Fine, light-coloured sand, a wetland behind the bay and an archaeological complex with 23 man-made caves offer a range of discoveries in Es Canutells. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the beach, natural area and cultural sites separately: route and access information applies to specific locations.
Beach and coastal landscape
Cala Es Canutells opens at the end of a winding sea inlet between Punta de na Picada and Cap Gros. The beach is 50 metres long and 60 metres wide; fine white sand meets several rocky outcrops. Visitors can park in the Es Canutells residential area and reach the beach via steps. Check local conditions before setting out.
A colony of ducks lives between Cala Canutells beach and the stream that flows into it. At the Es Canutells end of the route, a wetland lies behind the bay. The jetties and caves at Cala Canutells are also part of the working coastal landscape: fishermen and local residents continue to use them.
Nature and geology
The ES0000237 Des Canutells a Llucalari area is designated both as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA). It stretches along a long section of Menorca’s southern coast and extends inland as far as the Barranc of Cala en Porter. Some bird species and rock-dwelling plants in the area’s ravines are of great importance. The coastal zone is also home to an isolated population of the Menorcan daphne species Daphne rodriguezii.
Geological area BL119 includes a Pleistocene dune and a coastal cave with a marine eolianite fill. The area is accessible from the bays of Es Canutells and Calescoves. Traces and footprints of Hypnomys and other vertebrates have also been preserved there. An access assessment dated 19 November 2019 describes several sections of the coastal strip as difficult to cross because of dense vegetation; it names a boat as the most convenient way to visit.
Archaeology and routes
The Es Castellàs site at Caparrot de Forma comprises two archaeological sites within the same area. One is a necropolis with 23 man-made caves known as hypogea. The second site features a wall built from large stones, closing off the headland as a bastion or fortification. Researchers link the coastal settlements at Castellàs to trade and seafaring. The complex has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC).
CastellĂ s is freely accessible and can be visited with caution. However, a landslide at the start of the path makes access to the western caves dangerous; check local conditions before visiting. CastellĂ s can be reached via section 17 of the CamĂ de Cavalls between Cala en Porter and BinissafĂşller. One route starts at Cala Canutells beside the centre of Es Canutells and heads towards Cales Coves.
Kayak tours and festivals
Guided kayak tours to sea caves are offered from Es Canutells. The route described passes through one of Menorca’s most unspoilt cave areas and visits up to eight sea caves. If you are planning a tour, check availability before your trip.
The usual programme at the Es Canutells festivals includes communal meals, water games, sports competitions and musical performances. The specific programme may vary.
Discover more destinations: Es Grau, Sant Climent.
For the main travel overview: Mahon.
