Fornells Beaches

Overview

Fornells, a charming fishing village on Menorca's north coast, offers a unique beach experience focused on rugged nature and watersports rather than sprawling sandy shores directly in town. While the village of Fornells itself doesn't boast a large beach, its expansive, sheltered Fornells Bay is a renowned hub for activities like sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Visitors often wonder about the distinction between Fornells village and the nearby tourist area of Platges de Fornells; the latter is where you'll find Cala Tirant, a popular and family-friendly sandy beach with calm, shallow waters.

For those seeking unspoiled beauty, Fornells serves as an excellent base to explore Menorca's wild northern coast. The iconic Cala Pregonda, with its unique red sands and dramatic rock formations, is a must-see, though it requires a bit of a journey by car and a walk, or can be visited by boat. Similarly, Cavalleria Beach offers a vast expanse of reddish sand and a natural setting, famed for its sunsets viewed from the nearby lighthouse. While these virgin beaches offer unparalleled natural beauty, it's good to know that reaching them often involves some effort, and they possess a more rugged character compared to the white-sand coves of Menorca's south coast.

Beyond these highlights, the area around Fornells provides access to numerous other coves and coastal experiences, often best reached by boat trips departing from Fornells' harbour. For those interested in a day trip to experience the quintessential turquoise waters and white sands of the south, Cala Macarella stands out as an iconic option, though it's a considerable journey from Fornells. Whether you're paddling in the bay, discovering hidden gems, or simply enjoying the authentic Menorcan atmosphere, Fornells offers a distinct and adventurous beach holiday. Our longer list of beaches provides more options for your exploration.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are there any actual sandy beaches in Fornells town itself?

Fornells town doesn't have a large sandy beach directly in the village. There's a very small stretch of sand near the center, but it's not ideal for a full beach day. The bay of Fornells is quite long and wide, which protects swimmers and water sports enthusiasts from large waves, but the shoreline within the town is mostly harbor. The nearest proper sandy beach is Cala Tirant, located in the nearby tourist-focused area of Platges de Fornells.

Cala Tirant

Is Fornells a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Fornells can be a good base for families, especially those interested in watersports and exploring nature. While Fornells village itself lacks a large beach, the nearby Platges de Fornells area has Cala Tirant, which offers very safe, shallow, and protected waters, making it ideal for children. The broader Fornells area provides access to various activities like kayaking and boat trips suitable for families. The village of Fornells offers a quieter, more authentic Menorcan experience compared to some larger resorts.

Cala Tirant

What are the best beaches near Fornells for watersports?

The Bay of Fornells itself is renowned as a prime location for watersports in Menorca, particularly for beginners in windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking, due to its protected waters. While not a traditional sunbathing beach, its conditions are excellent for these activities. For snorkeling, some enthusiasts go to the area around Platja d'en Fornells. Many watersport schools and rental places are based in Fornells.

How do I get to the virgin beaches like Cala Pregonda or Cavalleria from Fornells?

To reach stunning virgin beaches like Cala Pregonda and Cavalleria from Fornells, you'll generally need a car or to take a boat trip. For Cala Pregonda, you drive towards Es Mercadal, then follow signs for Binimel·là, where you park and then walk about 30-35 minutes along the Camí de Cavalls trail. For Cavalleria, you also drive from Es Mercadal towards the north, following signs. There's parking near Cavalleria, followed by an 8-10 minute walk to the shore. Boat excursions from Fornells are a popular and easier way to visit these and other less accessible north coast beaches.

Cala Pregonda

Cavalleria Beach

Can you swim in the Bay of Fornells?

Yes, you can swim in the Bay of Fornells. The bay is large (about five kilometers long and two kilometers wide) and its enclosed nature means the waters are generally calm and protected from strong waves, making it safe for swimming. However, the town of Fornells itself doesn't have extensive sandy areas for entering the water; these are found at nearby beaches like Cala Tirant.

Cala Tirant

What's the difference between Fornells and Platges de Fornells?

Fornells is an old, authentic fishing village with a charming harbor, known for its restaurants and watersports focus. It doesn't have a large sandy beach. Platges de Fornells (or Playas de Fornells) is a nearby, purpose-built tourist urbanization that is home to Cala Tirant, a significant sandy beach. The two are distinct areas, though often confused, and are located a few kilometers apart.

Cala Tirant

Are the beaches near Fornells usually windy?

Beaches on the north coast of Menorca, including those near Fornells, can be exposed to the Tramuntana (north) wind. Fornells Bay itself is somewhat protected by surrounding hills, making it good for watersports even with some wind. However, open sea beaches like Cavalleria can be quite windy and have more waves when the Tramuntana blows. It's always a good idea to check the wind forecast; if a strong north wind is predicted, beaches on the south coast of Menorca might be calmer.

Cavalleria Beach

Is it better to stay in Fornells or a resort on the south coast for beaches?

Choosing between Fornells and a south coast resort depends on your priorities. Fornells offers a more authentic, quieter Menorcan experience, is a hub for watersports, and provides access to wild, rugged northern beaches like Cavalleria and Pregonda (often requiring a walk or boat trip). South coast resorts typically have easier access to numerous white sand, calmer 'calas' (coves) with more amenities directly on the beach. The north coast beaches are known for reddish sand and a more dramatic, unspoiled landscape, while the south is famed for its picturesque turquoise waters and fine white sand.

Cavalleria Beach

Cala Pregonda

People Also Ask

Are there boat trips from Fornells to visit different beaches?

Yes, Fornells is a major departure point for boat trips exploring Menorca's north coast. Numerous operators offer excursions of varying lengths, from a few hours to a full day. These trips typically visit several coves and virgin beaches, including popular spots like Cala Pregonda and Cavalleria, often including stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sometimes even paddleboarding. Some tours also explore sea caves.

Cala Pregonda

Cavalleria Beach

What is Cala Tirant like? Is it good for families?

Cala Tirant is the main beach for the Platges de Fornells urbanization, located near Fornells village. It's a relatively large sandy beach, characterized by somewhat darker sand and shallow, clear waters, making it very safe and suitable for families with children. The beach is semi-urbanized, with some amenities nearby, including watersport rentals and Red Cross presence in season. It has two main bathing areas separated by a small hill, accessible via a wooden walkway.

Cala Tirant

Are there any nudist beaches near Fornells?

While Menorca has a generally relaxed attitude towards nudity on many of its less crowded and virgin beaches, there isn't an officially designated nudist beach right in Fornells. However, some of the more remote coves along the north coast, accessible via the Camí de Cavalls or by boat, may have visitors practicing naturism, particularly sections of larger beaches like Binimel·là or Cavalleria that are further from the main access points.

Binimel-La

Cavalleria Beach

What kind of holiday is Fornells best for if I'm interested in beaches?

If your primary interest is beaches, Fornells is best suited for those who enjoy exploring rugged, natural coastlines, are interested in watersports, and don't mind a bit of travel (by car, foot, or boat) to reach some of the most spectacular virgin beaches on Menorca's north coast. It's less about having a wide, sandy beach right on your doorstep in the main village, and more about using Fornells as a base for adventure and discovering unique, often less crowded, coves. It appeals to independent travelers and those seeking an authentic Menorcan atmosphere.

Can I rent kayaks or paddleboards in Fornells to explore the bay?

Yes, Fornells is an excellent place for renting kayaks and paddleboards (SUP). Several rental companies operate in the bay, offering equipment to explore its calm waters, numerous coves like Cala Blanca (about a 30-minute paddle), and S'Arenalet on the opposite side of the bay. The bay's protected nature makes it ideal for these activities, even for beginners.

Are there facilities like restaurants or toilets at beaches like Cavalleria or Pregonda?

Cavalleria and Pregonda are largely unspoiled, virgin beaches. Cavalleria typically has a small beach bar (chiringuito) located in the car park area (a short walk from the beach itself), which may also have basic toilet facilities. Cala Pregonda, being more remote and accessed by a longer walk, generally has no services or facilities directly on the beach. It's advisable to bring your own food, water, and any other necessities when visiting these more natural beaches.

Cavalleria Beach

Cala Pregonda

What's the sand like on the northern beaches near Fornells compared to the south coast?

The northern beaches near Fornells, such as Cavalleria and Pregonda, are known for their characteristic reddish or golden-hued sand, which can be coarser than on the south coast. The landscape is generally more rugged and wild. In contrast, the beaches on Menorca's south coast typically feature fine white sand and are often set in more sheltered coves with calmer, turquoise waters.

Cavalleria Beach

Cala Pregonda