Cala Santandria Holidays

Looking for a low-key Menorca jolly where the biggest decision is whether to have another swim or another ice cream? Cala Santandria's got you sorted. This sheltered little cove on the west coast is a proper gem – shallow turquoise waters perfect for paddling tots, a sandy beach backed by restaurants, and Ciutadella's cobbled streets and harbour just 3km up the road. Not too quiet, not too buzzy – just right.

✅ Good to Know

• ☀️ Peak summer hits 27°C with 10+ hours of sunshine daily – bring factor 50 and your best beach reads

• 💶 A pint of local lager runs around €3, a meal out about €15-20 – mid-range for the Balearics

• 🌅 The west-facing coast means sunsets are absolutely unreal – on clear evenings you can see Majorca's mountains on the horizon

✨ Cala Santandria Highlights

• 🏖️ Sheltered sandy cove with calm, shallow waters – brilliantly safe for little ones learning to splash about

• 🤿 Cracking snorkelling along the rocky inlet, with a local dive centre if you fancy going deeper

• 🏛️ Ciutadella's gorgeous old town is a 10-minute bus ride away – think cathedral, harbour bars and proper Menorcan vibes

• 🏊 You can actually swim 700 metres to neighbouring Sa Caleta beach without hitting boat traffic – proper adventure

• 🍽️ Cova Sa Nacra restaurant is carved into the cliffside with sea views that'll make your Instagram weep

🏨 Cala Santandria Hotels

Cala Santandria's hotel scene is a proper good mix of family-friendly apartment complexes and couples' retreats. Most places sit within a short stroll of the beach, and you'll find pools, sun terraces and that easy-going Menorcan vibe running through the lot.

You can browse our full range of Cala Santandria hotels here, or we've handpicked a few favourites below.

For Families

• Prinsotel La Caleta – This 4-star is the big one round here. Two adult pools, two kids' pools, mini club, playground, volleyball, table tennis, water polo... basically everything to keep the troops entertained. Just 250m from the beach with multiple restaurants including show cooking. Proper family holiday vibes.

• Vacances Menorca Blanc Cottage – Solid aparthotel choice with one, two and three-bed apartments featuring kitchenettes. Mini club, playground, pool, table tennis – and just 200m from the beach. Evening entertainment in high season keeps things lively.

• Club Cales De Ponent – Overlooks the sandy cove directly, which makes it ideal for families with little ones. Two-bed apartments with kitchenettes, kids' splash pool, and a buffet restaurant if you can't be bothered cooking.

• Club Andria – Budget-friendly apartments just 350m from the beach, set in lush gardens with a pool and mini golf. One and two-room options with kitchenettes for self-catering freedom.

For Couples

• 2U Playa Santandria Beach Hotel – Adults-only 3-star right on the beachfront. Outdoor pool with jacuzzi, gym, massage room, and a restaurant terrace overlooking the sand. The kind of spot where you can roll straight from sun lounger to sangria without putting shoes on.

• Hotel Gran Sagitario – A 4-star just 500m from the beach with spa facilities, gorgeous pool area and both buffet and à la carte dining. Junior suites available if you fancy spreading out.

• Vibra Caleta Playa – Stunning aparthotel right on the beachfront with a tree-framed pool area. Studios and apartments available, so you can self-cater or eat out as the mood takes you.

🎯 What to Do in Cala Santandria

Families

• 🏖️ The main beach has shallow, calm waters with lifeguards – perfect for confident little swimmers

• 🚣 Rent a water bike and pedal around to Sa Caleta cove – kids absolutely love it

• 🎢 AquaRock waterpark in nearby Cala'n Bosch has slides, trampolines and go-karts (10 minutes by bus)

• 🏰 The clifftop castle in Ciutadella makes for a brilliant half-day adventure

Couples

• 🍷 Sunset drinks at Cova Sa Nacra – cliffside restaurant with sea views and local seafood

• 🚶 Walk the Camí de Cavalls coastal path to discover hidden coves and swimming spots

• 🛥️ Book a sunset boat trip from Ciutadella harbour – gin and tonic optional but recommended

• 🍽️ Wander Ciutadella's old town for tapas, boutique shopping and harbourside dining

Groups

• 🤿 The local dive centre offers trips for all levels – the underwater caves around here are class

• 🚴 Rent bikes and explore the coastal trails – mountain biking's properly popular on Menorca

• 🍹 Hit the bars in Ciutadella for evening drinks and people-watching by the marina

• ⛳ Menorca Golf is about 30 minutes away if you fancy a round

Culture Vultures

• 🏛️ Ciutadella Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María) dates back to the 14th century – stunning Gothic architecture

• 🏺 The old town streets are packed with history, from grand palaces to Moorish influences

• 🌊 Pont d'en Gil is a natural sea arch nearby – cracking for photos and sunset picnics

• 🏛️ The Naveta d'Es Tudons is one of Europe's oldest monuments (1000 BC) – about 15 minutes' drive

📅 When to Visit Cala Santandria

Peak Season (June–August)

Temps: 25-30°C | Sea temp: 23-26°C

This is when Cala Santandria really comes alive. The beach gets properly busy (arrive early for a good spot), boat trips run constantly, and the evenings buzz with families strolling to restaurants. Sant Joan in late June is absolutely unmissable if you're anywhere near Ciutadella.

Shoulder Season (May & September)

Temps: 20-25°C | Sea temp: 18-22°C

Brilliant timing – warm enough for beach days, quiet enough to actually bag a sunbed. Sea's still swimmable, prices drop a bit, and you'll have more room to breathe on those gorgeous coves.

Low Season (October–April)

Temps: 13-18°C | Sea temp: 14-18°C

Things go pretty quiet. Many resort facilities close for winter, though Ciutadella stays lively year-round. Great for walkers and anyone after genuine Menorcan life without the tourist crowds.

🗓️ What's On

• Festes de Sant Joan Every June (23rd-24th) - Ciutadella's legendary horse festival dates back to the 14th century and is genuinely unmissable. Black Menorcan horses rear up on their hind legs through packed streets, riders in traditional dress parade through the old town, there's medieval jousting, gin & llimonada flowing everywhere, and the whole city goes absolutely bonkers for two days.

• Ciutadella Summer Market Every Tuesday evening (June–September) - The old town hosts a lovely artisan market with local crafts, food stalls and live music. Combine it with dinner for a proper Menorcan evening out.

• Menorca Summer Fiestas Various dates (June–September) - Every town on the island has its own patronal fiesta featuring the famous horse parades (jaleos). If you miss Sant Joan, there's Sant Martí in Es Mercadal (July), Sant Llorenç in Alaior (August), and loads more.

• Cala Santandria Beach Days Year-round (peak facilities May–October) - The beach has sunbed rental, lifeguards, water sports hire and beach bars operating through the main season. Off-season it's quieter but still swimmable on warmer days.

🏝️ Nearby Resorts

Want to explore more of Menorca's west coast? These spots are all within easy reach:

• Ciutadella – The historic former capital with its gorgeous harbour, cathedral and buzzing nightlife. Just 3km away – walkable if you're keen, or a quick bus hop.

• Cala Blanca – Next-door neighbour with a lovely pine-backed beach and more shops and restaurants. Walking distance along the coast.

• Cala'n Bosch – The bigger, buzzier resort about 10km south with a marina, waterpark and more evening action. Great for families wanting extra facilities.