Cala Turqueta Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in the central sandy area in 3–5m. Less Posidonia coverage than Macarella — sandy patches are wider and easier to find. The bay is slightly more open to SW but receives similar cliff shelter from the Tramuntana. Not a LIFE POSIDONIA mandatory zone (as of 2026) — check balearslifeposidonia.eu for updates before visiting.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cala Turqueta is primarily sand and Posidonia patches with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on top of the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten and the boat should stop moving back.
4. Snorkel to verify Posidonia-free hold. Given the Posidonia present in this anchorage, it is strongly recommended to dive on the anchor and visually confirm it is buried in sand — not skimming over Posidonia meadows.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: SPADE, Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Cala Turqueta are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night. 70m covers 3–7m depth at 7:1 scope with swing buffer. The bay is slightly wider than Macarella — a 70m radius avoids shoreline conflict in most positions.

May–June and September ideal. Less crowded than Macarella throughout season. Open in winter months but Tramuntana makes Menorca's SW coast uncomfortable Oct–Apr.

Navigation Hazards

• Posidonia throughout — verify sandy patches with DONIA app
• Open to SW/W afternoon sea breeze (Ponent) in summer — can build 1m chop
• No facilities ashore — carry all provisions

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Key restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Verify current LIFE POSIDONIA zone status at balearslifeposidonia.eu before arrival.

For a full overview of Spanish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Ciutadella (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Ciutadella (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Ciutadella (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use as a quieter backup to Cala Macarella — same cliff character, often 50% fewer boats.
2. In onshore SW afternoons, the anchor can appear to drag as the chop builds — verify holding early and increase scope to 10:1 if gusts develop.
3. The walk to Cala Macarella along the cliff path takes 15 minutes — excellent for an evening stroll.