In Menorca we always go north when the wind comes from the south

Route 1 – Short – From Mahón to Colom Island

Mapa de la ruta

About sailing times, from the last stop at 20 knots (fast for a small boat)

Start of route

Mahón

The historic port of Mahón is not only the largest natural harbour in Europe and the third largest in the world, but also one of the most beautiful. It stretches more than 6 km inland from Menorca, where the island’s capital Mahón is enthroned on a hill. The island’s marinas are also located there. Sailing takes between 20 and 30 minutes, not least because of the internationally prescribed speed limit of 3 knots, which, however, is not strictly adhered to by anyone. Getting in and out is the highlight of the boat trip. You glide past historic sights such as Isla del Rey, which, in addition to a hospital museum, houses the spectacular art centre of the world-famous Galarie Hauser & Wirth. You can also see the Lazareto Island, a former quarantine island with double walls, and the imposing Fortaleza de la Mola, at the mouth of the harbour. The 19th-century fortifications secured the harbour but were never used.

1st stop - 25 min crossing

Cala Mesquida

Beach in Mahon and a good first (or last) short stop for a swim. Luca is always there with his ice cream truck. The beach is beautiful with nice sand. The left side seen from the sea is nudist (naked). On the other side is one of the coastal hills of the island. The way up is rewarded with a great view over the Mediterranean Sea, Menorca and the adjacent military area.

2nd stop - 20 min crossing

Es Grau

Es Grau is a small authentic village in a sheltered bay. You can drive boats up to 10m in and out of the quay. Everyone else has to take the offer. There is a bar/restaurant right on the quay. “El Muelle”. It is a nice place to sit and the food is acceptable. There is also the restaurant “Tamarindos”, which was taken over by a successful businessman in 2022 and has since been offering very good cuisine in a cool and relaxed atmosphere. The seating on the terrace is premium and right on the water. In 2022 it was not possible to book at midday. late already. The Es Grau bar is also beautifully situated under the trees, but only offers a snack menu. The salads are good!

3rd stop - 25 min crossing

Colom Island

The island is very close to Menorca, you can almost swim across. The channel offers fantastic crystal-clear water and plenty of space to anchor. However, in July and August it gets very crowded. The island itself offers two unspoiled beaches. The left of the two, “Los Tamarindos” is one of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca and is rarely crowded. The one on the right, “Arenal d’en Moro” is also beautiful. Both can be reached by boat, but anchoring is not permitted in the immediate vicinity. Only very small boats are allowed to land on the beach. Special feature: Although we are on the north coast, we have these two south-facing beaches with sun until the afternoon.

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