Cala Alcaufar is a white-sand beach at the end of a narrow sea inlet on Menorca's southeast coast, in the municipality of Sant Lluís. A small settlement of the same name surrounds it, and a hotel stands beside the sand. Fishing boats moor in the inlet, and flat rocks line its sides. The water is clear and turquoise, good for swimming and snorkelling. The Torre d'Alcalfar, an old defensive tower, stands on the point nearby.
Cala Alcaufar
Narrow sandy inlet on Menorca's southeast coast, with moored fishing boats and flat rocks
- Entrance
- Free; there is no ticket.
- Parking
- A car park about 35 m from the beach; a second, about 70 m away, is free but for customers only.
- Difficulty
- None to speak of: the car park is about 35 m from the beach.
- Transport
- Bus stop Alcaufar, about 220 m away.
- Advance booking
- Not needed.
- Hours
- Open at all times.
- Address
- Cala Alcaufar, 07713 Cala Alcaufar, Illes Balears, Spain
What makes it special
The water is what stays with you. It is clear and turquoise, and when the sun is on it the inlet almost glows, with small boats sitting at their moorings and the waves tapping at their hulls. The sand is only part of the beach: flat rocks along the inlet are where people stretch out, and the water off them is good for snorkelling.
The crowd is mostly local, and the cove is quiet enough to lose a whole afternoon to doing nothing. When you want to move, the Torre d'Alcalfar, a defensive tower on the point, is a five-minute walk away and looks out over the coast.
Good to know
- There are no toilets and no drinking-water point at the beach or near it. Bring water with you.
- The sandy beach is small; flat rocks along the inlet are where people spread out to sunbathe.
- The sand gives easy access into the water, and the beach suits children.
- Boats moor and move in the inlet, so swimmers share the water with them.
Getting there
Most people arrive by car into the small settlement of Alcaufar, which wraps around the inlet. A car park sits about 35 m from the beach, so there is almost nothing left to walk. A second car park, about 70 m away, is for customers only. An information board stands close to the beach.
By bus, the nearest stop is Alcaufar, about 220 m away in a straight line; from there it is a stroll down through the houses to the water.
Best time to visit
Best: early morning, or the months either side of high summer when the sea is warm and the island is quieter.
Avoid: the middle of the day in July and August.
The cove gets its people later in the day, and a summer island fills up in August; come early and the sand and rocks are still yours.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Cala Alcaufar on the map
Boats come in and out of the inlet to their moorings. Swim close to the shore and keep an eye out for them, especially with your face down while snorkelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cala Alcaufar good for snorkelling?
Yes. The water is clear and turquoise, and the flat rocks along the sides of the inlet give you something to follow.Is Cala Alcaufar suitable for children?
Yes. The sand gives easy access into the water of a sheltered inlet. Keep children close to the shore, as boats use the inlet.Are there toilets or drinking water at Cala Alcaufar?
No. There are no toilets and no drinking-water point at the beach or near it, so bring water.Can you reach Cala Alcaufar by bus?
The nearest bus stop is Alcaufar, about 220 m from the beach in a straight line.What is the tower near Cala Alcaufar?
The Torre d'Alcalfar, a defensive tower on the point, a five-minute walk from the beach, with a wide view over the coast.