Cala Pregonda, Menorca: A Complete Guide to the Island's Most Iconic Red Beach

There's a reason Mike Oldfield chose this beach — twice — for his album covers. Cala Pregonda looks like nowhere else in the Mediterranean. Rust-red rocks, golden-ochre sand, a scattering of mysterious offshore islets, and water that shifts from emerald to sapphire depending on where you stand. Visitors often compare it to Mars, to the American Southwest, to somewhere that simply shouldn't exist on a small Balearic island. And yet here it is.

Consistently voted Menorca's most beautiful beach by locals and travellers alike, Cala Pregonda sits on the island's wild north coast, accessible only by foot or by sea. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've discovered something, even though thousands have walked this trail before you. Here's everything you need to plan your visit.

The Landscape: Why It Looks Like Nowhere Else

Cala Pregonda occupies a sheltered bay on Menorca's northern coast, within the Northern Marine Reserve. What makes it instantly recognisable is the geology. The surrounding headlands are composed of ancient, iron-rich clay and ferruginous rock, giving the cliffs and sand a distinctive golden-red colour that is entirely unlike the white limestone and bright-white sands of the south coast.

The beach itself stretches approximately 200 metres and is composed of coarse, golden-reddish sand. Offshore, several natural islets stand like sentinels in the bay, breaking the swell and lending the cove an almost mystical atmosphere. These rocky formations also create sheltered pockets of calm, turquoise water between them — some with tiny hidden beaches that you can reach by swimming or with a small boat.

The bay actually contains three distinct beach areas: Pregonda (the main beach), Pregondó (a smaller cove you encounter first when walking from Binimel·là), and the beach of Escull de Pregonda (a tiny strip of sand on the south side of the largest islet, reachable only by swimming or boat).

Apart from three private houses set back from the shore, there is zero development. No services, no construction, no noise — just the landscape, the sea, and the wind. A large dune system sits behind the beach, and the surrounding hillsides are carpeted with low scrub, aromatic herbs, and scattered pine.

On calm days, the water is extraordinarily clear, and looking out from the beach towards the lighthouse of Cavalleria (visible in the distance on the northernmost point of the island) is one of those quintessentially Menorcan moments.

Important note: Like all north-coast beaches, Cala Pregonda is exposed to the Tramontana. Although the offshore islets provide more protection here than at beaches like Cala Pilar, northerly winds still bring swell, debris, and potentially jellyfish. Always check the forecast before making the trip.

Getting There: Distances and Drive Times

You cannot drive to Cala Pregonda. The only road that reaches the beach is private and closed to the public. All visitors must walk in from the nearest accessible beach, Binimel·là.

From Es Mercadal to Binimel·là car park: approximately 10 km, around 15–20 minutes by car. Take the road towards Fornells, then follow signs towards Platja de Cavalleria, and continue following the signposts to Binimel·là. The last stretch of road is unpaved and can be bumpy — take it slowly, especially in a low-clearance car.

From Ciutadella to Binimel·là: approximately 35–40 minutes by car via Es Mercadal.

From Mahón (Maó) to Binimel·là: approximately 30–35 minutes by car.

From the airport (Mahón/MAH): approximately 30 minutes.

There is no bus service to Cala Pregonda or to Binimel·là. A rental car is essential.

Parking

Parking is at Binimel·là beach, where there is a free car park. It's a decent size, but it fills up fast in summer — especially at weekends. Arriving before 10:00 AM in July and August is strongly recommended.

Near the car park, you'll find a restaurant (Binimel·là) and toilet facilities — the last services you'll encounter before reaching Pregonda.

The Hike: Binimel·là to Cala Pregonda

From the car park, it's a short walk down to Binimel·là beach itself. From there, pick up the Camí de Cavalls trail (Stage 6), heading west (to the left when facing the sea).

The walk to Cala Pregonda is approximately 2 km and takes 25–35 minutes depending on your pace and how often you stop to gawk at the scenery — which will be often.

The trail is well-marked and not technically difficult, but it does involve some rocky, uneven terrain with a few short climbs and descents. Proper footwear (trainers at minimum) is essential. The path is almost entirely exposed to the sun, so a hat and water are non-negotiable.

Along the way, you'll pass:

• Cala Morts — a small rocky inlet
• Calanca Son Nadal — another tiny cove
• Pregondó — a smaller, quieter beach just before Pregonda, with the same red sand and gorgeous water. Many visitors choose to stop here instead, as it tends to be less crowded.

The landscape on this walk is extraordinary — red earth, low scrub, sweeping views of the northern coastline, and the dramatic islets of Pregonda gradually appearing ahead. Several visitors describe the scenery as reminiscent of the Colorado plateau or a Martian landscape. The final descent reveals the full panorama of the cove — a moment that genuinely stops you in your tracks.

Remember: the walk back is the same route, so factor in the return journey. In the afternoon heat, the exposed trail can be exhausting.

Things to Do at Cala Pregonda

Snorkelling: This is one of the best snorkelling spots in Menorca. The Marine Reserve status means the underwater life is abundant and diverse. The rocky areas around the islets and at the edges of the cove are particularly rich. Bring your own gear.

Swimming to the islets: The largest offshore islet is swimmable from the main beach (roughly 100 metres). On the far side, you'll find a natural rock pool with a small sandy beach — and a spot popular for cliff jumping. The climb up and the jump (a few metres) are not for the faint-hearted but reward the adventurous.

Photography: Cala Pregonda is endlessly photogenic. The contrast of red rock, golden sand, turquoise water, and the silhouettes of the islets creates dramatic compositions at any time of day. The walk in offers equally spectacular shots of the wild northern coastline.

Hiking the Camí de Cavalls: Stage 6 continues beyond Pregonda towards Els Alocs and eventually Cala Pilar — one of the most dramatic and demanding sections of the entire 185 km trail. Not a casual day trip, but serious hikers can combine several north-coast beaches in a single epic day.

Boat trips: Several operators offer excursions from Fornells that sail around Cap de Cavalleria and stop at Pregonda for swimming and snorkelling. This is the most comfortable way to visit — no hike, direct access from the sea, and a completely different perspective on the coastline. Catamaran trips are particularly popular.

Nudism: Cala Pregonda is nudist-friendly, with naturists and clothed beachgoers sharing the space without any issues.

The Mike Oldfield Connection

Cala Pregonda has an unusual claim to fame: it featured on the cover of British musician Mike Oldfield's 1978 album Incantations, photographed by Trevor Key during a storm that showed the islets in dramatic, wild conditions. When the album was reissued in 2011, Pregonda starred again — this time in a mysterious nocturnal image shot by Menorcan photographer Sús Camps. The beach's otherworldly appearance clearly made a lasting impression.

Best Time to Visit

• May, June and September–October offer the best balance: warm enough to swim, relatively few visitors, and calmer seas. You may share the beach with only a handful of others.
• July and August bring significant crowds, particularly at weekends. Despite the hike required, Pregonda's fame means it can get packed during peak hours (11:00 AM–3:00 PM). Boat excursions also drop visitors in the bay throughout the day. Arrive early or late for a more tranquil experience.
• Winter months are for hikers and photographers. The landscape is dramatic, but swimming conditions are unpredictable and the Tramontana is more frequent.

Practical Tips

1. Check the wind forecast. Tramontana from the north means rough seas and an uncomfortable beach day, even with the partial protection of the islets.
2. Arrive early in summer. The Binimel·là car park fills fast, and the beach itself gets crowded by midday.
3. Bring everything. Water (at least 1.5–2 litres per person), food, sunscreen, a hat, shade, snorkelling gear — there is nothing to buy at the beach.
4. Wear proper footwear. The trail is rocky and exposed. Carry beach shoes separately if you prefer.
5. Don't skip Pregondó. The smaller cove just before Pregonda is often quieter and equally beautiful. It makes a great alternative if the main beach feels crowded.
6. Don't touch the red clay cliffs. Mud baths may seem tempting but they erode the ancient, irreplaceable rock formations and damage the fragile ecosystem. It's discouraged and harmful.
7. Take all your rubbish. This is a pristine Marine Reserve. Leave absolutely nothing behind.
8. Consider a boat trip if hiking isn't your thing — catamaran and motorboat excursions from Fornells offer swimming stops at Pregonda without the walk.

Quick Reference

Cala Pregonda isn't just another beautiful beach — it's an experience that starts the moment you set foot on the trail. The walk through that alien, rust-coloured landscape, the slow reveal of the islets on the horizon, and the final descent to sand and sea deliver something that few Mediterranean beaches can match. It earns its reputation as Menorca's most extraordinary cove, and it earns every step of the hike to get there.