Sa Farola Beach is a bathing spot on the western edge of Ciutadella, on Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It takes its name from the lighthouse that marks the entrance to the town's harbour. Steps lead down to the water, and the shore is mostly rock with a little sand. It is known for its clear water and for being close enough to the town to reach on foot.
Sa Farola Beach
Rocky cove with a little sand and steps down to clear water, within walking distance of Ciutadella
- Entrance
- Free; there is no ticket.
- Accessibility
- No step-free access: the water is reached by steps, and there is no wheelchair-accessible parking.
- Parking
- Two car parks, about 730 m and 750 m away in a straight line.
- Difficulty
- Easy: a set of steps down to the water. On foot from Ciutadella, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: Saragossa, about 700 m away.
- Advance booking
- Not needed; it is an open public shore.
- Hours
- Open at all hours.
- Address
- -4, Camí de sa Farola, 2, 07769 Ciutadella, Illes Balears, Spain
What makes it special
The water is the reason. It is very clear, and on a sunny day it turns turquoise over the rock, the kind of sea you can spend hours in without noticing the time.
There is barely any beach in the usual sense: a little sand, a lot of rock, and a set of easy steps that take you down to the water. The arrangement has a quirky charm, and it puts you in the sea within a few paces of where you leave your towel.
The other draw is the location. Sa Farola sits at the harbour mouth on the edge of Ciutadella, so a swim here fits into a day in town with no car involved.
Good to know
- There are no toilets at the beach, and none nearby.
- It gets very busy. Arrive early if you want a place near the steps.
- Sand is scarce and most of the ground is bare rock: bring a mat and something for shade.
- The shore catches the wind hard. Check the forecast before you walk out.
- There is no step-free way to the water; steps are the only way down.
Getting there
Most people walk from Ciutadella: the beach is 20 to 30 minutes on foot from town, depending on your pace, heading out towards the lighthouse at the harbour mouth.
If you drive, the nearest car parks are about 730 m and 750 m away in a straight line, so plan on finishing the approach on foot. The closest bus stop, Saragossa, is about 700 m away.
The last stretch is a set of steps down to the water.
Best time to visit
Best: early in the day, and late afternoon when the sun drops over the open sea to the west.
Avoid: the middle of the day in high summer, and windy days.
The cove gets very busy, the bare rock gives no shade at midday, and the shore takes the full force of the wind when it blows.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Sa Farola Beach on the map
When the wind is up, waves break over the rocks and the wet rock turns slippery. On a rough day stay out of the water and keep back from the edge.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you walk to Sa Farola Beach from Ciutadella?
Yes. The walk from town takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace.Are there toilets at Sa Farola Beach?
No. There are no toilets at the beach, and none nearby.Where can I park for Sa Farola Beach?
The nearest car parks are about 730 m and 750 m away in a straight line, so the last part is on foot.Is Sa Farola Beach wheelchair accessible?
No. The water is reached by steps, and there is no wheelchair-accessible parking.When is Sa Farola Beach least crowded?
Early in the day. It gets very busy later on.