Is Cala en Blanes good for a family beach holiday?
Yes, Cala en Blanes is considered an ideal destination for families with children. The main beach, Cala en Blanes, is a picturesque cove with crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters and golden sand, making it safe for young children to paddle and play. It offers amenities like sun lounger and umbrella rentals, toilet facilities, and a children's play area shaped like a pirate ship. The resort area also has numerous attractions and play areas geared towards little ones, including the Aqua Center water park. Many restaurants in the area cater to children as well.
What is the water like for swimming at Cala en Blanes beaches?
The water at Cala en Blanes beach is generally crystal-clear, turquoise, and calm with very few waves, making it excellent for swimming, especially for families with young children. The sea temperature during summer months (June to September) ranges between 22-26 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for swimming and water sports. Nearby coves like Cala en Brut also offer clear waters, though they are rockier and more suited for jumping and snorkeling.
When is the best time to visit Cala en Blanes for a beach holiday?
The best time for a beach holiday in Cala en Blanes is during the summer months, from June to September. During this period, the weather is hot and sunny, with pleasant cooling breezes, and sea temperatures are ideal for swimming (22-26Β°C). July is the hottest and driest month. Spring (early March to April) offers sunny days with temperatures around 20Β°C, suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities, but the water might be cooler. Visiting in June or September can mean fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season of July and August.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Cala en Blanes beaches?
Yes, at Cala en Blanes beach, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Cala en Brut also has sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent, typically costing around 19-21 Euros, with potential discounts later in the day. Cales Piques also offers sun lounger rentals.
What kind of accommodation is available near the beaches in Cala en Blanes?
Cala en Blanes offers a wide variety of accommodation options close to its beaches, suiting different budgets and preferences. These include hotels (ranging from budget-friendly to more upscale), aparthotels (like Marinda Garden Aparthotel and Globales Cala'n Blanes Hotel, noted as family-friendly), holiday villas, and apartments for rent. Some accommodations, like Apartamentos Cala'n Blanes, are located just 100 meters from Cala en Blanes beach.
What are the nearby beaches to Cala en Blanes?
Besides the main Cala en Blanes beach, there are several other coves and swimming spots nearby. These include Cala'n Forcat, a small picturesque beach with calm, clear turquoise waters; Cala en Brut, known for its rocky platforms for sunbathing and jumping into deep, clear water rather than a sandy beach; and Cales Piques, a very small urban beach. Slightly further afield, you can explore the virgin beach of Val des Algaiarens.
Is Cala en Blanes a lively resort or more quiet?
Cala en Blanes, as part of the larger Los Delfines area (which also includes Cala'n Forcat and Cala'n Brut), is considered one of the more lively resorts in Menorca, especially in the evenings. It offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. While it has a family-friendly atmosphere, there's evening entertainment, including shows in the town center, particularly around Jimmy Hills Square. However, it's not known for large nightclubs like some other destinations; the nightlife is more geared towards families and couples looking for a pleasant evening out.
Can you snorkel at Cala en Blanes beaches?
Yes, snorkeling is a popular activity at Cala en Blanes and its surrounding coves due to the clear waters. Cala en Brut, with its rocky shoreline and abundant marine life, is particularly recommended for snorkeling and diving. While you can snorkel at any beach in Menorca, the Northern Marine Reserve offers the greatest diversity of marine fauna.
How do you get to Cala en Blanes from Menorca Airport?
Cala en Blanes is about 49-50 km west of Menorca Airport. Options for getting there include: private transfers (door-to-door service, from around 92 EUR for up to 3 passengers), shared shuttle transfers (an affordable option starting around 11-12 EUR per person, but may involve waits and restricted drop-off points), and taxis (starting around 58 EUR, potentially more on weekends or evenings). Public transport is not advised as it requires multiple bus changes (airport to Mahon, Mahon to Ciutadella, then another to Cala en Blanes) and can involve long waits.
Are there any beaches near Cala en Blanes that are less crowded or hidden gems?
While Cala en Blanes and its immediate neighbors like Cala en Brut can get busy, especially in peak season, you might find quieter spots by exploring the coastline. The virgin beach of Val des Algaiarens is mentioned as a beautiful nearby natural beach, which would likely be less crowded than the resort coves. Exploring the CamΓ de Cavalls coastal path can also lead to discovering more secluded swimming coves.
What's the difference between Cala en Blanes, Cala'n Forcat, and Cala en Brut?
These are all small coves located close to each other in the Los Delfines resort area. Cala en Blanes is the largest of these and is a sandy cove, very family-friendly with shallow waters and amenities. Cala'n Forcat is a smaller, picturesque sandy cove, also with clear, calm waters. Cala en Brut is distinct as it's not a traditional sandy beach but features rocky platforms for sunbathing and jumping into deep, clear turquoise water, making it popular for snorkeling and adventure seekers. It's not ideal for those seeking sand or for very young children needing gentle shore access.
Are there places to eat and drink directly on or next to the beaches in Cala en Blanes?
Yes, Cala en Blanes beach has beach bars/restaurants, including Sa Cova (set in an old fisherman's cave) and Hopi Beach Bar, where you can get food and drinks with views of the cove. Cales Piques also has a beach bar (chiringuito). The wider Los Delfines area, which encompasses these coves, has many bars and restaurants within easy walking distance of the beaches.
Is it easy to get around Cala en Blanes and to nearby towns like Ciutadella?
Cala en Blanes and the surrounding Los Delfines area are compact and can be easily explored on foot. There is a local bus service (Line 61) that connects Cala en Blanes with the nearby historic town of Ciutadella, making it accessible for sightseeing and exploring further. A resort 'mini train' also operates, stopping at various points within Cala en Blanes, Cala'n Forcat, and Los Delfines. Taxis are also available.
Are there any specific local quirks or things to know about the beaches in Cala en Blanes?
A unique feature of the Cala en Blanes beach area is the extensive palm tree grove behind the sand, offering shade and a public picnic area with BBQ facilities (though BBQs are typically only allowed in winter due to fire risk). Another local characteristic is Cala en Brut, which isn't a sandy beach but a series of rock platforms for sunbathing and jumping into the sea, popular with those who enjoy a more active beach experience and don't mind the lack of sand. Some coves like Cala en Brut can occasionally have jellyfish, so it's always good to be aware.
Is Cala en Blanes suitable for couples looking for a beach holiday?
Yes, Cala en Blanes can be suitable for couples. While it's very family-friendly, it also offers a quieter location compared to some larger party resorts, yet it's close to the amenities of Los Delfines and the charming historic city of Ciutadella for romantic strolls and more dining options. The picturesque coves, opportunities for snorkeling, and pleasant evening atmosphere can appeal to couples. For a more unique experience, Cala en Brut offers a different kind of beach day on its rock platforms.
