Port D'addaia: Bay, salt pans and coastal routes

Port d'Addaia is a small, elongated natural bay. Its sheltered, shallow waters, the site's geology and the coastal routes shape different aspects of the landscape. The Salines d'Addaia and the Torre d'Addaia are also here. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these places and activities as distinct points of interest.

Bay, islands and geology

The islands of Illa Petita d'Addaia and Illa Gran d'Addaia shelter Port d'Addaia from stormy weather. Meadows of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa grow in the sheltered, shallow waters. The bay thus brings together a distinctive coastal shape and a special aquatic habitat.

Geologically, Port d'Addaia is a narrow bay carved out at the contact between sedimentary rocks from the Triassic and Jurassic periods. Those interested in how the landscape formed will find a clear link here between the shape of the bay and the rocks at whose contact it formed.

Maritime routes and boat visits

The maritime route in the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park runs from Platja des Grau to Port d'Addaia. It is suited to kayaks or other small boats that can reach the shore. A boat visit is recommended to fully see the site's geological structures.

One variant of the maritime route starts and ends in Port d'Addaia or Na Macaret, and from there leads to Cala en Brut. This gives you different route options: the stretch between Platja des Grau and Port d'Addaia, and the variant via Cala en Brut. Check current route and access conditions before setting out.

A trip on a rigid inflatable motorboat is offered from Port d'Addaia; check availability before your trip. Boat rental without a mandatory licence is also offered. Check both availability and the applicable licence requirements in advance.

Salt pans and trails

The Salines d'Addaia were established in the 19th century and are located within the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park. They are considered Menorca's best area for observing species associated with salty habitats. A birdwatching route to the salt pans is 1.3 kilometres long, has a low difficulty level and takes approximately 60 minutes on foot for the round trip.

There is also a 13.5-kilometre section of the Camí de Cavalls leading to Port d'Addaia. The Favàritx–Arenal d'en Castell stage leads to the Port's significant body of water. The salt-pan route and coastal stages therefore offer different scales for planning: a short birdwatching walk and longer stretches along the coast.

The geological site of Port d'Addaia can also be reached from the Camí de Cavalls. This requires a detour to Arenal de Mongofra; from there, a coastal path leads from the beach to the site. Trail conditions and access may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out.

Heritage at the harbour entrance

At the entrance to Port d'Addaia, the Torre d'Addaia can still be seen from the road opposite. The Castell Torre d'Addaia was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest on 30 November 1993. The Torre is privately owned. Visibility, heritage protection and ownership status are separate details that can help you orient yourself around the structure.

Harbour and maritime facilities

Although Port d'Addaia has only a shallow draft, recreational boats can navigate it. On its southern side there is a quay with berths for recreational boats, as well as a facility for their storage and maintenance. If you plan to use the berths or facility, check the current terms of use in advance. This helps distinguish the facilities described from the conditions that apply to your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Na Macaret, Cala Tirant, Son Parc, Fornells.

Return to the broader travel guide: Es Mercadal.