Son Bou , Beach & Holiday Guide

(updated Nov 2022)

To get to Son Bou / Sant Jaime you travel through beautiful countryside and at the eastern end pass through a rock arch to 'suddenly' enter the resort which sits on ' longest beach at around 2.5 k.m. Mahon is about 30 minutes drive and Ciutadella about 35 minutes. Alaior old town is 15 mins by bus.

Son Bou is a holiday resort of mixed private/commercial Villas,Apartments and hotels built behind a nature reserve along the island's longest beach. The resort is more correctly called Sant Jaime(Jaume) but Son Bou, Sant Jaime and Torre Soli Nou blend into each other, though Torre Soli nou extends further inland if you are looking for a quieter location. Much of the resort sits terraced in delightful planted gardens on a tiered wooded hillside which offers spectacular coastline views.

Being one of the larger dedicated Menorcan holiday resorts it has many facilities to offer for the perfect beach holiday. Water sports - Kayaking, Watersking,banana boat rides, snorkeling, pedalos and a long, long sandy beach backed with extensive sand dunes,not concrete hotel blocks. Ideal for families with younger children and those just looking for a relaxing holiday. Night life at Son Bou is varied with restaurants, bars, shops, hotels. Alternatively you can venture into nearby Alaior early mornings and evenings to wander throught the old towns' pretty streets or travel to Mahon or Es Castell with their lively harbours and old towns for a wide range of shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Menorca Holiday Tips

Self caterers: If you are mobile the supermarkets in Alaior old town and Poligno ( Commercial area ) offer much better food selection and prices. Plus there are some good homemade meals(delicatesans) to take away and bring back to your accommodation.

Menorca Holiday Tips

Obviously the areas just in front of the main car park beach entry points get crowded - go left in front of the hotels if you want to amongst families, or better still for more natural surroundings go right where the beach develops little sandy bays-see Photo Tour

Bring bathing shoes to protect your feet from the underwater rocks that are hidden under the sand and can sometimes be sharp.

Son Bou beach has good (assisted) wheelchair access/facilities to the beach/sea from the car park.

As the whole resort sits behind a natural marshland so don't forget mosquito protection.

The little resort train will take you upto the 'top of resort' - Valentin Hotel where you can sample the view enjoyed by the private Villas and Apartments above the 'valley area'.

Son Bou - Shopping and Supermarkets

Supermarkets: there are several in the resort with everything necessary for a holiday. Located maostly in the central area - see locations map

There are basic summer clothes, souvenir shops in Son Bou but in Alaior are one or two boutiques, handmade shoes and jewellery shops in the old town, but you really need to visit Mahon combined with a market day there.

In nearby Ferreries there are factory shops for one of the island's most famous upmarket leather shoes and goods manufactuer JAIME MASCARO ( eg pretty Ballerinas ). Many of these shoes and goods you will find in more exclusive shops back home for considerably more than you will pay on Menorca.

Alaior Summer Market

Son Bou - Top See and Do

For those who want to add special holiday memories, Son Bou is set in dramatic scenery, and long walking beach and nature lovers resort as it is surrounded by pristine landscapes to explore on foot, horseback or Mountain Bike. There are beautiful valleys and landscapes with historical sites nearby ( Torre d'en Gaumes ) to discover.

There are some beautiful trails along the coast east and west using the Cami de Cavalls trails.

Places to visit

A late afternoon / evening trip to Mahon or Alaior is a must to stroll around the old centre, people watch at the Cafe Bars, take in a Tapa or two and perhaps some clothes shopping.

Horse Riding

In countryside, along the beach and excursions to other locations.

Tip

Alaior Fiesta 2nd WE in August, Cala en Porter Fiesta 3rd weekend in September

Getting About

There is a resort train that circulates the resort picking up/dropping off at the main accommodation areas and beach and also upto the 'top of the resort' where there are great views of the coast and resort. You can get off and pickup the train with a return ticket at any point. 10:00-13:00 and 17:00 - 23:00 daily in season every 45 minutes.

Nightlife in Son Bou

Live tribute acts tour the island and are on stage at Club Sant Jaime - Free to watch if you buy a drink and some can be very entertaining.

There are several bars with late opening dotted round the resort each with a different feel and style.

A sunset stroll along the beach.

Son Bou - Near by ( 15-20 min Taxi )

Not that far away in Cala en Porter

Cova d'en Xoroi - Dance Club a location like no other

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Located in huge spectacular natural caves some 25m above the moonlight Med. Toast the Moon shining down and dance through to see the Sunrise - literally!

Undoubtedly the most dramatic nightspot on the island. Set high, literally in the cliffs, above the sea it's an atmospheric dance club with one of the most original locations. With themed nights, guest DJs, music and dance acts DJs.

Opening times: 11:30 'til 05:00. Daily May to October and weekends outside of these months.

Menorca Tips

Cova Bus : Pick up service ( from main beach resorts ) arrival Midnight - Depart Xoroi at 5a.m - see nuratravel.com/Experience/cova-de-xoroi/

Special promotions ( check website,flyers and posters in bars) enabling free entrance to the night club if you visit the caves earlier in the day.

Can aslo be enjoyed as a daytime and sunset venue