Tortuga Cove
Beauty in the wild
Cala Tortuga or Tortuga beach (also sometimes called sandy beach of Morella because of the lagoon near the beach), is located south of the Favàritx lighthouse, about 45 minutes walk along the Camí de Cavalls, and very close to Cala Presili (or Cala Capifort).
It is a large beach of fine white sand and crystal clear waters, with unique qualities in this region of the Minorcan coast. It is a paradisiacal place and, although it is necessary to walk a little to reach it, the characteristics of this cove with its shallow bottoms, and its transparent waters, make it an ideal place for families who want to go with children.
Even with the peculiarities of this beach, which make it an ideal place to relax and do many activities, Cala Tortuga is a virgin beach very little frequented because its access, a little further away, is a deterrent for tourists and swimmers who prefer the comfort that other beaches can offer.
Its transparent and crystalline waters of a deep turquoise color and the characteristics of the cove, make it a perfect place for the practice of various water sports such as diving.
Cala Tortuga is one of the favorites of the north coast. A wild beach of incomparable beauty.
But where does its name come from?
This beautiful cove owes its name to the turtles that inhabit the lagoon located behind the beach.
This temporary lagoon, which, except in years of severe drought, is usually full of water, has become a refuge for a multitude of species. Among them we find the aforementioned turtles that give their name to the cove, as well as a good number of aquatic birds that find in this area of the island an ideal place to alight.
A paradise for biodiversity that is worth knowing.
Name: Tortuga Cove
Location: North Zone II (39°59’33.8 “N 4°15’25.4 “E)
Distance from Mahón : 11’8 MN ; 21 km
Time from Mahón: 47min by boat (average speed: 15 knots); 26 min by car
Type of beach: Sand
Anchoring with boat: Sand. Very wide anchorage and respecting the posidonia patches. If we approach from the south (Es Grau), we will have to give margin to the coast due to the presence of reefs quite deep in the sea. Watch for the reef to the E of the cove and shallows to the NE. Open to the E, NE.
Dangerous access by boat: Low. Sills at the south entrance.
Posidonia: No
Nearest gas station for ships: 10 MN, Mahón
SERVICES
NO SERVICES
WALK 1.6 Km
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Cala Tortuga in Menorca, how to get there?
As with most of the coves in the northern area, its difficult access means that it can only be reached on foot (or by bike), or by sea.
Following the Camí de Cavalls, we will see that Cala Tortuga is part of the route of its stage 02 that goes from Es Grau to the Favàritx lighthouse.
In this case, to follow the shortest route, we will have to start from Favàritx (which can be reached from Mahón by the Me-7, following the signs indicating the detours to Carretera de Favàritx / CF-1). The walk from the lighthouse to Cala Tortuga is about 25 minutes and, although it is not particularly difficult to do, we must remember to take water and suitable footwear with us, as there are no toilets available along the way and the route is rocky.
To get to Favàritx we can also take the bus line 43* that leaves from Mahón.
The indications that will take you to Cala Tortuga are clear, but we must always follow the signposted path that will first show us how to get to Cala Presilli and, from there, we will find the indications to Cala Tortuga. It is important not to leave the marked path and we must go down to the beach by the stairs (as they are created to prevent erosion of the cliff) and avoid stepping on the dunes that are protected to ensure their conservation and regeneration.
Before descending to the beach it is worth stopping to appreciate the views of the cove, the lagoon and the dune system in between. It is a sight that will take your breath away.
If you are a water sports lover, you can also reach the cove by kayak (there are rental companies in Es Grau that will allow you to do so). It is a beautiful route, but quite long (approximately 90 minutes to get there, and another 90 minutes to return) and you must be careful with the strong winds that sometimes hit the north coast of Menorca.
*The schedules, lines and/or routes indicated here may vary throughout the year. Consult validity.
Services near Cala Mitjana
NO NEARBY SERVICES*.
Although there are no services on the beach itself, if we want to find a restaurant or places to stay, the nearest urban centers are Es Grau and Addaia, as well as Arenal d’en Castell, which will offer us multiple options.
*We consider them “close” if they are within a radius of 250-300 m approx.
What to see near Cala Tortuga?
The beauty of the cove itself makes it an ideal place to spend the day, take pictures and relax enjoying its beautiful views (with the Favàritx lighthouse in the background) and its deep turquoise waters.
However, if we prefer a little more movement, there are many activities we can do in Cala Tortuga.
If we prefer sports with the sea as a stage, we will have the opportunity to dive or snorkel on the sides of the cove, as the clarity of its waters will allow us to appreciate in great detail the biodiversity that is hidden in its depths.
In addition, as mentioned above, it is possible to reach it by kayak and, although it is true that it is a fairly long excursion, we are sure that, if we dare to do it, it will not leave us indifferent. During the tour, we will enjoy an unforgettable experience in which we will have the opportunity to discover many of the beautiful corners that are hidden in the north of the island (such as Illa d’en Colom or Cala Rambles, among others).
Of course, we will also be able to tour the region on foot, following the Camí de Cavalls To the south, we can reach Es Grau, knowing along the way a multitude of beautiful coves and even reaching s’Albufera des Grau where several viewpoints located along the way will allow us to enjoy the varied fauna and flora that takes refuge in this area of the reserve.
In this beach you will not find any kind of service or restoration nearby, so you should come well prepared from home if you want to spend the day in its vicinity. On the other hand, you will not find a beach where you can breathe so much peace and with such a Mediterranean essence as the one you will find in Cala Tortuga.
How to get to Cala Tortuga by boat?
It is also possible to reach Cala Tortuga by boat. To access it, we will have to leave with our boat from the port of Mahón in 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.
On the bow we will see the Cap de Favàritx and its unmistakable lighthouse and, to port, past the Cap de ses Piques, we will find Cala Tortuga.
Do you want to go to Cala Tortuga by boat?
