Cala en Porter, Menorca: family beach, cliffs and the legendary Cova d’en Xoroi
Menorca is an island of contrasts, where unspoilt nature meets urban comfort. Located on the south coast of Menorca, in the municipality of Alaior, Cala en Porter is one of the most comfortable and accessible beaches on the island. Its combination of amenities, natural beauty and proximity to iconic sites such as the Cova d’en Xoroi make it an ideal destination for families and travellers looking for a coastal experience with an urban touch.
A cove protected by cliffs
Cala en Porter opens up between the imposing Esclafat and Ponent cliffs, which form a winding inlet that leads to a shell-shaped beach. On both sides, the cliffs rise up dramatically: the right bank is covered with Mediterranean vegetation, while on the left, white houses rise up as part of the urban development. The landscape is particularly photogenic at sunset, when the sunlight reflects off the rocky walls and turns the turquoise waters golden.
White sand, calm waters and a family atmosphere
The beach, which is medium in size and very gently sloping, is perfect for a relaxing swim. Its fine white sand stretches about 80 metres from the shore, and behind it is a larger area with palm trees, space for picnics and swings for children. The sea, which is shallow and sheltered, creates the feeling of being in a huge natural swimming pool. These characteristics, together with the proximity of parking and services, make it one of the best options in Menorca for those travelling with children or those who prefer to avoid long walks.
Services and amenities
Located about 11 kilometres south of Alaior, this coastal spot has become a tourist hotspot. This is no coincidence. It is a place where accessibility and comfort are the main attractions, ideal for families, those looking for a hassle-free getaway or those who simply prefer to have everything close at hand. Cala en Porter is a semi-urban beach, which means that it combines its natural surroundings with a good range of facilities. Its services include:
- Lifeguard and first aid station in high season.
- Showers, toilets and footbaths.
- Access adapted for people with reduced mobility.
- Rental of sun loungers, parasols, kayaks, pedalos and small zodiac-type boats.
- Restaurants and bars just a few metres from the sand.
- Free parking very close to the beach.
The beach also has ISO 14001 Environmental Certification, which guarantees the proper management and care of its environment.
An important detail: according to municipal regulations, pets are not allowed on the beach during the tourist season for hygiene and safety reasons.
Safety in the water
In summer, the beach is supervised by lifeguards and a flag system is used to indicate sea conditions:
- Green flag: swimming allowed.
- Yellow flag: caution.
- Red flag: swimming prohibited.
- Orange flag: lifeguard not present.
If you visit the cove out of season or on days when there are no lifeguards on duty, it is advisable to take extreme caution, especially if there is a strong south wind, as the waves can be considerable.
The urbanisation of Cala en Porter
Tourist development around the beach has led to urbanisation with a wide range of accommodation, shops, supermarkets, cash machines, car hire and even a small medical centre. Although some services are further away from the shore, the town centre is close enough so that you won’t miss anything. Among its best-known attractions is the Cala en Porter viewpoint, located on the left-hand cliff. It is accessed by stairs from the beach and offers spectacular panoramic views, perfect for photographing the cove from above.
Cova d’en Xoroi: legend and nightlife
But Cala en Porter is not just about the beach. Its strategic location allows you to explore a host of nearby treasures. If there is one place you cannot miss when visiting Cala en Porter, it is the Cova d’en Xoroi, a natural cave carved into the cliff and converted into one of Menorca’s most iconic venues. Legend has it that centuries ago, a man of Moorish origin — who was missing an ear — found refuge in this cave after a shipwreck or unknown escape. He lived there for years, leaving only to get supplies, until he was discovered.
Today, the cave has been transformed into a multipurpose space: during the day it opens as a bar-viewpoint with terraces overlooking the sea, and at night it becomes a unique nightclub with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. From its natural balconies, the views of the Mediterranean are among the most impressive on the island, especially at sunset.
Activities and excursions from Cala en Porter
In addition to enjoying the beach, the area offers several activities to complement your visit:
- Paddle surfing to Cales Coves
- For around £35, you can rent a board and paddle along the coast to Cales Coves, a series of small coves and caves carved into the cliffs, famous for their archaeological remains and natural beauty.
- Kayaking at sunset
- Another popular experience is to rent a kayak to watch the sunset from the sea. It is advisable to choose days without a southerly wind to enjoy a safer and more comfortable trip.
- Hiking along the Camí de Cavalls
- Cala en Porter is included in the historic Camí de Cavalls, the trail that circles the entire island. From here you can take short routes to other nearby beaches such as Llucalari or Cales Coves.
- Visit the Torre d’en Galmés and other archaeological sites
- Less than 4 km away, this Talayotic settlement is one of the most important archaeological sites in Menorca, with remains dating back to the Bronze Age. A little further on, about 5 kilometres away, is Torralba d’en Salord, another of the island’s most important Talayotic sites. And 7.5 kilometres away, you can visit Talatí de Dalt, another jewel of Menorcan archaeology.
- Son Bou Beach
- Just 6.5 km away, Son Bou is the longest beach in Menorca, ideal for those looking for endless sand and more space to walk by the sea.
How to get to Cala en Porter
By car:
- From Mahón: take the Me-12 road towards Sant Climent and follow the signs to Cala en Porter. The journey takes about 18 minutes (13 km).
- From Ciutadella: the quickest option is to drive to Alaior and take the turn-off towards Sant Climent. The journey takes about 45 minutes (42 km).
By bus:
In summer, there are regular bus services from Mahón that connect directly with Cala en Porter.
The nearest car park is just 50 metres away, making it very easy to transport parasols, cool boxes and children’s toys.
Accommodation in Cala en Porter
In Cala en Porter you will find a wide range of accommodation to suit different styles of travel. Here are two recommended options to make your stay on the island as comfortable as possible:
Tips for your visit
- Avoid days when there is a strong southerly wind, as the sea can be rough and swimming can be uncomfortable or dangerous.
- If you are looking for peace and quiet, it is best to go early in the morning or outside the months of July and August.
- Take the opportunity to combine beach and leisure: a sunny morning swimming, followed by an afternoon at Cova d’en Xoroi enjoying the sunset.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you want to climb up to the viewpoint or walk along any section of the Camí de Cavalls.
Final opinion
Cala en Porter is not the wildest or most spectacular beach in Menorca when compared to gems such as Macarella or Turqueta, but its location, accessibility and services make it a very practical option for families, people with reduced mobility or travellers who prefer not to complicate their trip with long routes to reach the shore. Added to this is the added attraction of the Cova d’en Xoroi and the possibility of nearby excursions. Here, adventure and relaxation are just around the corner. A place to enjoy, explore and, above all, return to. Here is a list of items that may be useful when preparing for your trip:
- Hiking shoes
- Snorkel set
- Compact microfibre towel
- Waterproof sun cream
- Polarised sunglasses
- Non-slip flip flops
- Anti-theft backpack
Quick facts about Cala en Porter
- Location: South of Menorca, municipality of Alaior.
- Type of beach: Semi-urban, white sand and calm waters.
- Orientation: South.
- Services: Lifeguard, showers, toilets, boat hire, adapted access, restaurants, free parking.
- Summer occupancy: High.
- Distances: 13 km from Mahón, 42 km from Ciutadella.
- Nearby places: Cova d’en Xoroi, Torre d’en Galmés, Son Bou, Cales Coves.
- Included in the Camí de Cavalls: Yes.
- Environmental certification: ISO 14001.
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