Barrel Cove
And, in spite of everything, it has its charm?
This small cove lacks sand (gravel replaces it), is far from everything and can be dangerous because of its numerous reefs (especially if we want to access it by boat). Its beach is not one of the most beautiful in Menorca and its environment is quite inhospitable, but, in spite of everything… Cala Barril has its charm.
It is a quiet beach and offers a tranquility difficult to find in many other places on the island (largely, it is true, because its number of followers is limited, but the cause is the least of it). The important thing is that in the middle of the “nothing” it offers, you find “something”.
You find sunsets reflected in its rocky waters. You find a horizon in which stand out above all the Illa des Coloms and Ses Bledes that, although you only get to intuit, you are able to feel in the distance. You find, precisely here, where the Menorcans “flee”, the symbol of the island, its star species: the Balearic lizard.
It is here, in this corner away from the hustle and bustle, where perhaps, without wanting it, you find more Mediterranean. A special flavor that comes from the pause, from the calm, from that place where everything seems to be frozen and the clock stops ticking.
Yes, the Mediterranean is savored in unexpected places like this, in special places like Cala Barril.
Name: Barril Cove
Situation: North Zone III (40°3.868‘N 4°1.714‘E)
Distance from Mahón: 26 MN / 33 km
Time from Mahón: 2h 10 min by boat (average speed 15 knots) / 40 min by car
Type of beach: Gravel
Anchoring with boat: Sand and rock. Open to the N and protected by the Illa d’en Coloms.
Dangerous access by boat: Stop. The entry must be made at a course of 190° on the port side of the Illa d’en Coloms. Recommended only for very small lengths. Abundance of rocks.
Posidonia:
Yes
Nearest gas station for boats:
9 MN, Port of
Fornells
SERVICES
NO SERVICES
WALK 2.3 Km
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Cala Barril in Menorca, how to get there?
To get to this cove, we can follow the sixth stage of the
Camí de Cavalls
which goes from Binimel-là to Els Alocs and passes by Cala Barril.
We can come from either point, although it is true that the path from Binimel-là is shorter (less than 2.5 km, compared to 5.5 km to start the journey in Els Alocs) and, in addition, this route that passes through Cala Pregonda is especially beautiful.
To reach Binimel-là by
road
We will have to leave Mahón in the direction of Fornells by the Me-7. Then, take the detour to Me-15 and take the third exit at the traffic circle on the road.
From here, we must follow the signs indicating the way to the beach (for about 8 km) and we will arrive at a parking lot where we can park. From this point, the trail must be followed on foot.
Services near Cala Barril
NO NEARBY SERVICES*.
*We consider them “close” if they are within a radius of 250-300 m approx.
What to see near Cala Barril?
Cala Barril is the right place to stop for a break and take a breath. To stop thinking for a while, or to think about everything we do not dedicate time to on a daily basis. It is a place to disconnect… and reconnect again.
And, well, if we get tired of so much “spirituality”, we can always do some hiking. As is the case in most parts of the coastline, the
Camí de Cavalls
is there to rescue us from boredom and offer us a nice route with which to continue exploring and discovering other lost (or better known) places on the island.
How to get to Cala Barril by boat?
Access by boat is complicated due to the multitude of reefs found in its waters, but if we still want to reach Cala Barril by sea, we must leave our boat from the port of Mahon in a SE direction leaving the dock to starboard. We will continue through the port until we reach the open sea (up to Punta de Sant Carles).
At this point, we will leave the San Carlos lighthouse to starboard, and continue to port along the coast (heading NE). We will pass La Mola and Punta de S’Espero, to advance in a NW direction (always sailing with the coast to port).
We will pass Cap Negre, Punta de Sa Galera and, finally, Punta de sa Cudia. On the port side we will see an inlet that leads to Es Grau and in front we will have Illa d’en Colom. We will have to overcome it leaving it on the port side and continue in a NW direction until we pass the Cap de Mossen Vives and the Escull den Tortuga. From the bow we will see the Cap de Favàritx and its unmistakable lighthouse.
Skirting the Favàritx point, we will advance in a NW direction until we see the Addaia islands. Leaving them to port, we will continue until we reach Punta Pantinat.
We will go around it and sail in a NW direction (passing Punta de na Guillemassa and Punta des Morter) until we reach Cap de Cavallería. We will border it passing between Illa d’els Porros (which will be on the starboard side) and Illot des Pas (which will be on the port side).
Once past the channel between the two, we will descend in a SW direction until we see Illa Bledes, which we will leave to port, going around its northern end, to descend towards the S. At the end of the narrow pass that forms between Illa des Coloms and Cap de s’Ailaró, we will find Cala Barril.
The entry must be made at a course of 190° to port from the Illa des Coloms. This is an access that is only recommended for very small boats, and special attention must be paid to the presence of rocks (very abundant in the area).
Do you want to go to Cala Barril by boat?
