Cala Galdana: Menorca
I have called Menorca my home for over 15 years, and Cala Galdana is without a doubt one of my favourite spots. A combination of many factors makes it, in my opinion, a little piece of paradise. Think golden sand and the crystal-clear turquoise waters, towering pine trees and dramatic limestone cliffs. This beautiful resort really does have something for everyone.
Cala Galdana is the perfect family resort and is always one of my first stops with visiting family and friends. It has a horseshoe shaped bay of gentle waters ideal for even the youngest members of the family to enjoy a paddle. There is plenty to keep the little ones busy, including the Tobogan restaurant on the main strip, which is a firm favourite with my kids. It has two water slides, allowing the kids to tire themselves out whilst you enjoy a cool drink and a few snacks. There is also a crazy golf course and a play park if the kids ever manage to grow weary of the slides!
I often head to Cala Galdana to enjoy an afternoon picnic with friends, whilst the children paddle until the sun goes down. There are large picnic benches on the beach, nestling under the shade of the pine trees. However, if you prefer to treat yourselves, there is a popular restaurant perched on the edge of a rocky outcrop, where you can enjoy unbeatable views of the bay whilst sampling freshly caught sea food with cool, crisp white wine or try some local tapas accompanied by fruity, refreshing sangria.
After a day relaxing on the beach, if you fancy doing something different, the twice weekly equestrian show at Son Martorellet is situated less than 5km from Cala Galdana. I have taken my family numerous times, and it never fails to be both spectacular and enchanting. It is not just for horse lovers, and it is described as “A complete experience that touches the hearts and souls of all audiences”. The show is called “Somni” meaning “dream” in the local Menorca language. Magnificent stallions and their talented riders act out the story of a girl´s dreams and her longing to own a horse which soon becomes her best friend, embarking on many adventures. For true equestrian enthusiasts like myself, Son Martorellet also offers exclusive behind the scenes visits.
For the more adventurous holiday maker, Cami de Cavalls is the natural bridle path which skirts the whole island. From Cala Galdana, you can head in two directions, East to Cala Mitjana or West to Cala Macarella. Both walks saunter through a contrast of shady wooded areas as well as dramatic costal stretches. They are suitable for even the younger members of the family, with my younger son, aged 6, easily managing the longer route to Cala Macarella which is approximately 3km. The route to Cala Macarella should definitely be done in the early morning or late afternoon, when the heat of the Mediterranean sun is not so intense. The route to Cala Mitjana is shorter, and the majority of the route is along a well paved and shaded path, which winds down to the beach. Don’t forget that the way back is uphill though! The beach itself is spectacular, with the limestone cliffs overhanging the turquoise waters. Both Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana are unspoilt “virgin” beaches, which is the reason for their appeal, however remember that this also means there are very limited facilities, with one beach bar at Cala Macarella and nothing at all at Cala Mitjana, so take plenty of food and water on your walk.
If you prefer the open waters to dry land, there is a wide selection of water activities for all the family. I love hiring a kayak to explore a multitude of hidden caves and outlets around the bay. Or if you wish to head further afield, a round trip from Cala Galdana to Cala Mitjana and back should take approximately 2 hours. If its family fun you are looking for, my kids adore hiring out one of the floating pedalos, complete with its own slide!
After all the exertion, let the rest of the family head back to the villa for an afternoon swim, and book yourself into the Audax hotel’s Blue Spa for a bit of pampering. It boasts a full thermal spa circuit, as well as an array of treatments. The perfect way to unwind!
But it’s not all about the kids, as there is plenty to keep the grown-ups busy too! Cala Galdana has a good choice of restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as bars that are open until late, such as the popular Mississippi bar. Or head to the trendy chill-out lounge, Francesca, for an early evening cocktail.
Cala Galdana is home to 18 spectacular Villa Plus villas, including 7 which are new to the Villa Plus 2019 programme. Myself and my colleagues are delighted that they have been named after some of our children: Alexia, Erik, Ethan, Lidia, Nicolas, Olivia and Poppy.
Have a browse on our website to find the perfect villa to suit your needs, but I can guarantee that the resort of Cala Galdana will be an all-round winner!
So, in a nutshell, I just can’t wait for family and friends to visit us again in Menorca this year so that I can proudly show off this perfect piece of paradise on the island that I am proud to call home.
Post written by Caroline, part of our Villa Representative team in Menorca.