2026 Menorca – Day 4 Es Bot to Cala des Talaier 08 04 2026

Day 4 Es Bot to Cala des Talaier 08 04 2026 by Andy B

On day 4, we paddled from Es Bot on the north coast to Cala des Talaier on the south coast. This was the longest day, starting on the water just after 7 am and finishing around 6:30 pm, a total distance of approx 40km, albeit punctuated with several refreshment stops. The weather was fine again throughout the day, cool in the early dawn and warm for the remainder of the day, with the overhead sun and lack of wind making some of the mid-afternoon paddling tiring.

In some ways, this was the most committing day. It meant traversing a section of coastline on the north west side of the island with continuously unbroken cliffs, taking around 3 hours with no get-outs, until we’d passed Cap Menorca o Bajoli, the western extremity of the island.

The initial early dawn start was a delight, as we paddled in calm water and watched the sun rise, and the colours of the landscape around us change. Our first stop came after an hour at Cala Morrell, where we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast. An hour or so later, we set off again on the main leg, aiming for a stop just before reaching the port town of Ciutadella. The coastal scenery was stunning, with immense unbroken limestone cliffs soaring above us, deep caves and inlets inviting exploration and photo opportunities, all against a backdrop of blue skies and calm seas. Some rock hopping opportunities presented, the swell catching one or two unawares, a reminder that rock hopping with a fully laden boat requires care.

By noon, we had passed Cap Menorca o Bajoli and landed at Cala Piques for a break, an opportunity for refreshment and to stretch our legs. This was also, importantly, a chance to check weather forecasts given the probability of conditions worsening and stronger wind expected later in the week and over the weekend.

Moving on, we took a direct route across the entrance to Ciutadella harbour, encountering little in the way of sea-borne traffic, and travelled south towards Cap d’Artrutx, the south-west extremity of Menorca. The coastline here was initially more built up and urban in character, tantalisingly offering opportunities for ‘urban foraging’, which soon presented at Cala Blanca. This charming bay was well supplied with cafes/ restaurants overlooking the beach, so we took the opportunity for another break, enjoying coffee, ice cream, etc. on the terrace overlooking the beach.

Time waits for no man, and it didn’t wait for us, so onwards towards Cap d’Artrutx and its prominently positioned lighthouse. The coastline here was less interesting, and it was heads down to cover the distance needed to round the headland and search out another bay for a final stop. This came at Plaja de son Xoriguer. It was 4:30 pm, when on other occasions we might be inclined to stop for the day and get the kettle on. However, the forecast of stronger winds expected in a few days’ time persuaded us to carry on and make best use of the good weather. The next feasible campsite was about 7km away, a final tiring hour and a half, with weary bodies finally getting out at the small bay of Cala des Talaier.  

Tea was needed to rehydrate, followed by more tea and the now familiar pasta, tuna and pesto sauce, before collapsing into our sleeping bags. A great day: towering cliffs, inviting caves, and changing views beneath clear blue skies. And no midges!