Looking for a chic, alternative base in a lesser-visited part of Menorca?

It’s time we talked about Cala Morell.

We very nearly didn't make it to Cala Morell.

However, blasted by a bout of exceptionally bad weather during our final few days in Menorca, we took a punt driving the hour north in search of calmer seas and patches of blue sky.

What we found was a complete contrast to every other beach or costal resort on the island.

Protected from northern winds by red cliffs that hug the bay, this relatively large yet undeveloped cala offers plenty of man-made sunbathing spots with ladders into the blue, a couple of restaurants, and a tiny unremarkable section of beach.

That may sound a bit unappealing at first but, in reality, Cala Morell is an understated, stylish destination in northern Menorca which flies under the mainstream radar.

In this guide we’ve shared everything you need to plan your day trip or stay in Cala Morell, including all the best things to do, our recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, transport connections, and general advice to make the most of your time here.

Cala Morell essentials

// An hour from Ciutadalla
// Very different aesthetic and geology to the south
// Understated + not a big tourist resort
// No beach, but swimming + sunbathing platforms
// Best for couples and car rental access

Things to Do in Cala Morell

Hang Out By The Water

A word of warning before you get any further - Cala Morell does not have a beach.

Well, it does have a small sliver of a beach, but it’s not somewhere we’d particularly like to throw down our towels or get excited about in comparison to some other beaches in Menorca.

A few years ago this would have come as a serious affront to our British sensibilities, but several summers in Italy has taught us that, whilst sand coves and white sandy beaches are undeniably gorgeous, lazing atop a warm rock with the Mediterranean lapping just below is actually slightly more preferable.

If you are of a similar persuasion, then we think you’ll love Cala Morell.

Edging the large bay are a number of smooth man-made, concrete platforms with steel steps into the blue - and they are the perfect place to spend the day, lazing in the sun with a cool dip just inches away from your towel.

Ideal for jumping and snorkelling too.

You’ve got two principal options:

The platforms below Carrer Orio (maps) and Chiringuito Baristiu restaurant appeared to be most popular with locals, becoming busy early in the morning, even on the overcast day that we visited. These would probably be our first pick, and there are wooden walkways linking a couple of the concrete patches.

Alternatively, there is a larger series of platforms (maps) that snakes their way along the cliffs just below the residential area and Ivette Beach Club.

You can’t go wrong with either, but you may want to judge where the sun and wind is when you arrive, and choose accordingly. Both have built-in steps for easy access to the water.

Tip | Waterfront access and parking can be quite confusing for the first-timer in Cala Morell, and we’ve shared advice to make it straightforward at end of this post in the ‘Tips + Facilities’ section.

VISIT THE VIEWPOINTS

For those who are just driving by or stopping for a few hours, make sure you take a walk or drive to a few viewpoints to appreciate the stunning geology of this natural cove (and see if you can make out the sad elephant rock).

Mirador Cala Morell | You can park up (maps) and walk out to the cliffs, or follow the steep dusty path and the blue and white tiles from the water until you reach the white painted wall and the narrow trail (maps). This takes you out to high cliffs (no water access), with views over the waves and back onto Cala Morell. There’s also a small Talayotic archaeological amongst the stones, but it’s not something to go out of you way for.

The blue and white tiles actually mark a little information trail around the Cala, but I’m afraid we couldn’t peel ourselves away from the platforms for long enough to do it.

Explore the Necropolis

A really interesting and well-preserved open-air historical site to visit before or after you head to the water, the Necropolis of Cala Morell dates back to 1600 BC!

The network of funeral caves, with tombs carved by hand into the rock within, expanded over the centuries to the 14 caves situated in the ravine.

It only takes about 30 minutes to walk around and within them, and we recommend it.

If arriving with a rental car, make your way slowly down Carrer where you’ll find narrow designated parking on each side of the road for about 12 cars - this spot (maps) is the easiest to aim for. If they’re all full, you can continue onward onto Carrer Orio and loop back.

If parking elsewhere or walking, note that this is a small, narrow road that gets a bit of traffic.

Entrance to the Necropolis is free - find out more about historical sites on the island in 19 Wonderful Things To Do in Menorca.

Walk a Section of the Cami

If you’re the sort that can only lie still in the sun for so long or feel the need to do a little exercise to make up for all the meals out, we can highly recommend strapping on a pair of solid shoes and hiking a small section of the Camí de Cavalls.

Tracing the entire circumference of the island, the Camí is a historical 185km trail that is thought to have existed since the 14th century. In the past, it connected locals, villages and support military defence but nowadays is utilised by visitors and those living in Menorca for recreational purposes - namely hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Although some tourists visit the island with the sole intention of hiking the entire 185km, most (like us), choose to hike just one or two sections, often using it as a means to access many of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca.

Cala Morell is located directly upon the Cami, from which you have the choice of heading 7km west along the cliffs to Punta Navi, or 4 km east along the coast to La Vall, a protected natural area.

Eat at the Iconic Ivette

With its photogenic setting and views overlooking the red cliffs and water, alongside a foodie-oriented, seafood-heavy menu, Ivette is a hot destination amongst locals and visitors alike.

If visiting during the summer months, bookings for lunch and dinners are essential, especially on the weekends. You can do it via their website, but note that the only time slots for lunch seatings are 1pm and 1.45pm - after this, it’s first-come, first-served.

Cocktails and small plates are from 4.30-6.30pm, and dinner runs from 7pm until late. Sunsets are particularly in-demand, and anyone looking for a romantic surprise during their holiday should definitely bump this up their list!

If visiting from before July or in mid-September, you may be able to secure a table at lunchtime without booking. Note that there are few veggie options.

Also, try not to turn up in your swim shorts.

Tip | It won’t break the bank to eat at Ivette, but if your budget won’t stretch or you want something more basic, the only other option food and drink is Chiringuito Baristiu (maps). Thankfully, this has good value snacks, sandwiches, and plates, but only serves from 12pm.

As there are no shops on the water or supermarkets of note within Cala Morell, make sure you bring plenty snacks, water, and beers to last the day too.

Where to Stay in Cala Morell

Unsurprisingly for a small place, there are no hotels in Cala Morell; there are however a number of apartments available to rent. The standard is really quite high as compared to what’s on offer across the island - in fact, we’d go as far as to say that Cala Morell has some of the nicest villas that we’ve seen in Menorca!

The only thing to note, as detailed in the final section of this post, is that limited transport connections and amenities on your doorstop mean a rental car is likely essential if basing yourself here.

Villa Sombre La Playa | No two ways about it - this four-bedroom villa is absolutely stunning! Stylish, modern design throughout, it has been furnished to a very high standard. The high point however is the outdoor area - fantastic pool area, terrace and summer dining room all overlooking the sea. There’s even a private path leading directly to the beach. Find out more here.

If it’s a four-bedroom property you’re looking for, be sure to check to check out this bright and airy villa with garden and pool, or this excellent value chalet with pool. Neither are quite as fabulous as the above, but still a good choice for a family - at a slightly lower price point.

Villa With Sea Views | Another excellent choice, this time with three-bedrooms. Super modern aesthetic with lots of light, this villa is set over two floors and has a beautiful decked terrace area with large pool. Find out more here.

This three-bed villa with gorgeous roof-top terrace is also definitely worth looking at!

Bright Apartment With Sea Views | This super cute two-bed apartment would suit a couple perfectly. Everything you’d need to enjoy a wonderful little holiday including a good-sized terrace with views out over the water. Find out more here.

Two other excellent 2-bed properties to consider are this one and this one - both with balconies overlooking the sea, and both well-priced.

Villa en Bosque | If you prefer your rentals to look a little more homely rather than a blank contemporary canvas, take a look at this three-bedroom rustic villa surrounded by forest. Find out more here.

Casa Rockmorell | Being a studio, this won’t suit everybody, but we personally think this little apartment is super charming. A really comfy but contemporary aesthetic, it also has an outdoor terrace area. Ideal for Cami walkers as it’s just a few metres off the trail. Find out more here.

Good Value Apartment | This one-bedroom tourist apartment may not be the most spectacular on the list, but it does come at an excellent price (around £65 a night in June!). A tad basic but clean & comfortable, and you’ll have access to a great communal pool! Find out more here.

How to Get to Cala Morell

// Cala Morell From Menorca Airport

Rental Car

If staying in one of the many resorts in the south of the island, having your own car in Menorca is not essential - especially if your priority is relaxing by the pool or on the beach with only the occasional day trip.

Cala Morell’s isolation in the north west of the island however means that should you be basing yourself here - even for a couple of days - having your own vehicle is almost essential.

The good news is that picking up your car from the airport is significantly cheaper renting it from a satellite office in the middle of your holiday, and there is much more choice.

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 hire, so if it’s something you are considering doing, we highly recommend giving it a read first.

Taxi

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 price (2021) for a Menorca Airport taxi to Cala Morell is €63.81, plus €0.60 per piece of luggage.

Journey time approximately 45 minutes.

Bus

Whilst it is certainly theoretically possible to reach Cala Morell by bus, it requires two changes and three buses and a couple of hours - which is far from ideal if you’re travelling with luggage.

Therefore, it’s not something we’d recommend.

Travelling to Es Castell by public transport is easiest by connecting to Line 02, 15, and the 25 at Mahón bus station. Travel time is about 15 minutes, one-way tickets are €1.70.

// Cala Morell From Ciutadella

The easiest way to reach Cala Morell from Ciutadella is by car; this takes just 15 minutes.

Alternatively, there is a regular bus - Line 62 - which leaves from Plaça dels Pins in the centre of Ciutadella (maps), taking around 25 minutes. Do note that this only runs in the summer months, and a full timetable can be found here.

Cala Morell Travel Tips & Facilities

// PARKING + ACCESSing THE WATER

The most confusing bit for a first-time visitors, and you should arrive early on a weekend to increase your chances of getting a space.

The easiest place to park is in Plaça Maestro Juan Manen (maps), which is free and holds about 100 vehicles. From there it's a 10-minute walk downhill to the water.

Those blue and white tile signs point where to walk down, but they're a bit unclear if you don't know where to spot them, so we recommend putting this point in your map to find the main staircase.

This takes you down a level to apartments, a car park and some bins, and you need to continue down the next set of stairs in front of you! At the bottom of those stairs you're on a dusty path and can either go left to access water, the red platforms, and the beach or right to continue up some very steep steps to the mirador up some very steep steps.

Alternatively, to park five minutes closer, take the sign left to Ivette and try your luck at the 20 or so parking places by the recycling bins (maps). Do note that if arriving after 10 am, it is very likely to be full!

A lot of locals park on the other side of Cala Morell, here (maps) on Carrer Orio. This gives easier walking access to the western platforms and the cheaper restaurant BUT we don't recommend everyone doing it as the road is very narrow and there's very limited space for the unofficial parking (let alone the official). To access, drive past the Necropolis and follow the road round to Carrer Orio, where it becomes very narrow very quickly - if you don’t find a space on your drive-by, don’t panic as there’s a turning area right at the end.

If walking down from here, you can find the access point here on Google Maps.

In terms of general accessibility, due to the up-down nature and little to no parking by the water, Cala Morell is very difficult to access for those with limited mobility. We did see people with pushchairs carrying them up/down, but just be aware in advance that it will involve some lifting.

// GROCERIES

As far as we are aware, there are no supermarkets (or even small convenience stores) in Cala Morell.

If you’re planning on using this area as a base, and staying somewhere with self-catering facilities, we’d recommend heading to one of large supermarkets outside of Ciutadella at the beginning of your holiday.

// ATMS

There are no ATMs in Cala Morell. Although you will be able to use card in restaurants etc, we’d recommend ensuring you have enough cash if basing yourself here.

// CAR RENTAL AGENCY

Car rental cannot be arranged directly in Cala Morell.

As we discussed in the section above (‘How to Get to Cala Morell’), if staying here we’d highly renting a car on arrival to the airport via Rentalcars.com; it would be too isolating to stay in this part of the island without a car.

Find out more in our guide: Car Rental in Menorca.