Alta Galdana

About Alta Galdana

Alta Galdana is a one-star hotel in Cala Galdana, on Menorca's south coast. It works for travellers who want an independent, no-frills stay within reach of the island's best-known coves. The hotel has an outdoor pool, free car parking and a kitchen in the room, which makes it a practical choice for self-catering holidays. It is not a beachfront property: Cala Galdana beach is 0.4 km away in a straight line.

The hotel is listed as a one-star property with no guest score given. The facilities are basic but functional: a balcony or terrace, a TV, a fan, a safe, a microwave and a toaster. Pets are allowed, and cots are available. Wifi is listed, and there is express check-in. This is a budget stay for those who plan to spend most of their time out exploring the coast rather than in the hotel.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Cala Galdana is a horseshoe-shaped bay on Menorca's south coast, set between low cliffs and pine woods. The beach is about 0.4 km from Alta Galdana. In summer the cove fills with visitors, but the surrounding cliffs and pine cover give it a sheltered feel. The village has a handful of shops and places to eat; the hotel's kitchen means you can prepare your own meals. In the shoulder months of May, June and September the cove is quieter, and the water is warm enough for swimming.

Ciutadella is 11.9 km away in a straight line, so a car is useful for exploring the old capital. The airport is 23.9 km away and Maó port is 26.8 km away. The nearby coves of Cala Macarella (1.7 km) and Cala Turqueta (3.9 km) are within walking distance on the Camí de Cavalls, but the paths are rough in places. A hire car makes it easier to reach Son Bou (11.3 km) and the Naveta des Tudons (8.4 km). In high summer, car parks at the popular coves fill early.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists rooms with a balcony or terrace, a TV and a fan. Each room has a kitchen with a microwave, a toaster and a coffee maker. There is a sofa bed, so the room can sleep extra guests. A cot is available on request. The safe and the fan are useful in summer; there is no air conditioning listed, so confirm this with Alta Galdana before booking in July and August.

Wifi is listed, as is express check-in for late arrivals. Pets are allowed, which is useful for travellers with dogs. The rooms are non-smoking. The hotel has free car parking on site. The facilities are basic but cover the essentials for a self-catering stay. Confirm the exact kitchen equipment and the availability of the cot and pet policy directly with Alta Galdana.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 23.9 km from Alta Galdana in a straight line. The drive takes about 30 minutes by taxi or hire car. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Maó you would need to change to a bus towards Cala Galdana. A hire car is the most practical option, especially for reaching the coves and the hotel's free parking. Flights are fewer in winter, and the bus service is reduced outside the main season.

Maó port is 26.8 km away and Ciutadella is 11.9 km away. Ferries from Barcelona arrive at both ports. From Ciutadella, a taxi or a hire car takes about 15-20 minutes to Cala Galdana. From Maó, the drive is about 30 minutes. In summer, a bus service links Ciutadella with Cala Galdana, but check the current timetable with the island bus operator. In winter, buses are fewer and a car is almost essential.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala Galdana beach is 0.4 km from Alta Galdana. The cove has fine white sand and clear water, with a line of pines behind it. The Camí de Cavalls runs along the cliff above the beach. Cala Macarella is 1.7 km away, a smaller cove with turquoise water and a sandy beach backed by pine woods. Cala Turqueta is 3.9 km away, a narrow cove with white sand and a small stream. Both are reachable on foot or by car, but arrive early in summer.

The Naveta des Tudons is 8.4 km away, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb and a key Talayotic Menorca site. Ciutadella is 11.9 km away, with its cathedral, palaces and a narrow port. Son Bou, the longest beach on Menorca, is 11.3 km away. The island's food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells on the north coast. Many restaurants close from November to April.

A day from Alta Galdana

Start the morning at Alta Galdana with breakfast on the terrace. Walk the 0.4 km to Cala Galdana beach for a swim before the crowds arrive. Then follow the Camí de Cavalls east along the cliff to Cala Macarella, 1.7 km away. The path goes through pine woods and offers views of the cove from above. Swim at Macarella, then walk back to Alta Galdana for lunch prepared in the kitchen.

In the afternoon, drive 8.4 km to the Naveta des Tudons, the prehistoric tomb near Ciutadella. From there, continue 11.9 km into Ciutadella to see the cathedral and the port. Return to Cala Galdana in the late afternoon for a swim at the beach or a dip in the hotel's outdoor pool. End the day on the terrace with a drink as the sun sets behind the cliffs.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check Alta Galdana's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, when the coves are busiest and car parks fill early. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of accommodation, is reduced for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Alta Galdana