Cavalleria

*North coast area of Cavalleria, Cala Mica, Platja Rotja *and Cala Pregonda**

*Cavalleria Area*

In this coastal area between the islands of des Porros and the Bledes islands, there is a group of virgin beaches that are very interesting and comparable only to those of the Es Grau Natural Park group.

On the coastline following Cabo de Cavalleria to the west, you will find the beaches of Cavalleria and Ferragut, which are a short distance from each other, and somewhat further away is Cala Mica; all of them are located halfway between the access to the Cabo de Cavalleria lighthouse and the Port of Sanitja (an ancient Roman port).

It is essential to reach the Cabo de Cavalleria lighthouse and swim at the Cavalleria beaches, which are formed by fine, golden-reddish sand.

Cavalleria or Platja Rotja, named for the color of the terrain, is used by bathers for mud baths (where the rocks are, going down the stairs on the right-hand side), just like in the vicinity of Binigaus. Access is on foot for about 15 minutes, and then you have to go down a wooden staircase (after having left the car in a parking area provided next to the path). It is a virgin beach; it is important to bring a supply of water and umbrellas. Do not leave any trash. It is a beach that becomes deep after only a few meters, ideal for swimming and diving, so be careful with small children.

Cala Mica is another small, narrow beach with a much steeper slope, leaving only the sandy part usable; it is located halfway between Cavalleria and Binimel.là and can be reached on foot from Cavalleria.

All these beaches are right at the base of Cabo de Cavalleria.

Cala Viola de Ponent, but above all the Port of Sanitja, are two shelter areas for boats; their facilities are minimal, limited to a pier with a road for docking vehicles and trailers.

In Binimel•là, beaches of fine, softly golden sand intermingle with others of somewhat coarser sand. Almost all are open-sea coves or have a small inlet, and since they are on the north coast of the island, in winter they are violently battered by the tramontana wind, but in summer they are calm and have clear, fresh water. The area has almost no trees, so it is advisable to bring sun protection if you plan to spend the day there. To the right of the cove, Binimel.là has an area for vehicles (near the wetland), so you won't have to carry your belongings far.

Cala Pregonda is, and by right, one of those legendary beaches in Menorca, and despite having a few private chalets, it can almost be defined as virgin. The beach is beautiful and the surrounding landscape is postcard-perfect; it features a series of rocky islets that, acting like a breakwater, defend it from the open sea and enhance its beauty even more. The sand is fine and softly golden, winding for about a hundred meters, with crystalline waters in shades of turquoise. It is well worth the walk to see it; it is a twenty-minute walk from Binimel.là, where we leave the car. The path is gentle and suitable for all ages.

Access: Cavalleria area. From Es Mercadal, take the road to Fornells. Almost at this town, at Km 5 of the C723, where it meets the PM710 road from Maó to Fornells, at that point take the detour to the left along the Camino de Tramontana. Shortly after, and depending on the rainfall, you can see a lagoon on the right side of the road, and from here we must take the turnoffs to the different locations. In any case, there are signs.

The first turnoff leads to the beaches of Cavalleria, Ferragut, Mica, the Ecomuseum, or the lighthouse. Upon reaching the intersection for the Cabo de Cavalleria lighthouse, we will take that route and be attentive to the signs. We will find an esplanade on the left-hand side where vehicles are parked. You have to take a trail, and later we will find a wooden staircase that goes down to the Cavalleria beaches, in total about 15 minutes of walking. For the Ecomuseum, we must continue just to the next sharp curve, now to the left; this upward detour goes to the Ecomuseum, and the downward one goes to the lighthouse. Attention: at a short distance there are barriers (gates), specifically two, so that livestock does not escape; it is mandatory, legally and morally, to leave them closed when entering and leaving.

For Binimel.là: we must pass the detour to the lighthouse and follow for a couple of km and turn right onto a very wide dirt and stone path until reaching a large two-story house. You can go above or turn left; the path ends in a wetland with ducks that reaches the very edge of a wide beach. This is Binimel.là, and at the end of this part of the path, going above leaving the house to the left, you can also access this beach or continue along the path for another km and get closer to Cala Mica from here.

For Cala Pregonda: from Binimel.là, looking towards the sea to the left, a wide path starts; it is the path that leads to Cala Pregonda, a gentle walk of about 20 minutes.

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Photographs: Omar Mauro Banquero