Location
Spain
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Cavalleria Beaches
Cavalleria is one of the best-known beaches on Menorca's wild north coast, in the municipality of Es Mercadal, a few kilometres west of the Cap de Cavalleria headland. It is really a double beach: rocks near the shoreline divide it into two shell-shaped bays between low hills, with Platja de Ferragut forming the western half. Together they run for roughly 450 m, about 22 m deep, with fine golden to reddish sand and dunes behind. Facing north, the beach takes the full force of the tramuntana wind, which brings swell and sometimes seaweed. It lies inside the North Menorca marine reserve and on the Camí de Cavalls coastal path, and is busy in summer; the council has stepped up supervision to manage crowds, and the environmental group GOB has campaigned against visitors taking clay baths from the eroding banks. Nude use here is limited: an island guide notes a nudist area at one end of the beach, but most visitors are clothed. Naturists wanting a fully nude beach usually walk the Camí de Cavalls about 1-2 km west to Cala Mica, a small undeveloped cove where nudity is the norm.
Getting there
From Es Mercadal take the Me-15 towards Fornells and follow signs for Cavalleria along the Camí de Tramuntana. A large free car park sits above the beach; from there a path with steps leads down in a few minutes. In peak summer the car park fills by mid-morning. There is no public transport to the beach. The Camí de Cavalls links Cavalleria with Cala Mica and Binimel·là to the west (rough path, sturdy shoes advised). Access to the sand is not step-free.
What visitors say
Visitors praise the reddish sand, dunes and wild setting, but describe the beach as crowded in high summer and exposed to wind and waves on tramuntana days. Few reviews mention nudity; those that do say it is confined to one end and that naturists generally prefer nearby Cala Mica. The large car park is convenient but fills early.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Public nudity is legal in Spain and Es Mercadal has no known ban; any nudity at Cavalleria is informal custom at the edge of a mainly clothed beach. The beach is in a marine reserve and the council increased supervision for crowding (2020s); taking clay from the banks is discouraged on environmental grounds.
Naturism at Cavalleria Beaches sits under Spain's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 40.0597, 4.0768
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Can I sunbathe nude at Cavalleria?
Nudity is legal in Spain, and a guide reports a nudist area at one end, but most visitors are clothed. Cala Mica, a short walk west, is the established nude cove.
Where do I park?
In the large free car park above the beach, reached via the Me-15 towards Fornells and the Camí de Tramuntana. Arrive early in summer.
Are there facilities?
Toilets and beach cleaning are listed; otherwise services are minimal, so bring water and shade.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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