Codolar de Torrenova

Codolar de Torrenova is a rugged pebble cove on the northern coast of Ciutadella, on Menorca, lying just east of Punta d'en Nati. This is a spot for travelers drawn to raw, dramatic coastline rather than a conventional sandy beach.

Where is Codolar de Torrenova?

The cove sits on Menorca's northern shore, within the Ciutadella municipality, close to the Punta Nati lighthouse. This stretch of coast is steep and cliff-lined, with rock faces rising roughly 40 metres above the sea, framing an exposed view of the open Mediterranean.

What does this beach actually look like?

It isn't a sand beach at all — it's a codolar, a pebble-and-cobble shoreline typical of northern Menorca. The ground is stony and almost bare of vegetation, giving the whole area an almost desert-like feel. Pebbles and rock dominate rather than sand, and the cove sits fully exposed to wind and swell.

Can you drive there?

No. There's no road leading directly to Codolar de Torrenova. The nearest place to leave a car is the parking area by the Punta Nati lighthouse, from which you walk in on foot. The terrain is uneven, so care is needed on the descent toward the water.

Is it safe to swim here?

Swimming isn't common among either locals or visitors at this cove. The steep, rocky approach to the water and the lack of shelter from waves make it less forgiving than Menorca's typical beaches. There are no facilities of any kind — no showers, no food stalls, no equipment rental.

How does it connect to the Camí de Cavalls?

Codolar de Torrenova lies along the historic Camí de Cavalls, the coastal path that circles the whole island. The roughly 18-kilometre stage between Cala Morell and Ciutadella passes near Punta Nati and this cove, taking hikers through one of the most isolated stretches of Menorca's coastline.

Is there anything historically significant nearby?

Yes. Near Torrenova, on the rocks facing the cove, a memorial cross marks the loss of 156 French sailors who died when the ship General Chanzy sank in 1910. That wreck left a lasting mark on this part of the coast, and it explains why some of the stone markers in the area carry a memorial weight rather than just a navigational one.

Who is this place for?

Codolar de Torrenova mainly draws hikers working through the Camí de Cavalls and travelers seeking Menorca's more solitary, untouched coastline, far from the crowded beaches of the island's south. It suits a short stop during a trek — a look at the cliffs and open sea — rather than a day of sunbathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Codolar de Torrenova a sandy beach? No — it's a pebble-and-cobble shoreline (a codolar), with no sand, framed by cliffs around 40 metres high.

How do you get to Codolar de Torrenova? There's no direct road access. Park at the Punta Nati lighthouse and walk the rest of the way.

Are there any tourist facilities there? None. No showers, food service, equipment rental, or other tourist infrastructure.

What's the connection to the Camí de Cavalls? The trail stage between Cala Morell and Ciutadella passes near this cove, making it one of the route's coastal viewpoints.