Surfing in Menorca – Surf Spots, Beaches, Camps, and Coastal Paths
Surfing in Menorca is about finding a perfect break on the Balearic Island located on the Mediterranean Sea, and enjoying the surf spots, beaches,
The Balearic Island, on the Mediterranean Sea, is home to some fantastic surfing, hence we dive into the surf spots, beaches, camps, and coastal paths to get you to that lovely surfing session. If you are intrigued by the waves, why not take a peak at this video of one of the surf spots;
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Menorca Surfing
- History of Surfing in Menorca
- Best Season to Surf
- Best Surf Spots
- Surf Schools and Surf Camps
- Concluding Notes on Surfing in Menorca
Chapter 1: Introduction to Menorca Surfing
Menorca, Spain, is not like your other surf destinations, and thankfully, it is not. You’re basically heading to a rock in the middle of the Western Mediterranean, surrounded by some of the deepest blue water you’ll ever see. The main reason to bring a board here isn’t for world-class consistency, but rather for the novelty of scoring in a place that feels like it shouldn’t have waves.
The swells are entirely wind-driven. You don’t get those long period groundswells in the Atlantic. It’s mostly short-period stuff generated by the Mistral Winds blowing down from France. Because of that, decent waves are pretty miss more than hit.
But, regardless if its on, when it’s flat, which is often, it’s still a sick place to hang. The island has this rugged, limestone coastline with hidden coves that are perfect for diving or just paddling around. Walking around on its coastal paths, leads to the potential of a beautiful adventure. It’s a slow paced vibe. If you’re a total swell snob, you’ll get frustrated, but if you just like being near the ocean and catching the occasional chest high runner with nobody else out, it’s a decent adventure for this type of session.
Chapter 2: History of Surfing in Menorca
As per the history of surfing in Menorca, you are going to find much. Sailing, on the other hand, has a long precedence in Menorca, but surfing does not. The surf culture, if you can even call it that, has only started to begin in the last 20 years or so. Obviously, surfers were on the island in the 60’s and 70’s with the hippies longing for waves during those decades, but that was everywhere. Now, it is differen’t, but still not as populated as one would believe. So, no ancient to be found on Menorca! New wave surfing it is.
Chapter 3: Best Season to Surf
Beginner Recommendation: October to November, or March to April
Best Waves: December to February
General Best Time to Surf
From June to August Menorca is a lake. If you are a beginner and want to take a surf lesson, or go to surf camp, its inadvisable to go during those months.
The real season starts in late October and runs through March. That’s when the “Tramuntana”, the heavy north wind, and the southern “Migjorn” hot wind, starts doing their things. Because the Mediterranean is a closed sea, we don’t get that long-range groundswell like the Atlantic. We’re basically surfing wind-slop that grooms itself once the wind dies down or shifts, and for that reason the hit or miss is a higher factor. You may get skunked more than you like.
The best size is going to be December through Februrary. October through November alongside March to April are good shoulder seasons that offer warmer waters with some good medium sized days, with cleaner conditions.
What is Tramuntana Wind?
Tramuntana is what creates the wind swells for the northern part of this island, and a big part of the Mediterranean swells. Tramuntana is the cold air that sweeps down from the Pyrenees and the French Massif Central, into the Med Sea creating large gusts of wind, that makes the wind swell that all the local surfers love.
What is Migjorn Wind?
Migjorn is the warm wind blowing up from Africa.In the summer, the Migjorn is that classic hot, dry wind coming straight off the Sahara. It’s what makes July feel like a furnace, in Menorca, and turns the water into a flat, turquoise swimming pool. For surfing, it’s useless in the summer because it’s usually just a light breeze that doesn’t have enough muscle to build a wave.
In the winter, October to March, the Migjorn is much more aggressive. It usually kicks up when a low-pressure system moves in from the Atlantic or forms near Portugal. When that happens, the wind can howl from the south for a few days straight. A chance for some of the big waves that people on YouTube love to showcase.
Chapter 4: Best Surf Spots
The island, as per the swells that hit, are split between two sides. We have the North Side and the South Side. So I will split the waves between the North Waves, and the South Waves.
North Waves
S’Arenalet
Some sweet waves are to be found on this beach. Check out this guy for some views of the waves;
Or this guy;
Cape Cavalleria
Check out this video for some waves of Cape Cavalleria;
Other North Side Waves include; Arenal Castell, Playas de Fornells, Platja de Cavalleria
South Waves
Punta Prima
Check out this video for some waves of Punta Prima;
Xon Xoriguer
Check out this video for some waves of Xon Xoriguer;
Cala Biniancolla
Check out this video for some waves of Cala Biniancolla;
Cala d’Alcaufar
Check out this video for some waves of Cala d’Alcaufar;
Sant Tomas
Check out this video for some waves of Sant Tomas;
Other South Side Waves are; Cala’n Forcat, Son Bou, Playa Atalis
Chapter 5: Surf Schools and Surf Camps
Mahini Surf School
The island really only boasts a singular surf camp and surf school, based on the Northern Side of the island. Regardless of it being the only choice, it is a fantastic option!
Chapter 6: Concluding Notes on Surfing in Menorca
Surfing in Menorca is a unique experience defined by its Mediterranean geography and wind-driven swell patterns. While the island is often flat during the summer, the winter months provide consistent opportunities for those who track the Tramuntana and Migjorn wind swells. It only has a small local community so uncrowded water. It offers a distinct alternative to traditional Atlantic surf destinations. Whether you are scoring a winter swell or exploring the coastline by paddle, the island remains a premier location for ocean enthusiasts. A fun session and an adventure itself lays wait on the island. Hell, a backpacking surf trip around the island’s coastal paths sounds like a fantastic adventure. Also…cliff jumping!