Cala Tirant (Menorca)
- Freeride, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Tourists in summer are noted; low in winter is also described, but a single spot-level crowd enum value is not fully consistent across inputs.
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Cala Tirant (Menorca) is a North-facing spot built around a sandy, U-shaped bay, with generally crystal-clear water and small-to-medium wave potential. The spot’s wind direction preference is consistently described as northerly (N, NNE, NNW), which aligns with Menorca’s strong Northwind (Tramontana) patterns. When conditions build in cooler months, it becomes especially relevant for wave-focused riding and for surf when the swell arrives. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as one of Menorca’s best options for riders seeking wave and freeride sessions with small to medium waves. Skill is most consistently described around intermediate level for progression, while wind strength in the northerly regime can support more aggressive styles (including big-air when conditions are right). A key practical point is that summer access for kitesurfing is restricted/prohibited during June to September due to beachgoers and swimmers, so planning around local seasonal rules is essential. Surfing is described as having one of the most consistent wave setups on the island when North or Northwest swell builds. The break is characterized as exposed and generally peeling, with ride quality described as good; larger swell can push it toward closeouts. Windsurfing wave sailing is also noted as strong in strong North winds, though the shore break and launch conditions can make it more technical. Safety planning matters here: there are rocks and reef patches near the edges of the bay, strong currents can occur during heavy Northwind periods, and shore break is reported. Lifeguards are described as seasonal, and rescue availability is not described as a dedicated private motorboat response. Before launching—especially outside the shoulder/winter kitesurfing window—check local regulations and be mindful of swimmers during the summer season.
- North wind orientation (N, NNE, NNW) is central to the best sessions
- Crystal-clear water in a sandy bay
- Kitesurfing wave/freeride potential with small-to-medium waves
- Surf consistency increases when North/Northwest swell builds
- Crystal-clear water
- Strong North wind orientation (N, NNE, NNW) with strong wind/wave potential in the cooler season
- U-shaped sandy bay with kitesurfing wave/freeride opportunities
- Surfing is described as one of the island’s most consistent breaks when North/Northwest swells build
- Rock hazards at/near the edges of the bay and reef patches near the edges
- Shore break and potentially tricky launch conditions
- Seasonal summer kitesurfing restrictions due to swimmers and beachgoers
- Strong currents possible during heavy North wind periods
- Wind and wave setups can be exposed
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Works with northerly wind patterns; thermal support may occur in summer.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Natural sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Inputs describe small-to-medium wave sizes; surfing and kiting are also described as small/medium depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Sustained wind described as creating chop in Mediterranean conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — U-shaped bay about 450 m wide; natural sandy beach. Narrow sandy beach sections can be limited by dunes/vegetation.
Through the year
High in summer (June, July, August); low in winter.
October to December
By sport
What to expect for each.
Described as one of Menorca’s best kitesurfing spots, working with small to medium waves; it’s characterized as a premier wave spot for North wind setups.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Excellent wave sailing during strong North winds, but launch can be tricky due to shore break.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.5 m²
Suitable for foiling in moderate North winds, but wave conditions and rocks make it challenging for beginners.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Menorca’s only consistently working break is described for this spot’s setup; can become very large if North wind persists for a few days.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Optimal tide described as all-tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed to northerly setups.
- Wind Effect
- North wind is associated with producing swell and chop; lighter offshore South wind is described as gromming waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out in very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power typical for the described wave setup.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave shape reported; also described as peeling in detail.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves reported.
- Ride Length
- Ride length described as medium; island notes indicate the break can become very large when wind persists for days.
- Ride Length Details
- Reported as medium; larger swell behavior can include closing out in very large waves.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cala Tirant (Menorca) in the full forecast view.
Cala Tirant (Menorca) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- N350°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2812 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.9 m5s period
- Temperature
- 16–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cala Tirant (Menorca) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.2–1.9 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks at/near the edges of the bay
- reef patches near the edges
- strong currents possible during heavy North winds
- shore break
- swimmers in summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards described as seasonal on public beaches.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited/unspecified; no dedicated private motorboat rescue verified.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number 112; nearest major medical facility noted for the region is in Mahon (~30 km away).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism described as none at the spot level; mild localism described in other enrichment for the area.
Rules of the spot
Respect others in the water (kiters or not) and follow local kite launch/area rules.
- Seasonal summer kitesurfing restriction/prohibition due to beachgoers and swimmers
- Protected dune area behind the beach
- Dedicated kite zone; may require special permit or local kite organization membership
- Respect the dedicated kite zone and any local regulations.
- In summer, check seasonal restrictions before launching.
- Be alert to rocky areas on the left and right sides of the bay.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mahon
- Nearest Town
- es Mercadal, Fornells
- Nearest Airport
- Menorca Airport (MAH) (~30 km away)
- Parking
- Parking areas available near the beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Limited bus services connect es Mercadal to Fornells.
- Access
- From Mahon on road 721 and then 723 towards Fornells; follow signs to Cala Tirant. Short walk from parking.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish (Castilian), Catalan
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation described as nearby, including in Fornells and es Mercadal.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options are described as available nearby during the season (including restaurants and beach bars).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental described as available in the surrounding region.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage described as available at major centers within the nearby bay/harbor area.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail/board repair described as available through local services in the wider area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The northern coast of Menorca around Fornells and Cala Tirant is a versatile watersports area with conservation-linked scenery and clear-water swimming/diving options, plus well-known coastal walking routes.
A historic lighthouse situated on dramatic cliffs at the northernmost point of the island.
The highest point of Menorca, featuring a sanctuary and panoramic views of the entire island.
A local historical site in Fornells that is open to visitors and provides a cultural stop in the area.
Excellent snorkeling and diving in protected waters with high biodiversity.
Coastal walking and hiking along one of Menorca’s signature trails.
The Fornells area is described as having kayak and water-taxi links to nearby beaches.
Described for traditional Menorcan gastronomy, including lobster stew (Caldereta de Langosta).
Summer evening market activity in town creates a lively food-and-stroll scene.
A sandy beach with shallow areas suitable for children and families.
Reviews describe shallow, safe water and a beach suited to small children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cala Tirant (Menorca)?
The best overall months at Cala Tirant (Menorca) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Cala Tirant (Menorca)?
Cala Tirant (Menorca) works with N, NNE, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cala Tirant (Menorca)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cala Tirant (Menorca): Kitesurfing: 7–11 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–35 kts.
What skill level is Cala Tirant (Menorca) suitable for?
Cala Tirant (Menorca) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.