Water Sports feature on the beach. There are free public toilets midway on the promenade aswell as bars and souvenirs shops for drinks and summer goods/toys.
The beach can get crowded in peak season at the weekend when the locals add to the holiday guests.
Is Cala Galdana a good Holiday Beach Resort for you?
(updated January 2025)
Cala Galdana for families
Purpose built holiday resort with lots of (natural) attractions
Plenty to see and do within walking distances
Equestrian shows and horse riding nearby
Buses to Ciutadella
Cala Galdana for couples
Beautiful walks and virgin beaches close by
Visit Ciutadella for sightseeing, shopping and people watching
Excursion boats to nearby virgin beaches only reachable by boat or longer trek
Welllness and Beauty Spa plus Activites center in resort
Cala Galdana lies on the south coast of Menorca reached via Ferreries (11km). Set in beautiul and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Cliffs enclose a large bay, with turquoise blue waters and a gently shelving fine sandy beach. The resort has grown up to include a selection of private villas, hotels, private and commercial apartments, Bars and Restaurants, sitting in the pine wooded valleys behind the bay. A small river, the Algendar, flows into the sea here and enhances the natural beauty and charm of the resort.
Nick-named the 'Queen of the Calas' Cala Galdana, is one of the most beautiful pine clad bays in Menorca. The name itself is a corruption of the Moorish Guad-al-Ana (The Valley of St Anne).
Cala Galdana - Sights and Activities
Beach
The beach can get crowded in peak season at the weekend when the locals add to the holiday guests. Water Sports feature on the beach. There are free public toilets midway on the promenade aswell as bars and souvenirs shops for drinks and summer goods.
For those who want to add special holiday memories, Cala Galdana is a real scenery, beach and nature lovers resort as it is surrounded by pristine landscapes and virgin beaches to explore on foot, horseback or Mountain Bike. There are beautiful valleys and landscapes ( Algendar, Alocs ) with historical sites ( Sant Agueda Castle, Son Catalar ) to discover.
There are some beautiful trails along the rivers' valley floor as well as along the coastline on the Cami de Cavalls routes east and west.
Places to visit
A late afternoon / evening trip to Ciutadella is a must to stroll around the old city, people watch at the many Cafe Bars, take in a Tapa or two and do some clothes shopping?
Horse Shows
Close to Ferreries are stables and training stables where horse shows can be seen.
Virgin Beaches and local Coastline
You can walk to ( signed paths ) or take boat excursions/water taxis to these or by large boat excursions or hire out your own from several operators in Cala Galdana Marina
See below for details and more attractions nearby.
Supermarkets: there are several spread around the resort with everything necessary for a holiday - see locations map
TABACs - Cigarettes
There is a Tabac in Cala Galdana see map
note they are only open during June-September
There are basic summer clothes, souvenir shops in Cala Galdana but in Ferreies are one or two boutiques, handmade shoes and jewellery shops in the old town, but you really need to visit Ciutadella combined with a market day there.
In nearby Ferreries there are factory shops for one of the island's most famous upmarket leather shoes and goods manufacturer - Jaime Mascaro ( eg pretty Ballerinas ). Many of these shoes and goods you will find in more exclusive shops back home for considerably more than you will pay on Menorca.
Nightlife in Cala Galdana is more relaxed with a few bars to keep you entertained, most activity centres in the hotels. The island touring tribute acts will be on the outside stage at the hotel Cala Galdana - check locally for day/times. More varied,livelier and better nightlife can be found in Ciutadella.
Organised evening entertainment here is generally to be found in the resort hotels and some Bars. Mahon, Ciutadella and Es Castell however offer alot more with something for everyone, but with none of the "bing drink clubbing" to be found on Ibizia and Majorca. Menorca is not Majorca but that is why many people come here!
Cala Galdana caters mostly for tourist tastes, but does offer some more authentic cuisines. A better than average quality for a menorcan beach resort.
...our curated guide to Cala Galdana Restaurants Guide
Cala Galdada has a diverse set of bars mostly on the western side. For sundown along the beach promenade. There are hotel based terraces for cocktails and more stylish atmosphere.
Cala Galdana is very much about enjoying the outdoors on land or sea. Some amazing virgin beaches with lovely walks ( some very long ) along coast east or west. Sports activities at Sports Audax. Boat Charters and Excursions
Menorca beach resorts have few residents so visit local towns for anything beyond summer beach-wear,tourist items and beach toys/inflatables or souvenirs.
Within Cala Galdana - Several 'browsing' shops with summer clothes, toys, beach items. Better shopping in Ciutadella old city centre and Summer Night markets in Es Mercadal and Ciutadella.
In the local town of Ferreries ( bus route ) there are artisan jewellery and shoes boutiques as well as fine leather goods outlet on the commercial area. ( poligno ) . Farmers market on Saturday a.m. in season
Cala Galdana Supermarkets
Local supermarkets are seasonal and will be ~ 20% more expensive than out of resort.
TIP: Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, front of buses and signposts as Maó, it's local name. Take a bus trip to see some of the other sights, resorts/towns and Menorca's attractions.
Taxis - Cala Galdana
Airport to/from one way 50 Eur
Taxis are licensed for a MAX. of 4 Passengers. (any Age child counts as 1 )
Taxi Rank ( 2 cars ) is located on Passatge Riu ( road alongside river/marina )
Taxis to Ferreries ~5 miles circa max. 10 Eur. Taxis stand at Placa Espanya.
Ciutadella ( Placa Born main square ) to Cala Galdana ~45 € (night tariff)
Good to know
Menorca has no private Cab firms , Uber or ...'Dodgy Touts!'
TIP Summer peak In recent years Taxis have been in short supply due to not enough drivers for licensed areas. Consider a private transfer to reach Airport in good time for flight home.
Cala Galdana has a mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers. Menorca has pleasant cooling Summer breeze. The sea temperatures at Cala Galdana will be around 22-26 degrees in Summer. In October the water is still warm. Spring time ( early March to April ) will have sunny days with temperatures around 20 and above , ideal for sightseeing, walking, cycling and horseriding activities.
There are no Public shuttles , no direct Airport buses to Cala Galdana - connections only via Mahon with potential long waits
Taxi or pre-booked Shuttle ?
Daytime Taxis are plentiful outside arrivals - best value for 4 or less to Holiday Resorts within 20km. Airport Taxis do not provide child seats - required by LAW
Cala Galdana Airport Transfer times
0 Hrs.45 mins.
Menorca Airport
37 k.m
Shared Transfers Waits,restricted drop off/pickup addresses
Transfer Time: variable
from 13 Eur PP
Private Transfers Door to Door,no wait, drop off/pickup any addresses
Private Transfers from 80 Eur upto 3 to Cala Galdana ideal for families and groups , as no waiting for other passengers ( delayed) arrival. Door to Door and child seats can be pre-booked.
VIP Transfers from 110 Eur upto 6 to Cala Galdana No wait. Travel in style in premium vehicles