Cala Parejals

Introduction

Menorca, one of the jewels of the Balearic Islands, is a destination that captivates us with its authenticity and the untamed beauty of its coastline. Among its best-kept treasures is Cala Parejals, a small, virgin cove that, despite its size and somewhat more complicated access, rewards us with an experience of pure serenity and an unparalleled connection with nature. It is not the type of beach we easily find in mass tourist brochures, and that is precisely where much of its charm lies. It is a corner for explorers, for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in an oasis of tranquility.

Upon arriving at Cala Parejals, the first impression is that of having discovered a secret. Its waters, of an incredibly clear turquoise blue, contrast with the white of its fine sand and the ochre of the rocks that flank it, creating a picture-postcard landscape. It is a cove that invites us to slow down, take a deep breath, and simply be. Here, the only sound that will break the silence is the gentle murmur of the waves and, perhaps, the cry of a seagull. It is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing us to fully enjoy the present moment and the pure beauty of the island.

How to Get to Cala Parejals

Getting to Cala Parejals is part of the adventure and requires some preparation, but believe us, the effort is worth it. This cove is located on the southwest coast of Menorca, within the municipality of Ciutadella. To reach it, the usual starting point is Ciutadella itself. From there, we will take the road towards the southern cove area, such as Cala en Turqueta or Macarella, but we will turn off before reaching the more crowded ones. It is essential to go by private vehicle, as there is no direct public transport that leaves us nearby.

We will drive on paved roads until they give way to dirt tracks, which can be in variable condition depending on the time of year and recent rains. It is advisable to drive with caution. We will look for a place to leave the car, often a small improvised space next to the track, as there is no official signposted parking for Cala Parejals. From this point, a walk awaits us. The path is not always perfectly signposted and can be somewhat rocky and uneven, so we recommend wearing comfortable and suitable footwear for walking on natural terrain. The walk is about twenty to thirty minutes, depending on where we have managed to park and our pace. Part of the route may follow sections of the famous Camí de Cavalls, adding a historical and scenic touch to our journey. The reward, at the end of the path, is a spectacular view of the cove that makes us forget any difficulty of the journey.

Tips for the Route

• Footwear: Sneakers or closed-toe sandals are essential for the walk. Flip-flops are for the sand, not for the path.
• Water and provisions: There are no services at the cove, so we must bring enough water, some food, and everything we might need to spend the day.
• Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, especially during the summer months.
• Map or GPS: Although the island is small, having an offline map or GPS active on your phone will help us navigate the dirt tracks.
• Respect for the environment: Remember it is a virgin cove. We must take all our rubbish with us and leave no trace of our visit.

The Sand and the Water

Once we have overcome the path and find ourselves at Cala Parejals, the beauty of its sand and the clarity of its waters captivate us instantly. The sand at Cala Parejals is predominantly fine and of a white-golden hue, very pleasant to the touch. However, being a virgin cove exposed to nature, it is also common to find small areas where the sand mixes with fragments of rock and seashells, providing a more mixed texture in some spots. This combination gives it a wilder and more authentic character, far from artificially perfect beaches.

But if there is something that truly takes our breath away at Cala Parejals, it is its waters. They are of a transparency and turquoise color that rival any Caribbean paradise. The clarity is such that we can see the seabed with astonishing ease, even at several meters depth. This clarity is due to the absence of large nearby developments and the currents that keep the water constantly renewed. The water temperature, especially from June until well into September, is very pleasant, inviting us to a prolonged and refreshing swim. The seabed is a mix of sand and rocks, making it a rich and fascinating ecosystem to explore with a snorkel mask.

Services and Facilities

It is crucial to understand that Cala Parejals is, by definition, a virgin cove. This means it completely lacks any type of tourist service or facility on the beach itself. Here you will not find chiringuitos, showers, toilets, lifeguards, or rentals of umbrellas or sunbeds. This absence of infrastructure is precisely what gives it its authentic and wild character, which nature lovers value so much.

The only 'infrastructure' we can consider is the aforementioned informal parking in the vicinity of the access path. Even this is simply a space where vehicles can stop without blocking the way, without signage or surveillance. Therefore, if we plan to spend the day at Cala Parejals, we must be completely self-sufficient. This implies bringing with us:

• Drinking water: Enough for our entire stay.
• Food: Snacks, fruit, or a picnic to enjoy at the cove.
• Sun protection: Umbrella, sunscreen