Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta: The Complete Hiking Guide

Walking from Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta involves exploring some of the best beaches in Menorca. By doing this coastal walk, you’ll scope out the sublime Platja de Son Xoriguer, Son Saura, Platja de Bellavista and Cala des Talaier. On top of that, you’ll see Faro d’Artrutx, which is a brilliant lighthouse in Cap d’Artrutx. In addition, you’ll enjoy one of Menorca’s best coastal caves – Cova del Pardals.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about this breathtaking coastal walk. After describing the trail, we’ll talk about how to get to Cala n Bosch. Then, we’ll discuss trail alternatives. Finally, we’ll provide some information about the coastal town of Cala n Bosch, including where to stay, eat and what to do in the area.

Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta Day Hike (Stage 12 of Camí De Cavalls)

The coastal walk from Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta is a short section of the multi-day 184km Camí de Cavalls circular walk in Menorca. In fact, the section stretching from Cap d’Artrutx (near Cala n Bosch) to Cala Turqeta is officially known as Stage 12 of the Camí de Cavalls.

If you’re not planning on doing the entire walking loop around the island, you might still want to explore a section or two of the route. Walking from Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta guarantees you’ll experience one of the best sections of Camí de Cavalls. Indeed, this area of the Menorcan south coast has many spectacular secluded beaches. These include Platja de Son Xoriguerm, Son Saura, Platja de Bellavista and Cala des Talaier.

Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta Trail Details and Map

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 21.6km
• Time: 6–7 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 100m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Cap d’Artrutx or Cala n Bosch Car Park
• Map: Wikiloc

Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta Trail Description

In this trail description, we’ll break down the route into sections to highlight the best parts of this epic coastal walk.

In terms of where to start the walk, you have two options. You can start the walk from Cap d’Artrutx (see interactive Google Maps here for parking information). From there, you’ll walk around 1.3km to get to Cala n Bosch. Alternatively, to save time and reduce the walk by around 2.6km, you can start the walk from Cala n Bosch.

Personally, Beck and I chose to visit Faro d’Artrutx at Cap d’Artrutx before doing the hike. Essentially, we parked at Faro d’Artrutx, took some photos and then drove to Cala n Bosch to start the hike. By doing this, you’ll cut out the less inspiring road walking from Cap d’Artrutx to Cala n Bosch. Also, there’s less parking at Cap d’Artrutx near Faro d’Artrutx than at Cala n Bosch. So, during the peak season, there’ll be more parking available at Cala n Bosch, making it a potentially better starting point for the coastal walk to Cala Turqeta.

Cap d’Artrutx (Faro d’Artrutx)

Even if you start the hike from Cala n Bosch, make sure to still visit Faro d’Artrutx in Cap d’Artrutx. You could do this before or after doing the coastal walk. Also known as Artrutx Lighthouse, the 19th Century lighthouse is beautifully perched on the southwest corner of Menorca.

Cala n Bosch to Platja de Son Xoriguer

If you’re following in our footsteps, you’ll start the coastal walk to Cala Turqeta from Cala n Bosch instead of Cap d’Artrutx. Cala n Bosch goes by many names and variations in spelling. Basically, the names Cala en Bosch, Cala n Bosch Beach, Calan Bosch and Cala’n Bosch are all referring to the same place. Although surrounded by hotels and apartments, Cala n Bosch is a beautiful beach.

Shortly after leaving the beach, your coastal surroundings become more rugged and wild. Certainly, you’ll enjoy a stronger sense of natural vibes as you steer away from the resort town.

Soon, you’ll arrive at another beach called Platja de Son Xoriguer. Also known as Playa Son Xoriguer and Playa de Son Xoriguer, this beach feels miles and miles away from the built-up area of Cala n Bosch. You’ll find plenty of amazing orange-coloured rock platforms at Platja de Son Xoriguer. Indeed, Platja de Son Xoriguer is a stunning beach and one of the best you’ll see during this coastal walk.

Platja de Son Xoriguer to Cova del Pardals

After walking along the sands of Platja de Son Xoriguer, the trail continues towards the amazing Cova dels Pardals. Admittedly, it’s easy to walk past this small sea cave if you’re not paying attention. Indeed, Cova dels Pardals is an epic cave worth exploring. Make sure to check it out before continuing your walk along the coast.

Cova del Pardals to San Saura and Platja de Bellavista

After exploring Cova del Pardals, you’ll then continue along a splendid stretch of coast featuring mindblowing seaside cliffs. You’ll then pass by a smaller beach called Platja des Comte. Compared with other beaches you’ll see on this walk, you’ll probably spend the least amount of time at Platja des Comte. Indeed, we recommend pressing ahead to the impressive San Saura and Platja de Bellavista beaches.

Personally, we had to abandon the hike halfway between Platja des Comte and San Saura. The forecast predicted a hailstorm in the capital of Mahón on the east coast around midday. Obviously, this hike takes place along the southwest corner of Menorca. So, we figured we’d be finished before the hailstorm hit, if it was to reach the southwest side of the island.

Well, we learnt the hard way that the forecast for Mahón was indeed reflective of the entire island. In addition, like most forecasts, it was slightly inaccurate. The hailstorm came early and so, we had to abandon the hike before reaching San Saura. Basically, we ran back, taking shelter at Cova dels Pardals. Thankfully, the weather improved later in the day, so we picked up the end-stage of the hike from Son Saura, in the afternoon.

Also known as Son Saura Playa and Son Saura Beach, Son Saura is a gorgeous stretch of coast. It extends further east, forming Platja de Bellavista. At Son Saura, you’ll follow a boardwalk, that guides you over the sand. This is to protect the nesting turtles in the coastal heathland. After walking by San Saura and Platja de Bellavista, you’ll continue towards Cala des Talaier.

San Saura and Platja de Bellavista to Cala des Talaier

Cala des Talaier is perhaps the best beach that you’ll encounter on this coastal walk. Also known as Cala es Talaier and Playa des Talaier, this beach is one of the most remote and secluded beaches in Menorca. Surrounded by forest, you’ll enjoy a superb natural ambience at Cala des Talaier. By hiking along the eastern headland of Cala des Talaier, you’ll have splendid views of the beach and surrounding coast.

Of course, Cala des Talaier is not the last of the amazing beaches on this hike. From Cala des Talaier, you’ll head to Cala Turqeta. Personally, Beck and I had already explored this beach during the Cala Mitjana to Cala Turqeta coastal walk. So, we didn’t continue to Cala Turqeta from Cala des Talaier. Instead, from Cala des Talaier, we headed back to complete the hike. But, if you haven’t yet been to Cala Turqeta, we highly recommend you continue the walk to this outstanding beach.

Cala des Talaier to Cala Turqeta

From Cala des Talaier, it’s an approx. 2km walk to Cala Turqeta. Along the way, you’ll continue to experience wonderful coastal scenery. Similar to Cala des Talaier, Cala Turqeta is a pristine and secluded beach. Given its remoteness and beauty, we rate Cala Turqeta and Cala des Talaier very highly. Both are exquisite beaches, making this coastal walk one of the best on the island.

Once you’ve explored and rested at Cala Turqeta, it’s time to head back to Cala n Bosch to finish the walk.

How to Get to Cala n Bosch

It’s possible to reach Cala n Bosch using public transport. From this bus stop (Plaça dels Pins) in Ciutadella, catch the 20 minute Line 65 bus to Cala n Bosch. You’ll pay €2.05 for a one-way ticket. Of course, you can alight earlier in Cap d’Artrutx if you want to start your walk near Faro d’Artrutx.

To return to Ciutadella, simply catch the Line 65 bus from this bus stop in Cala n Bosch. Similarly, the journey time is around 20 minutes and costs €2.05 per person.

Keep in mind, that the Line 65 bus service, like all bus services in Menorca, run more regularly in peak season from June to September. Personally, when Beck and I visited in November 2021, the Line 65 bus wasn’t in operation. Please check this website for the latest details on departure times.

Of course, the easiest and quickest way to get to Cala n Bosch or Cap d’Artrutx is by driving there yourself. Given the reduced bus service outside of peak season, you may want to consider hiring a car if you visit between October and May. We hired an automatic car from Menorca Airport for only around €13/day.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Alternative Trail Options

Cap d’Artrutx/Cala n Bosch to Cala Mitjana: during our Menorca trip, Beck and I did two separate out and back walks – Cala Mitjana to Cala Turqeta and, obviously, Cala n Bosch to Cala Turqeta. That’s because we visited outside of peak season when there was a considerably limited bus service. This meant, it was logistically difficult to walk from Cala n Bosch to Cala Mitjana, or vice-versa. But, during the peak season, there’s a decent bus service around the island.

If you visit during peak season, indeed, we recommend hiking from Cala n Bosch to Cala Mitjana, or vice-versa. This is a more efficient way to explore the coast than doing two out and back walks. Simply, catch the Line 65 bus from Ciutadella to Cala n Bosch as described above. Then, from Cala Mitjana, you can catch the 45 minute Line 51 bus to Mahón (€4.40), the 30 minute Line 52 bus to Ciutadella (€2.95) or the 15 minute Line 53 bus to Ferriers (€1.35). Check out the TSMA website for details on departure times.

• Type: One-way
• Distance: 20km
• Time: 6–8 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 215m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Cap d’Artrutx or Cala n Bosch Car Park
• Map: Wikiloc

Son Saura to Cala Turqeta: for a shorter walk, you could simply start from Son Saura instead of Cala n Bosch or Cap d’Artrutx. To reach Son Saura, you can drive to the Son Saura Car Park. Otherwise, you can reach Son Saura using public transport by getting the approx. 30 minute Line 66 bus from Ciutadella. One way, it’ll cost €3.15. Check this website for the most up-to-date timetable.

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 9.3km
• Time: 2–3 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 70m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Son Saura Car Park
• Map: Wikiloc

Cala n Bosch, Menorca

Cala n Bosch is the largest town you’ll encounter during the coastal walk to Cala Turqeta. Here, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and activities. Let’s have a look at some of this below.

Accommodation: Cala n Bosch Hotels

Cala n Bosch is a great place to stay if you’re interested in doing the coastal walk to Cala Turqeta or Cala Mitjana. Certainly, there are plenty of Cala n Bosch hotels to choose from. We’ve handpicked the best budget, mid-range and luxurious Cala n Bosch hotels.

• Budget – AluaSun Lago Park: these apartments are one of the best value for money stays in Cala n Bosch. Sure, you won’t find shoestring options in Cala n Bosch, nor Menorca in general. But, AluaSun Lago Park is definitely one of the most affordable accommodation choices in the area. There are two outdoor swimming pools, whilst the apartments have furnished terraces offering stunning views. There’s also a restaurant on-site, serving great buffet meals. Of course, the apartments contain a fully-equipped kitchen too.

• Mid-range – Carema Beach Menorca: this apartment hotel is one of the most highly-rated choices in the area. Carema Beach Menorca isn’t a popular choice by coincidence. Featuring an outdoor pool and sun terrace, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the sun. Similar to AluaSun Lago Park, this apartment hotel also has fully-equipped kitchens with everything you’d need.

• Luxurious – Valentin Star Menorca: this superb adults-only hotel is one of the most visited and highly-rated hotels in the area. Valentin Star Menorca is well known for providing memorable stays. This is made possible by the hotel’s impeccable modern facilities. On-site, you’ll enjoy an incredible lagoon-style outdoor pool as well as a restaurant serving delicious buffet meals.

Cala n Bosch Restaraunts

You’ll find most hotels in Cala n Bosch have their own associated restaurants, which are generally fantastic. But, if you’re not staying in the area, you’ll still find plenty of brilliant standalone restaurants. Restaurante El Pato, Asador On Egin and Restaurante Aquarium – Cala’n Bosch are some of the most highly-rated restaurants in the area.

FYI – if you’re keen to do your own cooking, we recommend doing food shopping at Lidl for well-priced groceries.

Cala n Bosch Marina

The marina at Cala n Bosch, otherwise known as the Cala n Bosch Strand, is a hub of activity in the peak season. Along the strand, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. You’ll also see tour agencies offering various activities and tours on the water.

If you want to book something in advance, we recommend booking a tour on GetYourGuide. They offer fantastic tours, including the Sunset Sightseeing Tour and the South Coast Sightseeing Boat Trip.

Gear Essentials

You should take water, snacks, lunch, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, swimmers and a towel. Otherwise, these are our hiking gear essentials for this coastal walk.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips Including Services and Facilities

• Facilities: once you pass Cala n Bosch, there isn’t much in the way of services and facilities en route to Cala Turqeta. So, if you need to buy any food or drinks, stock up at Cala n Bosch!
• Head to Cala Blanca: this is another popular and highly-rated beach near Ciutadella.
• Trail running: the hiking trails described in this guide are also fantastic routes for trail running.
• Other incredible walks in Menorca: read our Binimel·là to Cala Pilar, Cala Mitjana to Cala Turqeta (includes Cala Galdana) and Cova des Coloms guides. Otherwise, feel free to read our Menorca hiking guide and Menorca hiking video.

For other great coastal walks in the Balearic Islands, check out our Mallorca hiking guide, where we talk about the nine best hikes on the island.