If you’re planning a trip to Spain’s island of Menorca, whether for a short holiday or a 1 to 4-week Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP), one place you can’t miss is Cala Santandria Menorca.
This beautiful beach lies on the west coast, just 4 km from the old town of Ciutadella, between Sa Caleta and Cala Blanca beach. Once a small local area with an urbanization of the same name, Santandria Menorca has become a favorite for tourists seeking a tranquil getaway with easy access to stunning beaches, delicious local cuisine and a secluded feel, all while staying close to a charming town.
Legend even says the name comes from Sancte Andrea, a Christian captive of the Moors who baptized a captain’s daughter here before being mortally wounded. Today, that history and the nearby prehistoric caves add even more depth to a place already rich in culture.
Where Cala Santandria is Located
Cala Santandria is located on the west coast, facing west/southwest, and sheltered by cliffs and rocky edges. The bay is about 200 m wide and 700 m long, just 3.5 nautical miles from Cap d’Artrutx. It’s a sandy-bottom bay, so even boats can moor close to shore, making it popular with locals and visiting yachts.
The surrounding area is semi-urban, with a mix of hotels, apartments, and family-run restaurants. From the capital, Mahón and the airport, it’s a 44-minute ride by taxi (€60–75) or pre-booked shuttle (from €13 per person). There’s no direct bus from the airport, but you can transfer via Ciutadella.
From the nearby town Ciutadella, hourly bus routes run year-round between the centre and Santandria, with cash payment to the driver. Many visitors also rent a car for flexibility.
What the Beach is Like
Cala Santandria is compact, but it has everything you need for a relaxing holiday.
- Calm waters: Clear turquoise sea with a gentle incline, ideal for families and children. Occasional currents come in from the coast, but the bay is mostly sheltered.
- Sun lounges & umbrellas: Available May–October for around €20–23 per pair, with discounts after 15:00.
- Lifeguards: Present June–October, 10 am–6 pm only. Pay attention to the flags: red (no swimming), yellow (caution), green (safe), orange (no lifeguard on duty).
- Jellyfish: In recent years, jellyfish have been more common here. Check the flag and signs before swimming.
- Sand & seabed: Light sand, sometimes coarser than the east coast beaches, with darker patches noted in 2025 reviews. The bottom is sandy, no rocks, so swimming is easy.
- Facilities: Showers, toilets, disabled access ramps, Blue Flag certification, bins, and a designated water sports area.
- Restrictions: No pets allowed on the beach.
This combination makes Cala Santandria a great place for weekends, relaxed family holidays or day visits during your trip.
Restaurants, Bars, and Shops
The local area has just a handful of good bars and restaurants, which keeps the resort peaceful.
- Es Bruc restaurant:Taste the best Menorcan specialties right on the Santandria Beach shore in Ciutadella.
- Santandria Beach Club: Rebranded in 2025, right on the sand. Perfect for cocktails, tapas, and a stylish evening.
- Cova Sa Nacra: Tables literally carved into the rock, with stairs leading down to the sea. A must for paellas and delicious local cuisine.
There are a few seasonal shops and kiosks for snacks, but full groceries are cheaper in Ciutadella’s supermarkets.
👉 Nightlife here is quiet. Apart from dining at these restaurants and a couple of music bars, evenings are more about relaxing than partying.
Where to Stay in Cala Santandria
There’s a mix of accommodation for every budget:
- Hotel Bahía: Family-run, right on the waterfront.
- Hotel Gran Sagitario: Modern 4★ with spa, pool, gym, and spacious rooms.
- Hotel Playa Santandria: Adults-only, with a prime location overlooking the bay.
- Ca Sa Mola (boutique hotel): A new entry in recent years, offering stylish, intimate stays.
- Vacances Menorca Resort: A larger resort complex nearby, with pools and apartments, popular with families.
✨ The Best Accomodation Option for 2025
A Spanish Homestay with your host teacher, Mónica. Through the Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP), you can spend 1 to 4 weeks living with locals, learning Spanish fluently, and exploring not just Santandria but also other resorts, hidden coves, palaces, megalithic monuments and charming towns across Menorca.
Some other places that you get to visit during your SHIP are:
- Ciutadella – historic old town with palaces, lively plazas, narrow streets and a Gothic cathedral.
- Maó (Mahon) – the capital city, home to one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Georgian architecture and the Teatro Principal (Spain’s oldest opera house).
- Naveta des Tudons – a famous Talayotic monument and ancient stone tomb.
- Torre d’en Galmés – one of the largest Talayotic villages, part of Menorca’s UNESCO-listed sites.
- Camí de Cavalls – the legendary coastal trail circling the island, with panoramic sea views.
- Hidden Coves – including Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana, and Cala Turqueta– are often ranked among Europe’s most stunning beaches.
- Lithica Pedreres de s’Hostal – spectacular old stone quarries transformed into gardens, labyrinths and cultural spaces.
- Menorca Museum (Maó) – showcasing artefacts from prehistoric times through to modern Menorca.
- Artisan Markets – in Binibeca, Es Mercadal and Ferreries, where you’ll discover crafts, food and local artistry.
- Punta Nati Lighthouse – a dramatic spot for breathtaking sunsets and coastal views.
- Prehistoric Caves – scattered around the island, giving insight into Menorca’s early settlers.
Foods You’ll Enjoy
- Caldereta de Langosta – Menorca’s signature lobster stew.
- Queso de Mahón – the island’s world-famous cured cheese.
- Oliaigua – a traditional vegetable soup.
- Sobrasada – spicy cured sausage unique to the Balearics.
- Carn i Xua – a local cured pork sausage.
- Ensaimada – a soft, sweet spiral pastry.
- Pastissets – delicate, star-shaped biscuits.
- Fresh seafood and Mediterranean fish dishes are served in local restaurants and markets.
Unlike a regular hotel, SHIP is a full package: cultural immersion, guided trips, and a real connection to the island’s local area.
Here in this collage, you will see Mónica’s Spanish home, where you will stay for the whole SHIP experience.
Things to Do Around Santandria
- Explore Sa Caleta and Cala Blanca Beach – Both nearby calas are walkable. Nearby Cala Blanca is larger and more lively, while Sa Caleta has a quieter, more secluded atmosphere.
- Walk the Camí de Cavalls – The famous coastal trail runs past Santandria, with great views of the coast and access to the Santandria Tower (Torre des Castellar) for sunset.
- Visit Ciutadella’s Old Town – Just minutes away, this charming town is full of palaces, narrow streets and lively squares with bars, shops, and restaurants.
- Boat trips & fishing – The sandy-bottom bay is safe for boats; local fishermen prize the marine life here.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Transport: No direct airport bus, book a shuttle, or go via Ciutadella. Taxis cost €60–75.
- Parking: Free but limited street parking; arrive early in high season.
- Connectivity: Phone signal sometimes drops due to cliffs; download offline maps.
- Seasonality: Water sports and sunbed rentals run from May to October.
- Best time: Summer for vibrant activity; spring and autumn for fewer tourists.
Why Santandria Belongs on Your Menorca Itinerary?
There’s something about Santandria that instantly slows you down. Maybe it’s the way the light hits the water at the end of the day, or the sense that you’ve stumbled on a corner of Menorca that still feels personal. It isn’t flashy, and that’s exactly its charm.
If you’re curious enough to go beyond the obvious, you’ll find this little spot has a way of staying with you. And if you decide to join Mónica’s Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP), you will not just be passing through, you will be part of the rhythm of the island itself.
Come with an open mind, a bit of curiosity and let Santandria show you why the best memories are often made in the quietest of places.
You can explore more real immersion experiences here:
👉 SHIP Stories of Our Previous Students
For personalised guidance and programme details, you can contact our founder directly:
Mónica Romero
Founder and Director, Spanish Express
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7903 867 894
📧 Email: monicaromero@spanishexpress.co.uk
