Sa Lluna Galdana

About Sa Lluna Galdana

Sa Lluna Galdana is a self-catering hotel on the south coast of Menorca, set back from the sea near the horseshoe bay of Cala Galdana. It suits travellers who want a quiet base with a kitchen, a patio and two pools, without the formality of a full-service resort. The hotel is not rated with stars, so expectations should be set by its facilities rather than a category. The guest score is not published, so the property is best judged by its location and what it lists.

The hotel sits in a residential area of Carrer De Llevant, about 0.7 km straight line from the beach at Cala Galdana. That distance means the bay is walkable, but the hotel is not on the sand. The indoor and outdoor pools give options for cooler or hotter days. With a kitchen, a dishwasher and a microwave, the stay works well for families or couples who prefer to cook some meals. Free car parking is listed, which is useful because the southern coves are easier to reach by car.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Cala Galdana is a horseshoe bay in the south of Menorca, enclosed by pine-covered cliffs and with a sweep of white sand. It is one of the more developed coves on the Migjorn coast, with a handful of hotels and restaurants around the bay, but it keeps a relaxed feel. The hotel is 0.7 km straight line from the bay, so the beach, the waterfront promenade and the small shops are within walking distance. The nearest village is not given, so most everyday needs are likely to be met in the resort itself or in Ciutadella, 11.9 km away.

The location works well for exploring the south coast. Cala Macarella is 1.9 km straight line and Cala Turqueta 4.1 km, both reached by a short drive or a longer walk along the coast or the road. Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, is 11.3 km away. In high summer, the car parks at Macarella and Turqueta fill early, so an early start matters. In May, June and September, the coves are quieter and the sea is warm enough for swimming. From November to April, much of the tourism business in the area closes, so check the hotel's opening dates.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists self-catering accommodation with a kitchen, an oven, a microwave, a refrigerator and a dishwasher. That set-up suits families who want to eat in, and couples who want a simple holiday without dining out every night. Air conditioning is listed, which is welcome in July and August. Each unit has a patio or terrace, a TV and free wifi. Non-smoking rooms are listed, and a smoke detector is fitted. The indoor pool is a useful feature for cooler days or for children when the outdoor pool is too busy.

The facilities are listed, but the hotel does not state the number of bedrooms or the layout of each unit. Confirm with the property whether the kitchen is fully equipped for your needs and whether the patio is private. The indoor pool and outdoor pool are both listed, but opening times and heating are not given, so ask before booking if you plan to use them in the shoulder months. Free car parking is listed, but spaces may be limited, so check whether a space is guaranteed.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 23.9 km straight line from the hotel, about a 30-40 minute drive by taxi or hire car. The airport is about 4-5 km south-west of Maó, and buses run to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts. A hire car collected at the airport is the most practical option for reaching Cala Galdana and for exploring the south coast. The drive follows the main road south through the centre of the island, then turns towards the coast at Ferreries.

Maó port is 26.7 km straight line away, where ferries arrive from Barcelona and Palma. From the port, a taxi or a hire car takes about 40 minutes. Ciutadella, 11.9 km away, has ferries to Alcúdia on Mallorca and some mainland routes in season. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and seasonal buses may not run, so check the island bus operator for current timetables. The hotel's distance from the airport and port means that a car is almost essential for a smooth stay.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach is Cala Galdana, 0.7 km away, a sheltered bay with clear water and a gentle slope, good for families. Cala Macarella, 1.9 km away, is a smaller cove with white sand and pine trees, reached by a path or a short drive. Cala Turqueta, 4.1 km away, is known for its turquoise water and is best visited early in the day. Son Bou, 11.3 km away, offers a long stretch of sand with dunes and a wetland behind it. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 8.3 km away and worth a stop on the way to Ciutadella.

Ciutadella, 11.9 km away, is the old capital of Menorca, with a cathedral, palaces and a narrow port. It is the place to go for a wider choice of restaurants and shops, and for the Sant Joan festival around 23-24 June. The island's food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew from Fornells on the north coast. The Camí de Cavalls, the coastal bridleway, passes near the southern coves, so walkers can link Cala Galdana, Macarella and Turqueta on foot.

A day from Sa Lluna Galdana

Start the day with a walk to Cala Galdana, 0.7 km away, and swim before the crowds arrive. Then drive to Cala Macarella, 1.9 km away, for a quieter stretch of sand. The car park there fills early in summer, so arrive by mid-morning. Pack a picnic or buy supplies in Cala Galdana. After lunch, walk the coastal path towards Cala Turqueta, 4.1 km away, or drive and park early. The water is clear and the pine shade offers a break from the sun.

In the late afternoon, drive to the Naveta des Tudons, 8.3 km away, and see the prehistoric tomb. Then continue to Ciutadella, 11.9 km away, for an evening stroll along the port and a meal in the old town. Return to the hotel in the dark, using the free parking. In the shoulder months, the same route works with fewer people, but some beach bars and restaurants may be closed, so check what is open before setting out. The indoor pool at the hotel is a good option for a cooler evening.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, and the hotel's opening dates should be checked before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the hottest weather and the busiest coves. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax, known as the ecotasa, is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the type of accommodation and the season, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears before you travel.

Questions about Sa Lluna Galdana