Ets Alocs and Cala Pilar

Ets Alocs:

It is a cove with black pebbles (boulder stones) that is not very suitable for swimming. It is a natural area, a cove that is barely an indentation in the coastline and remains exposed to the open sea. However, since the path reaches the very edge of the sea, it is a place used to launch small boats or dinghies to explore the virgin beaches of this northern part of the island; otherwise, many of the beaches can only be visited by traveling on foot or in some cases by mountain bike.

As mentioned, it is an area of virgin beaches and therefore has no services. This area is included within the so-called ANEI areas (Areas of Special Interest), of which Menorca has several designated, the most important being the "Parque de la Albufera de Es Grao". The territory of Ets Alocs is protected to preserve the plant called ALOCS, an endemic shrub on the island that is found in very few humid ravine areas of Menorca.

Given that this is one of the routes to reach another of the recognized virgin beaches, Cala Pilar, you can often see numerous cars in the more open areas of the access ravine belonging to those approaching to take the path from here to Cala Pilar.

It is the first interesting beach in the municipality of Ciutadella on the north coast, and we include it in this itinerary because accessing it via the coastal path from Ets Alocs, in Ferreries, is more recommended and pleasant to do, especially in mid-summer.

Cala Pilar is a wide beach at the foot of a slight cliff formed by hard, deep red clay soil, which acts as a protective wall for the beach, shielding it from the winds. The beach of fine, reddish sand is a gentle curve facing the open sea.

Above this clay wall and towards the interior, there is an area of forests and dunes. If you decide to spend the day, remember that the beach faces north and is not ideal if the wind is blowing from that direction. Since it does not usually have too many visitors, is large, and has a very beautiful environment, visiting it will be a reward for having had to walk for a while. Its main and most indicated access on tourist maps is from the main Maó to Ciutadella Me1 road; from there, you have to walk for about 30 or 40 minutes along a path of dunes through the forest, which is a bit tougher.

The cove of Sa Bombarda, as seen in the photograph, is a beach for Excursions:

You can walk along the coast to the cove of Sa Bombarda, a curious cove with pebbles the size of a soccer ball. If you have the strength for the following hill, I warn you that the slope is very steep; in just over 100 meters, it ascends to 198 m. In fact, it is the famous watchtower of La Falconera, at 205 m above sea level, which is the maximum height in the area and produces the highest cliffs on the island, with unbeatable views of the north coast, especially Cavalleria.

Once you reach this point, Sa Bombarda, the path along the coast climbs very abruptly, and you have to walk a lot without marked trails; it is of little interest until you reach the area of La Vall, the Algallarens beaches, so it is not recommended to try to continue the excursion along the coast.

Access: The shortest option is to take the road that leads to Ets Alocs. At kilometer 31.7 of the Me1 main road, we turn north onto the so-called "Ferreries to the abandoned hermitage road," which ends at Ets Alocs. From here, if we want to go to Cala Pilar and continue the excursion, we must walk along the path to the left of the cove and follow it to the first sandy beach, about 20 minutes.

You can also reach Cala Pilar by following the road signs from the main Maó to Ciutadella road (Me1), leaving Ferreries in the direction of Ciutadella. At kilometer 34, right where the double lane for overtaking slow vehicles begins, the entrance to the road to Cala Pilar is indicated. Turn right; it is a rural, paved, but very narrow road. About four kilometers along, at the end of the paved road, you must turn left for another kilometer until you reach a small parking area next to a large grove. From here on, we must go on foot, taking the path that starts on the right, crossing the pine forest and, in some sections, the dunes until we reach the sea. The exit brings you to the left side of Cala Pilar; travel time: 45 minutes maximum.

Map of the North Coast of Menorca

From Ets Alocs to Cala Pilar and Sa Bombarda

1) Access road to Ets Alocs from the Me1 main road connecting Mahón and Ciutadella. This road begins after passing Ferreries in the direction of Ciutadella on the right. After about 4 km, you find the cove of Ets Alocs.

2) Cove of Ets Alocs. Stony beach, not very suitable for swimming.

3) Beginning of the path that leads to Cala Pilar.

4) Small cove with a stony beach, not very suitable for swimming.

5) Cala Pilar, fine and reddish sands, 20-25 minutes walking from Ets Alocs, highly appreciated by naturists who enjoy nudism.

6) Sa Bombarda is a beach of boulder stones, or Mac (stones from the seabed), which, unlike Ets Alocs and other stone beaches, are much larger and very red, which gives the site a special charm and justifies the excursion to Sa Bombarda (see photo of red boulders on this same page).