Best Anchorages in Minorca, Spain – Sailing Guide

Important Reminder

Do not anchor on the Posidonia! Protecting this vital seagrass is crucial for maintaining the marine ecosystem.

Introduction to Minorca

Minorca lies at the eastern end of the Balearic Islands. It’s a paradise on earth, often touched by the mistral north wind. This beautiful Mediterranean island boasts a rich ecological interior and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for sailors.

Southwest of the Island

Ciutadella – Cala Des Degollador

Coordinates: 39°59’38.0″N 3°49’39.9″E

A charming and famous harbour town on the SW coast of Menorca. This former capital enchants sailors with a beautiful mix of lovely beaches and excellent anchorage close to the port. In calm weather, you can anchor in 5-7m on sand. Be aware that this anchorage can get a bit choppy due to nearby ferry traffic.

Son Saura

Coordinates: 39°55’33.0″N 3°53’37.8″E

Son Saura is a large bay on the SW coast of Minorca. In calm weather, you can anchor on sand in 5m. This bay offers good shelter from the N-NE winds, though a strip of rock and weed crosses the bay’s middle.

South of Minorca

Son Bou

Coordinates: 39°53’42.6″N 4°04’27.5″E

Son Bou is part of a long coastline that includes Playa de Binigaus and Sant Tomas resorts. These areas offer everything you need, from bars and restaurants to supermarkets and car rentals. In calm weather, you can anchor in 5-8m on a sandy bottom. The area also features remains of an ancient Christian basilica and necropolis built in the late 5th/early 6th centuries.

Cala Porter

Coordinates: 39°52.07′ N, 4°7.90′ E

Cala Porter is a deep-reaching bay with 40m-high cliffs and a large tourist resort ashore. It’s famous for the Cova d’en Xoroi, a cliffside attraction worth visiting during the day and at night. Drop anchor above the sandy bottom in depths of 7-3m, but note that red buoys indicate prohibited anchoring on the bay’s east side.

Cala Teulera

Coordinates: 39°52’40.8″N 4°18’30.0″E

Cala Teulera, located on the east side of Menorca, offers well-protected anchorage with a muddy bottom for good holding. It is the only place where anchoring is allowed around the entrance to Mahon.

North of Minorca

The north coast of Minorca is dominated by the mistral, a strong northerly wind that can interrupt sailing trips, even in summer. Take care around shallow areas, particularly close to capes.

Cala Addaya

Coordinates: 40°00’13.8″N 4°12’01.2″E

A buoyed channel over 1M leads to a small marina and anchorage. The outer buoys are lighted. Cala Addaya gives the impression of an estuary extending into the countryside between cliffs and green pines. It’s part of the National Park S’Albufera des Grau, where anchoring on the weed-covered bottom is prohibited. The anchorage is well sheltered and peaceful.

Arenal D’En Castell

Coordinates: 40°1.42′ N, 4°11.00′ E

A sheltered bay except during north winds. Be cautious of two dangerous shoals 0.5nm north of the bay. The bottom is sand and weed, with depths around 5m. Nearby, you can find bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and doctors close to the beach.

Cala’n Tosqueta

Coordinates: 40°3.413’N 4°10.019’E

A lovely spot for a swim. Anchored in 6m on a sandy and weedy bottom.

Fornells

Coordinates: 40°2.489’N 4°7.672’E

Fornells is a large bay with extensive buoy fields on the north coast. It is sheltered during the mistral.

Cala d’Algaiarens

Coordinates: 40°02’55.9″N 3°55’15.3″E

Cala Morell

Coordinates: 40°03’19.7″N 3°53’00.1″E

Discover this beautiful island with us, and subscribe for new videos to stay updated on the best sailing spots around Minorca.