from the airport car pick up point to Cala Galdana just 35 minutes.
We recommend looking + booking via Rentalcars.com as it has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, and often has discounts and deals.
We’ve written much more in this guide about Menorca car rental, so if it’s something you are considering doing, we highly recommend giving it a read first.
// TAXI OR PRIVATE TRANSFER
If you’re not hiring a car, consider this shared shuttle transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Taxis outside Menorca Airport are plentiful, and with a fixed rate depending on your final destination you needn’t worry about overpaying nor the meter.
The standard fee for a Menorca Airport to Cala Galdana taxi is €46.91, plus €0.60 per piece of luggage.
Journey time is around 35 minutes.
// BUS
Accessing Cala Galdana by bus is possible, but significantly easier during the summer months.
First you’ll need to hop on one of the regular buses from the airport to Mahón bus station (Line 10). These leave every 30 minutes from the single bus stop located outside arrivals. Tickets cost €2.75 per person from the driver, and the journey time is around 15 minutes.
Once at the bus station, you’ll need to change onto bus number 51 (Cala Galdana via Alaior, Es Mercadal and Ferreries). Tickets cost €4.40 per person, and the journey time is approximately 50 minutes. These are not terribly frequent, but there are at least two a day during the summer months.
You can find the full timetable here.
Cala Galdana Travel Tips & Facilities
// GROCERIES
There are three small supermarkets (here, here, and here) in Cala Galdana which have most things beach snackers and self-caterers will require. However do note that you will pay significantly more for groceries here than you would in one of the larger supermarkets outside the two large cities.
If you’re based here for a week and plan on doing on doing a lot of cooking, we’d recommend heading to Ciutadella to do a big shop at the beginning of your holiday. Of course, this may only be possible if you have access to a rental car, or are happy using a taxi.
// ATMS
The good news is that there is an ATM in Cala Galdana. The bad news? It’s one of Euronet’s. Given that they use a hideously unfair exchange rate to calculate the money you withdraw, we’d recommend avoiding them at all costs. If you need cash in an emergency, you can find the ATM here.
// CAR RENTAL AGENCY
If wanting a car for the duration of your holiday, then it’s easiest and cheapest to collect it at the airport. We recommend looking + booking via Rentalcars.com as it has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, and often has discounts and deals.
There are a variety of car and scooter rental companies with offices in Cala Galdana, including AutoValls, Autos Cala Galdana, ACG Motos Menorca, Owners Cars and Europcar from which you can arrange, pay for and collect your hire vehicle.
However, we recommend you book your car several days or weeks in advance if you’re not picking it up from the airport. Otherwise availability is very poor in these satellite offices and rates can be much much higher than you expect.
For more information, including ways to save money on rental, read this post: 7 Things To Know Before You Hire A Car in Menorca.
// PARKING
If your accommodation doesn’t provide free parking, or you’re just arriving for a day trip, then the best option is to head to this large car park in the centre (maps). Due to the town’s popularity though, it can become full. Two good alternatives are here (maps) or driving up the hill to this lesser-used small car park (maps). All car parks noted are free to use at time of writing.
// OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
There is a tabac here, a pharmacy here and a 24-hour doctor / urgency care centre here.
