In northern Menorca, where the island sheds its classic Mediterranean hues for a raw and magnetic landscape, lies a spot so unique it seems otherworldly.
If you’re looking to discover a rare and uncrowded gem, keep reading. In this article, we’ll share everything about Cala Pilar – the striking beach famed for its reddish sands and fossil dunes.
Cala Pilar, Menorca's secret red beach
Many have never heard of Cala Pilar. Far from the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that have made the island famous, this beach offers a completely different landscape: reddish clay, fossil dunes, iron-rich cliffs and an atmosphere as secluded as it is spectacular.
This cove rarely features in tourist brochures or typical lists proclaiming “the best beaches in Menorca.” For that very reason, it has preserved its wild, untouched essence.
The Menorcan beach with a Martian landscape
The first thing that strikes you is the colour. Here, the earth isn’t ochre or gold but a deep, intense red, reminiscent of rust or dried blood. This distinctive hue comes from the ferrous minerals that have settled over millions of years, creating a landscape of extraordinary textures.
The clay-tinged sand is fine and slightly sticky, while the surrounding cliffs reveal eroded layers that tell the story of their fossil origins. In places, ancient petrified dunes can still be seen, formed during the Pleistocene epoch when sea levels were vastly different.
Yet it’s not all rock and clay. The contrast with the sea is mesmerising: the waters retain the magical clarity that defines the Menorcan coast, and on bright days, the turquoise intensifies against the deep red backdrop, forming a dreamlike palette.
This area is untouched by commercial development – no beach bars, no sun loungers, no music and few tourists. Instead, there’s only the sound of the wind, the crunch of pebbles beneath your feet and the occasional call of a circling seagull.
If you’re interested, you can find homes for sale or rental properties in Menorca. And if you’d rather simply spend a few days relaxing near this extraordinary cove, there are also plenty of holiday rental options available.
A route through the wildest Menorca
Just a short distance away, before you descend to the cove, stands a monumental holm oak, one of Menorca’s most remarkable trees. Legend has it that shepherds and smugglers once sought shelter beneath its sprawling canopy when this part of the island was far more remote. Today, its shade offers a welcome refuge for hikers brave enough to explore this little-visited corner.
Visiting Cala Pilar is, in many ways, like stepping back through time and space. If you’re planning to explore this extraordinary spot, here are a few helpful tips:
Take water and food, as there are no facilities nearby.
Wear comfortable and durable footwear, especially if you are walking in the sun.
Check the weather forecast before you go: the north of the island is more prone to strong winds.
Respect the environment: avoid walking on the fossil dunes and take your rubbish with you.
Though less frequented than many other beaches on the island, Cala Pilar offers something rare in today’s age of mass tourism: mystery, pristine beauty and the thrill of uncovering a hidden treasure.
If you’ve ever dreamed of setting foot on Mars, this is the place to make that dream come true. As Martian as it is Menorcan, this beach redefines what it means to truly get lost in Menorca.
How to access Cala del Pilar?
To reach Cala Pilar, take the C-721 road from Ferrerías towards Ciutadella. At kilometre 34, turn right onto a narrow, paved rural road. After around four kilometres, the tarmac ends. From there, turn left onto a dirt track that leads into a wooded area. You'll have to walk from here.
The first stretch takes you about 10 minutes to reach a small, pebbly cove. From there, a path winds through the forest, leading to Cala Pilar. The walk from this point takes roughly 45 minutes, following faintly marked trails across arid terrain. It’s a bit of a trek, but the effort is well worth it.
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