Ferragut Beach
Wild white sands, lighthouse views, and total freedom
About
Platja de Ferragut is a compact 150-metre stretch of white sand on Menorca's northern coast, tucked within the commune of es Mercadal on the island of Illes Bledes. The water runs a clear turquoise, shallow enough to wade and calm enough to swim safely. It's a naturist beach — clothing-optional by designation — which keeps the vibe unhurried and the atmosphere refreshingly unpretentious. A short coastal walk from the car park means the beach stays quiet even in peak summer. Faro de Cavalleria, Menorca's oldest lighthouse, watches over the headland just 2 km away, lending the whole scene a wild, edge-of-the-world quality.
How to get there
Leave your car at the free parking lot approximately 1 km from the beach — there's no road access beyond that point. From the car park, a 15-minute walk along the coastal path brings you down to the sand; the path is open daily. Access is rated easy overall, though the 1 km walk means the beach is not wheelchair accessible. There's no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
Ferragut's quiet naturist atmosphere and wild coastal setting make it one of Menorca's more intimate beaches — a place to slow down together without the noise of busier resorts. The 15-minute walk in acts as a natural filter, keeping the sand peaceful.
For families
The safe swimming and calm turquoise water are family-friendly, but note that this is a designated naturist beach, which may not suit all families. Dogs are not permitted, and the 1 km walk with gear and young children requires some planning.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Ferragut won't win any prizes for facilities — and that's precisely the point. It's a short walk from a free car park, it's naturist, it's quiet, and the turquoise water is genuinely safe for swimming. The lighthouse on the headland and the Camí de Cavalls trail passing through give it a sense of place that purely resort beaches lack. It suits people who want to feel like they've actually found somewhere, rather than been herded there. Come in June or early September when the light is long and the beach is at its most peaceful. If you need a sun-lounger and a cocktail menu, this isn't your beach — but if you want white sand, clear water, and the sound of the wind, it absolutely delivers.
What to do
The Camí de Cavalls coastal hiking trail (Etapa 5) passes right through, making Ferragut a natural stop on one of Menorca's most celebrated walks. Faro de Cavalleria, just 2 km away, is the oldest lighthouse on the island and offers exceptional views back along the coast — worth the short detour. Cala Pregonda, rated 4.8/5 and only 2.9 km away, is another stunning cove to add to your day. History lovers can also visit Puerto de Sanitja, 3 km from the beach, where Roman city ruins sit beside a quiet historic port.
Frame the turquoise water against the white sand from the top of the coastal path for a clean aerial-style composition.
The Faro de Cavalleria lighthouse, 2 km along the headland, makes a dramatic backdrop — best captured at golden hour when the stone tower catches warm light. The shoreline itself, with its clear shallows and wild scrubland framing, photographs well in the flat midday light of early summer.
Where to eat
The nearest highly rated option is Isabella Beach Club, about 3 km away and scoring 4.6/5 across more than 8,500 reviews — a solid bet for lunch after your walk. Ca Na Marga, a well-regarded meat restaurant 4.5 km away, holds a 4.7/5 rating and is worth the short drive inland. Es Cranc, 4.9 km away with a 4.5/5 score, rounds out your options. There are no food or drink facilities at the beach itself, so pack water and snacks.
Where to stay
FERGUS Club Carema Splash is the closest base at just 3.4 km from the beach, rated 4/5 by over 2,000 guests. For something more polished, Palladium Hotel Menorca (4.5/5, 10.1 km) and White Sands Beach Club (4.5/5, 9.7 km) both offer comfortable stays within easy driving distance.
Photography
The best shots combine the white sand foreground with the turquoise water and the distant silhouette of Faro de Cavalleria — shoot in the morning when the light hits the coast from the east and the sea glows clearest. Late afternoon from the coastal path above the beach gives you a wide-angle view of the full cove with the lighthouse headland behind.
Good to know
This is a designated naturist zone — nudity is the norm here, so come prepared and respect other visitors' comfort. Dogs are not permitted on the beach, no exceptions. The swimming is safe, but always check local weather before heading out, as northern Menorca's coastline can be exposed to wind. Arrive early in summer to claim your patch of white sand before the day-trippers make the walk down.
Map
Nearby places
Isabella Beach Club
Restaurant es Molí d'es Racó
Es Cranc
Ca Na Marga | Restaurante de carne Menorca
Restaurant Mesón Can Jaume
Club Hotel Aguamarina
Palladium Hotel Menorca
White Sands Beach Club
FERGUS Club Carema Splash
Hotel Jeni & Restaurant
Menorca a Cavall (obert tot l'any) Recorregut per camins privats i camins de cavalls
Cala Pregonda
Cala del Pilar
Things to see around Es Mercadal
Faro de Cavalleria
Oldest lighthouse on Menorca with exceptional coastal views.
Puerto de Sanitja
Historic port with Roman city ruins.
Camí de Cavalls (Etapa 5)
Historic coastal hiking trail stage.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Isidre blanc · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — Aaaddrrii1 · source · CC BY 4.0
- Photo 3 — boklm · source · CC0 1.0
- Photo 4 — Isidre blanc · source · CC BY-SA 3.0