Binimel·là to Cala Pilar: The Ultimate Hiking Guide

The coastal trail stretching from Binimel·là to Cala Pilar is downright breathtaking. Starting at Cala Binimel·là, you’ll enjoy many other spectacular beaches and coves en route to Cala Pilar, such as Cala Calderer and Cala Barril. Indeed, when it comes to day hikes in Menorca, the Binimel·là to Cala Pilar route is one of the best.

In this travel guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about hiking from Binimel·là to Cala Pilar. After describing the trail, we’ll talk about how to get to the trailhead. Also, we’ll look at hotels near Binimel·là and Cala Pilar as well as gear essentials.

For other epic coastal walks in Menorca, read our Cala Morell to Algaiarens, Cala Mitjana to Cala Turqeta (includes Cala Galdana and Cala Macarella) and Es Grau to Favaritx Cape (includes Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili) guides. Otherwise, read our Menorca hiking guide, where we talk about the eight best day hikes on the island.

Why You Should Do the Binimel·là to Cala Pilar Hike

You should do the Binimel·là to Cala Pilar trail because you’ll enjoy outstanding coastal scenery. Indeed, the stretch of coast including Cala Binimel·là, Cala Calderer, Cala Barril and Cala Pilar offers some of the most gorgeous natural landscapes on the island. Of course, this section of coastal trail is part of the island’s 184km Camí de Cavalls circular route. But, we don’t all have the time or energy to do this entire multi-day hike. By doing the Binimel·là to Cala Pilar hike on the north coast of the island, you’ll get to experience one of the best sections of the Camí de Cavalls.

Binimel·là to Cala Pilar Map and Details

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 21.3km
• Time: 6–8 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 745m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Cala Binimel·là and Cala Pregonda Car Park (parking is free)
• Map: Wikiloc

Binimel·là to Cala Pilar Description

In this trail description, we’ll break down the trail into sections, to help show the highlights of this magnificent coastal walk. It all starts at Cala Binimel·là, also known as Binimel·là Beach.

Cala Binimel·là

Initially, a dirt road will steer you in the direction of Cala Binimel·là. Situated in the North Menorcan Marine Reserve, Cala Binimel·là is a sensational beach. Surrounded by red-coloured rocks and hills, you’ll feel a sense of arriving on another planet. Mars perhaps. Although the walk would have just started, it’ll be hard to continue along the trail. That’s because Cala Binimel·là is so beautiful, you won’t want to leave! Of course, you’ll have to get on with it at some point. To continue along the trail towards Cala Barril, you’ll exit Cala Binimel·là from its western end.

After exiting the western side of Cala Binimel·là, you’ll pass by Cala Pregonda. Here, you’ll enjoy an even more vivid red landscape typical of the exquisite Binimel·là coastline.

Cala Barril

As you hike away from Cala Binimel·là and Cala Pregonda, you’ll arrive at the first of the steep inclines. Thankfully, the lovely coastal scenery is a welcome distraction from the tough ascent. The next beach you’ll pass is the serene Cala Barril. Indeed, Cala Barril is a remote beach. So, we’d be surprised if you saw many people chilling out or swimming there. After soaking in the beauty of this small beach, you’ll ascend another steep section. As you gain elevation, you’ll enjoy mind-blowing views of Cala Barril.

As you hike away from Cala Barril, you’ll reach an otherworldly section of Marsian-type landscape. This section of the Menorcan coastline has to be some of the most epic on the island. FYI – the wind can be super strong here!

After passing this mesmerising landscape, you’ll continue west towards Cala Calderer.

Cala Calderer

With the coastline to your right, you’ll descend the trail to Cala Calderer. Often, the trail running over the sands of Cala Calderer is clear and easy to do. But, in winter, part of this trail leading to Cala Calderer can flood. So, don’t be surprised if you’re having to bush-bash your way to Cala Calderer in winter. Once you arrive at Cala Calderer, you’ll be over halfway to Cala Pilar. So, don’t set up the towel and beach umbrella just yet!

The next section of trail continues through varying terrain, undulating and meandering along the coast. Keep in mind, that this section after Cala Calderer is considered the hardest along the Camí de Cavalls route. So, expect a workout.

Ets Alocs

Eventually, you’ll arrive at Ets Alocs, also known as Els Alocs. At Ets Alocs, you’ll find a small beach. Admittedly, Ets Alocs is nothing to write home about. But, not far away is the stunning Cala Pilar, so make sure to walk that little bit further to reach this stunning beach. Indeed, some walkers choose to return to Cala Binimel·là after reaching Ets Alocs. But, we implore you, to continue to Cala Pilar, which may be the highlight of the entire coastal walk.

Cala Pilar Beach, Menorca

Soon after exiting Ets Aloc, you’ll arrive at a descending set of steps leading to Cala Pilar, also known as Cala Pilar Beach, Cala del Pilar and Cala Pilar Ferreries. Even from a distance, it’s easy to tell that Cala Pilar Beach in Menorca, is one of the island’s finest parts of the coast. As you edge closer to Cala Pilar, you’ll arrive at an outstanding orange-coloured rock platform overlooking the beach. This is a magnificent spot to take in views of the water. Surrounded by the red hills of Marina de Santa Elisabet, Cala Pilar is one of the most scenic places in Menorca to visit.

Feel free to explore the beach or simply retrace your steps to complete the hike. On the way back, Beck and I took part in speed hiking. Certainly, it was a great workout, speed hiking the ups and downs of this coastal trail.

Have you heard much about speed hiking? Find out about it here.

More About the Binimel·là and Cala Pilar Hike

Now you know a bit more about the Binimel·là to Cala Pilar coastal trail, let’s look into some other helpful information to help you plan your visit. Let’s start with how to get there.

How to Get There: Accessing the Binimel·là to Cala Pilar Trailhead

Unfortunately, there isn’t any public transport to Binimel·là or Cala Pilar. So, you’ll need to drive yourself to the Cala Binimel·là and Cala Pregonda Car Park. Indeed, this is the trailhead for the hike. Beck and I hired an automatic car using Rentalcars.com from Menorca Airport for only €13/day ($13USD)! Booking a car with Rentalcars.com was easy and stress-free. They also offer an unbeatable free cancellation policy.

Whether you’re driving from the west coast near Ciutadella or the east coast near Mahón (Maó), you’ll initially follow the main road (known as Camí del Pilar or Coll Roig) towards the centre of the island. You’ll then arrive at a turnoff at Es Mercadal, heading north towards Cala Binimel·là. As you near Cala Binimel·là, you’ll arrive at an unpaved road leading to the car park. It’s 2WD-accessible and not too bumpy; but if you have a car hire, you might want to take it easy on the acceleration.

Visitors Highly Rate Binimel·là and Cala Pilar

Cala Binimel·là and Cala Pilar are some of the most highly-rated beaches in Menorca. On top of that, Cala Barril and Cala Calderer are also given stellar reviews from visitors. Of course, this might not be a huge surprise. Given the beauty of the north coast of Menorca, you’ll find most beaches there are spectacular.

Binimel·là to Cala Pilar Video

If you want to see footage of this hike, please watch our Menorca hiking video.

Hotels Near Binimel·là and Cala Pilar

Cala Binimel·là and Cala Pilar are fairly remote beaches. So, you won’t find any hotels close by. So, if you’re wanting to stay near these beaches, you’ll want to stay at either Ferriers or Es Mercadal. We’ve handpicked the best budget, mid-range and luxurious options for Ferriers. In terms of accommodation in Es Mercadal, most options are mid-range. So, we’ve chosen the best mid-range option for staying in Es Mercadal.

Where to Stay in Ferriers

• Budget – Agroturismo Son Triay: Menorca doesn’t usually have much in the way of budget options. But, if you’re looking for a cheaper stay in Ferriers, Agroturismo Son Triay is a good shout. You’ll have access to a shared pool and tennis court. We’ve also heard the rooms are stylishly decorated to have a genuine rustic vibe.
• Mid-range – Agroturismo Son Vives Menorca: this is the most well-known and popular accommodation in Ferriers. Agroturismo Son Vives Menorca offers an outdoor pool, barbecue and sun terrace. The hosts are warm and welcoming, making you feel right at home.
• Luxury – Ses Sucreres Small & Slow Hotel: this hotel is on the pricier side but for good reason. Ses Sucreres Small & Slow Hotel is a stylishly restored 19th-century hotel with a beautifully decorated interior. Indeed, you’ll have a fantastic stay here.

Where to Stay in Es Mercadal

Hotel Jeni & Restaurant is the most outstanding place to stay in Es Mercadal. This hotel is highly-rated, offering an outdoor pool with a retractable roof! The hotel is also set next to some nice gardens, adding to its calm and relaxing ambience. Better yet, with a restaurant on-site, you’re well positioned to try traditional Menorcan cuisine.

Gear Essentials: Get Ready to Hike From Binimel·là to Cala Pilar

These are our five hiking gear essentials for this coastal walk. For a more comprehensive gear list, check out our 66 Travel Accessories You Must Travel With. Or, for a general summary of everything you’d need to pack for a trip to Menorca, read our Packing Checklist.

• Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots: these hiking boots are super comfortable and lightweight.
• The North Face Venture Jacket: a fantastic windproof/waterproof jacket.
• Osprey Skarab 30L Day Backpack: a great backpack for hiking, which has plenty of space to store your gear.
• The North Face TKA Glacier Fleece Jacket: an excellent warmth:weight ratio fleece jacket that’ll help keep you warm.
• Columbia Convertible Trousers: a value for money pair of water-resistant convertible trousers.

You should also take water, snacks, lunch, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.

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