Sant Esteve Cove
A natural defense against invaders
Sant Esteve cove is located in the municipality of Es Castell, in the east of the island.
It is a narrow and deep cove that becomes narrower towards the end, formed from a sea chute whose width is reduced as we approach the coast. When we approach, we will see that it is a rocky beach, without sand, with a steep slope leading to the sea, and in which the small white houses and old jetties that surround the area stand out.
Although its appearance as a channel should make it a sheltered cove, its exposure to the east can cause winds from this direction to cause strong swells in the area.
There are two distinct parts within the cove: the end of the inlet that is full of jetties, and the beginning of it, in the southern part, which was previously used as a quarry and where now originate natural pools.
The influx of bathers is not too high, being more common to find in its waters the local inhabitants of the area than tourists.
Its extremely elongated shape and its sheltered nature made Cala Sant Esteve a strategic place for the defense and protection of different civilizations throughout history. Around it, in fact, we can find many samples of the settlements that were made near the cove, looking for the protection it could offer.
Where does the name Sant Esteve come from?
The name of this cove refers to the relics of St. Stephen, who landed in this beautiful place in the time of Bishop Severo.
As we mentioned before, Sant Esteve cove was a key place for the defense of the island for centuries and, if we observe the surroundings of Sant Esteve cove, we will see how there are many constructions focused on its protection.
Near this cove are located, for example, the Castell de Sant Felip of the sixteenth century designed to defend the port of Mahon (and is located just 1.5 km from the beach) and Fort Marlborough forged during the British rule to protect the previous castle (and is about 450 meters away), in addition to the Torre d’en Penjat (which was built by the British in 1798) and the Punta de Sant Carles, where the Far de Maó, which leads to the port of the same name (Mahon) is located.
Name: Sant Esteve Cove (or Cala de San Esteban)
Location: Mahón Area (39º51.784’N 4º18.348’E)
Distance from Mahón: 2’3 MN ; 7’3 km
Time from Mahón: 15 min by boat (average speed: 15 knots); 16min by car
Type of beach: Rocks
Anchoring: Rocky. Boats on buoys and rocks. Open to E.
Danger: Medium. Look for the starboard margin with a little more depth, between 3 and 5 meters. Difficult to maneuver if we go too deep, narrow channel.
Posidonia: Protected site
Gas station: 2’3 MN; Mahon
SERVICES
NO SERVICES
PARKING
PADDLE SURF RENTAL
Discover the secret corners and beaches of Menorca!
RENT SCUBAJET
Explore the seabed with the Scubajet thruster. Expand your possibilities of use by motorizing your paddle surf.
Sant Esteve in Menorca, how to get there?
If we want to reach San Esteban by road, we will leave Mahón by the Ronda de Maó. We will continue along it until we reach the traffic circle where we will find the exit to “Camí des Castell / Me-2”. We will take this exit and follow the signs to stay on Me-2.
When we find the traffic circle with the exit to “Plaça s’Arraval Vella / Me-6”, we will take it and stay on the Me-6 until we reach Camí de Sa Cala Sant Esteve.
Next to the cove, we will see a parking lot where you can park your car.
If we prefer, it is also possible to reach Sant Esteve through the Camí de Cavalls (on foot or by bike). The stage from Mahón to the cove is about 6 km long and lasts approximately 2 hours. This is a simple route that runs, for the most part, through an urban area.
Services near Cala Sant Esteve
NO NEARBY SERVICES*.
Although there are no nearby restaurants or accommodation options, there is a playground located a few meters from the cove, and also a motorcycle rental company that can be very useful to move around the island.
*We consider them “close” if they are within a radius of 250-300 m approx.
| SERVICE | TELEPHONE | WEB |
|---|---|---|
| RENTAL. Menorca Motorcycles Rent | 651 54 22 90 | www.menorcamotosrent.com |
What to do in Sant Esteve?
From excursions visiting the remains of the castles, forts and defense towers that surround the cove, to enjoying its crystal clear waters, Sant Esteve will allow you to enjoy different activities.
In the southern area, for example, there is a summer colony where it is common to see amateur fishermen, stranded in its waters, enjoying their favorite activity.
Since it is a place where vacationers’ residences predominate and there are no services or restaurants, it is a quiet cove to enjoy a pleasant day bathing in its waters or diving and discovering the marine fauna and flora hidden in its depths.
How to get to Cala Sant Esteve by boat?
To access Cala Sant Esteve by boat we must leave the port of Mahón, heading SE. We will sail leaving Illa del Rei to port.
We will continue along the coast until we reach Punta de Sant Carles. We will leave the lighthouse to starboard and follow the coastline until we find the deep sea inlet that forms the Cala de Sant Esteve. We will have to pass it slightly to make the approach from the SE.
Do you want to go to Cala Sant Esteve by boat?
