The best kayak routes in Menorca
Exploring Menorca’s coastline by sea kayak is the best way to discover the island’s shoreline inch by inch. We recommend the best kayak routes in Menorca and share all the secrets you need to know to kayak around Menorca.
Menorca is an ideal place for sea kayaking, as the island offers a coastal landscape with countless nuances that you will discover among coves and bays. You will paddle past white sandy beaches or rounded pebble shores, cliffs and solitary capes, semi-submerged sea caves and small untouched islets, always surrounded by crystal-clear waters perfect for navigation. Kayaking allows you to approach the coastline respectfully, blending into the landscape and the surrounding nature. It is an easy sport with pleasant navigation that can be enjoyed alone or in a group, while allowing you to explore the coast freely and reach the most inaccessible corners.
Es Grau – Cala sa Torreta by kayak
Es Grau is an ideal area for kayaking trips along the unspoiled beaches in the heart of the coastline of the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park and the island of Colom. You can take long routes to the Favàritx lighthouse or short kayak trips to the virgin beaches of Colom Island, an ideal activity to do with children in Menorca. Distance: 8,2 km. Estimated time, out and back: 2,5 h
At Es Grau you can rent kayaks from Menorca en Kayak. Tel. 669 09 79 77.
More detailed information about the Es Grau – Cala sa Torreta kayak route
Fornells Bay by kayak
This kayak route will bring you closer to the secrets of the largest and most sheltered bay from the northern tramontana winds in Menorca. You can paddle close to the shore and reach its virgin beaches without heading out into open sea. Distance: 11,3 km. Estimated time, out and back: 3h.
More detailed information about the Fornells Bay kayak route.
In the town of Fornells you will find several kayak rental points during the tourist season.
Es Grau – Cala Mesquida by kayak
From Es Grau you can also take an exceptional route if you head south, towards Maó. After passing the rock formations of Sa Galera and Es Pa Gros, you will reach the summer resort of Sa Mesquida, watched over by a defense tower built by the British during the British occupations of the island during the 18th century. Distance: 15,3 km. Estimated time, out and back: 3,5 h
Sant Tomàs beach – Cala Escorxada by kayak
A kayak route that will take you to Cala Escorxada, a remote and little-accessible virgin beach on the south coast of Menorca, paddling through an area of great contrasts, going from Menorca’s flattest coastline to the limestone cliffs of the island’s south coast. Distance: 8,14 km. Estimated time, out and back: 2 h, 30 min
At Sant Tomàs beach you can rent kayaks from DMS Sports&Kayak. Tel 616 338 393.
More detailed information about the Sant Tomàs beach – Cala Escorxada kayak route.
Cala Galdana – Cala Mitjana by kayak
A kayak route to discover the most spectacular corners of the island’s south and reach Cala Mitjana by sea, one of the best beaches in Menorca, passing by the Pont de n’Ali, a spectacular rock formation. Distance: 5,39 km. Estimated time, out and back: 2 h.
In Cala Galdana you will find a kayak rental point, right where the beach stream flows into the sea.
More detailed information about the Cala Galdana – Cala Mitjana kayak route.
Na Macaret – Arenal de Mongofre by kayak
A kayak route to explore the northern coastline of the island’s only natural park, the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. The landscape, shaped by the tramontana winds, features a rugged coastline with numerous submerged reefs and spectacular geological richness. This excursion will allow you to reach the Mongofre sandy beach by sea, one of the park’s most inaccessible virgin beaches by land. Distance: 8,67 km. Estimated time, out and back: 2,5 h
In the port of Addaia you will find a kayak rental point during the tourist season: DMS Sports & Kayak . Tel. 616 338 393.
More detailed information about the Cala Na Macaret – Arenal de Mongofre kayak route.
Fornells – Cala en Tosqueta by kayak
This kayak route runs along the coastline of La Mola de Fornells, one of the areas with the highest cliffs on Menorca’s north coast, and ends at Cala Tosqueta, a virgin cove ideal for resting, swimming and snorkeling.
On the seafront promenade of Fornells you will find different kayak rental points during the tourist season.
More detailed information about the Fornells – Cala en Tosqueta kayak route.
Cala Torret – Binissafúller beach by kayak
A pleasant and easy kayak trip which, combined with some snorkeling and a visit to the picturesque village of Binibèquer Vell, becomes an ideal outing for those who want to start discovering Menorca from a kayak. Distance: 8,24 km. Estimated time, out and back: 2 h, 30 min
In Cala Torret you will find a kayak rental point during the tourist season: DMS Sports & Kayak . Tel. 616 338 393
More detailed information about the Cala Torret – Binissafúller beach kayak route
Cala en Porter – Calescoves by kayak
This is a route that will allow you to explore numerous caves and cavities created by marine erosion in the limestone cliffs of Menorca’s south coast. In Calescoves you can admire from the sea the most famous necropolis of Talayotic Menorca. Distance: 4,87 km. Estimated time, out and back: 2 h.
In Cala en Porter you will find a kayak rental point during the tourist season: DMS Sports & Kayak . Tel. 616 338 393
More detailed information about the Cala en Porter – Calescoves kayak route.
Cala en Porter – Son Bou by kayak
This is a long route that, like the previous one, will allow you to explore numerous caves and cavities created by marine erosion in the limestone cliffs of southern Menorca. You can also enjoy two lesser-known spots on the south coast: the coves of Sant Llorenç and Llucalari. Distance: 13,8 km. Estimated time, out and back: 4 h
Detailed information about the Cala en Porter – Son Bou kayak route
Cape Cavalleria by kayak
Setting off from Cala Viola de Ponent heading north, you can pass around Cape Cavalleria, the northernmost point of the island, and paddle near some of the highest cliffs in Menorca. Once past Cape Cavalleria and S’Olla, heading south, you will reach Cala Tirant. This is a long route, about 20 km round trip, but you have two options to shorten it. One is not to go all the way to Cala Tirant and turn back once you reach S’Olla, thus doing the most interesting part of the route. The other option, if possible, is to leave a car at each end of the route, reducing the excursion by half without missing any highlights. Distance: 19,7 km. Estimated time, out and back: 4,5 h.
Cala Viola de Ponent – Cala Pregonda by kayak
Cala Viola de Ponent is also a very good starting point to reach Cala Pregonda, one of the most unique beaches in Menorca. Paddling westwards, you can go inside the natural harbor of Sa Nitja, used in ancient times by the Romans, and skirt the tower of the same name, built by the British during the British occupations of the 18th century. Between the Cavalleria beaches, Cala Mica and Binimel·là beach (beaches where you can always stop to rest), you will paddle through multiple spots of fantastic geology, but it is at Cala Pregonda where the scenery is most spectacular. If you still have energy, it is worth extending the route to Cala Barril, passing the Bledes islets. Distance: 16,2 km. Estimated time, out and back: 3,5 h
Son Saura del Nord – Cala en Tosqueta by kayak
From the sandy beach of Son Saura del Nord (Son Parc) you will discover a thousand corners, passing by Cala Pudent, until reaching the rugged landscape of Cala en Tosqueta. An ideal excursion for those who enjoy paddling among rocks, channels and cracks scattered along the rocky coastline. Distance: 10,7 km. Estimated time, out and back: 3 h
Here you can see all our recommended kayak routes.
Map of the best kayak routes in Menorca
View the map Menorca by kayak on Google Maps
Kayaking around Menorca
In Menorca you can enjoy kayaking on one- or two-day routes like the ones you have just seen. A more complete alternative for a great holiday in Menorca is to do a journey around the island. The tour around Menorca by sea kayak is an adventure that allows us to explore the entire Menorcan coastline at our own pace, from beach to beach, skimming the cliffs and discovering caves and hidden corners out of sight of mass tourism. In this article you can discover the best stages and everything you need to know to complete the tour around Menorca by sea kayak in 8 days.
Recommendations
• Before starting, we should always check the weather forecast. A sudden change in the weather can cause problems, and with rough seas it is not advisable to kayak, as it is not always easy to return to shore. The island’s small size allows you to choose the route according to the forecast without greatly increasing travel time between points.
• For safety reasons, whether rented or owned, it is very important that the sea kayak or canoe is rigid and brightly colored so it stands out at sea (yellow is undoubtedly the most suitable). This way motorboats can easily see us and avoid a possible collision.
• It is important to tell someone you trust which route you plan to take. If something happens, it will always be easier to locate us.
• When entering a cave, one of the attractions of Menorca’s coastline, we must do so with calm seas. The force of the waves can capsize us or smash us against the rocks.
• It is always advisable to wear a life jacket. Even if we are experienced kayakers, you never know what might happen.
• Never forget to apply sunscreen, wear a cap, bring water, food if the route is long, and a rope in case we need to be towed or have to abandon the kayak. It is also highly recommended to bring diving goggles, as we will pass places ideal for snorkelling.
What is better, an open or closed sea kayak?
For year-round paddling, without a doubt, a closed kayak is better as you stay dry inside the “cockpit” and avoid being wet all the time. They tend to be less stable than open self-bailing kayaks but are much lighter. For longer crossings, closed kayaks are more recommended because inside we can keep everything dry, such as food, clothes or a sleeping bag. On the other hand, paddling safely in a closed kayak requires mastering some basic self-rescue maneuvers, such as getting back into the kayak in the middle of the sea after capsizing or learning the Eskimo roll, used to right the kayak without exiting after capsizing.
Open or self-bailing kayaks are very practical for those who want a kayak exclusively for summer. The advantage of self-bailing kayaks is that it is easy to get on and off them in the water in case of unexpected capsizes or simply to take a swim and cool off. This makes them ideal for short trips with children on board. If we want to carry items that must stay dry, such as food or clothes, we will need to use waterproof containers.
Single or double kayak?
The double kayak option always comes to mind as a good opportunity to paddle together by buying a single boat. With a double kayak we can enjoy kayaking with children, friends, a partner, etc. However, we must bear in mind that they are much larger and heavier than a single kayak, requiring two people to move them. Also, we will never be able to go out alone, and we will not always have a companion with the same physical condition as ours and, above all, who finds it easy to paddle in sync with us. In a double kayak harmony between paddlers is essential, and finding the rhythm of the sea and coordinating with your partner is not something achieved on the first day. It takes quite a bit of practice, but once synchronized, the distances covered and speeds achieved with two “engines” in one kayak are much greater.
The single kayak, on the other hand, gives us much more independence. It is lighter and we can transport it alone in and out of the water.
When renting or buying a kayak, besides these aspects we must also consider the material (fiberglass, plastic, etc.) and the different brands available on the market. The decision is never easy, but when it comes to buying a kayak we can always seek advice from knowledgeable people by explaining our needs and expectations. A highly recommended option is to buy a second-hand kayak, as Menorca’s kayak rental companies often renew their fleets at the end of the season and sell used kayaks at a good price.
Exploring the island by kayak is the best way to gradually discover Menorca’s coastline. The island’s shallow coastal waters are ideal for kayaking, offering a diverse and subtly changing landscape of shallow coves and bays, cliffs, and sea caves, all bathed by crystal-clear, inviting waters.
This route is very much the ‘route of the caves’. Throughout, you follow the limestone cliffs that are so typical of Menorca’s southern coasts, which reach up to 40 m in height.
All these routes are within S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, Menorca’s only natural park. The coast here is formed of low-lying siliceous rocks with sand dunes and small beaches.
Fornells Bay is very sheltered and well protected from bad weather. Nevertheless, strong winds – above all, from the north – can make the sea rough.
This route runs along the northern coast of S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, Menorca’s only natural park. The coast here has been severely modified by the strong northerly wind.
The coastline on this excursion consists of the typical limestone cliffs of the southern coast of Menorca that are only interrupted by the white-sand beaches of Cala Mitjana and Trebalúger.