Cala Viola, Beach in Es Mercadal, Menorca, Spain.
Cala Viola is a compact beach measuring approximately 328 feet (100 meters) long and 75 feet (23 meters) wide, featuring coarse sand mixed with gravel that does not stick to skin easily.
The Cape of Cavalleria, near Cala Viola, has served as a navigational point for sailors and fishermen throughout Menorca's maritime history, with its lighthouse constructed in the late 19th century and still operational today.
Cala Viola is known as a naturist-friendly beach where visitors seeking a clothing-optional experience can enjoy the quiet setting, though discretion and respect for other beachgoers are important due to its informal nature.
Cala Viola has no lifeguard services, facilities, or concession stands, so visitors should bring water, snacks, sun protection, and all necessary supplies, and arrive early to secure parking near the beach during summer months.
The beach lies within the Northern Marine Reserve of Menorca, where snorkelers can observe moray eels, groupers, and seahorses among rocky underwater caves and formations protected by conservation measures against overexploitation.
Location: Es Mercadal
GPS coordinates: 40.07610,4.09096
Latest update: December 1, 2025 13:09
Menorca offers remarkable coastal diversity. The island's 200-plus coves and beaches range from long sand stretches like Son Bou, Menorca's largest beach at roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), to small secluded coves like Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta. The northern coast presents reddish sand of volcanic origin at beaches like Cavalleria and Cala Pregonda, while the southern coast displays white sand and turquoise waters at places like Macarella and Turqueta. This geological divide makes the island an appealing destination for visitors seeking varied coastal environments. Some beaches like Punta Prima, Cala Galdana, and Arenal d'en Castell provide full facilities with restaurants, sunbed rentals, and water sports. Others like Cala de Trebalúger, Cala Escorxada, and Binigaus remain natural and undeveloped, accessible via coastal walking trails through Mediterranean vegetation. The sheltered position of most coves ensures calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Son Bou includes wetlands behind the beach and early Christian basilica ruins. Menorca's coastal variety, from the red cliffs at Cala Morell to the white sands at Son Saura, reflects the island's status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and provides options for different preferences.
Sanisera
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Cavalleria Beaches
2.2 km
Faro de Caballería
1.4 km
Cap de Cavalleria Ecomuseum
1.2 km
Torre de Sanitja
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Cala Viola de Ponent
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Platja de Cala Roja
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Cala Mica
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Playas de Fornells
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Playa de Ferragut
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Sa Cavalleria
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Es Macar Gran
2.2 km
Es Macar Petit
2.6 km
Cavalleria
2.3 km
Cala Viola de Ponent
79 m
Cala Viola de Ponent
7 m
Cala Saler d'en Patet
1.4 km
Scenic viewpoint
2.9 km
Mirador de Cavalleria
1.3 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.4 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.5 km
Scenic viewpoint
218 m
Scenic viewpoint
1.4 km
Scenic viewpoint
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Scenic viewpoint
2.1 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.4 km
Poblado de Es Pujol Antic
2.8 km
Torre de Cavalleria
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