Free Beach parking, lifeguard, sunbed and umbrella rental, watersports and wheelchair access and facilities. There are three beach bars, (serving hot food+take aways ), some open evenings for sipping drinks as the sea laps the sands and the sun sets.
A favourite beach on the island for beach strollers. While the resort is very popular for families the sheer size of the beach makes it easy for those who prefer to avoid the little ones to find their ideal spots! There is an abudance of natural sand dunes that make a very pleasant backdrop.
The beach is separated from the resort by a nature conservation area which means that access is only from the beach side car park. Son bou can suffer from quite strong water currents, so care should be taken ( keep within 40 meters of shore and make sure your are not 'drifting' down the beach) and keep an eye on the red and green flags.
Down the coast ( westwards after Santo Tomas) is the huge virgin beach of Playa de Binigaus which is extremely beautiful, natural and less frequented. Its also a favourite location for nudists but everyone is welcome ( no need to strip OR be 'offended' ).
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Purpose built self contained resort with children's entertainments
Plenty to see and do within walking distances
Close to Mahon/Mao and Alaior for a change of scene for mums and dads
Son Bou for couples
Variety Bars and Restaurants
Close to Mahon's livelier entertainment and moonlit harbour people watching
Beautiful countryside walks, and sunset beach strolls
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 Menorca's 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 ( so expect wild birds ). 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.
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. Taxis to Mahon big Supermarkets(Binipreu,Eroski,Mercadon,HiperMarket,Lidl,Aldi) 25-30 Eur 1 way.
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 be amongst other families, or better still for more natural surroundings go right where the beach develops little sandy bays.
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 with most resorts in Menorca, evening entertainment here is generally to be found in the resort Bars rather than Dance clubs but nothing that would ever compare to the neon jungle of the resorts along the south coast of Majorca or Ibiza. Mahon and Ciutadella however offer something for everyone, but with none of the "binge drink clubbing" to be found on Ibizia and Majorca. Menorca is NOT Majorca but that is why many people come here!
Taxis ( late night ) back from Mahon ~ 35 Euro
Nightlife in Son Bou
Live tribute acts tour the island and are on stage at advertised locations - 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 towards Santo Tomas
Organised evening entertainment here is generally to be found in the resort hotels and some Bars.
Mahon offers alot more with something for everyone, but with none of the "bing drink clubbing" to be found on Ibizia and Majorca. Menorca is not Majorca but that is why many people come here!
Son Bou has a range of Restaurants including formal and less formal , with fixed price menus and a la carte options. Like most Menorca beach resorts it caters more for tourists than local cuisine ...our curated guide to Son Bou Restaurants Guide
Menorca beach resorts have few residents so visit local towns for anything beyond summer beach-wear,tourist items and beach toys/inflatables or souvenirs.
Within Son Bou - 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.
Summer Night market in Alaior
Son Bou Supermarkets
Local supermarkets are seasonal and will be ~ 20% more expensive than out of resort.
Handfull of supermarkets ( main centre & son bou gardens areas. 3-4 larger ones in nearby Alaior ( bus route )
Bus Network Map with Son Bou Bus stops to download
Buses only run Summer Service ~ May 1 - Mid Oct
Regular Bus to Alaior/Mahon (L32 ) and Ciutadella* (L36)
Changing at Alaior,Ferreries,Es Mercadal,Mahon,Ciutadella will connect with services to other parts of Menorca.
* In Summer (mid June Mid Sep there is a no. 36 to Ciutadella ) 4 times a day 5 Eur ( via Es Mercadal and Ferreries )
TIP: Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, front of buses and signposts as Maó, it's local name. Take a bus trip to see some of the other sights, resorts/towns and Menorca's attractions.
Taxis - Son Bou
Airport to/from one way 29 Eur
Taxis are licensed for a MAX. of 4 Passengers. (any Age child counts as 1 )
Main Taxi stand close toto beach access point ( by
Sol Milanos Pingüinos Hotel ) Taxis to Santo Tomas ~25 Eur (must go via inland ! )
Good to know
Menorca has no private Cab firms , Uber or ...'Dodgy Touts!'
TIP Summer peak In recent years Taxis have been in short supply due to not enough drivers for licensed areas. Consider a private transfer to reach Airport in good time for flight home.
Son Bou has a mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers. Menorca has pleasant cooling Summer breeze. The sea temperatures at Son Bou will be around 22-26 degrees in Summer. In October the water is still warm. Spring time ( early March to April ) will have sunny days with temperatures around 20 and above , ideal for sightseeing, walking, cycling and horseriding activities.
There are no Public shuttles , no direct Airport buses to Son Bou - connections only via Mahon with potential long waits
Taxi or pre-booked Shuttle ?
Daytime Taxis are plentiful outside arrivals - best value for 4 or less to Holiday Resorts within 20km. Airport Taxis do not provide child seats - required by LAW
Son Bou Airport Transfer times
0 Hrs.25 mins.
Menorca Airport
21 k.m
Shared Transfers Waits,restricted drop off/pickup addresses
Transfer Time: variable
from 13 Eur PP
Private Transfers Door to Door,no wait, drop off/pickup any addresses
Private Transfers from 40 Eur upto 3 to Son Bou ideal for families and groups , as no waiting for other passengers ( delayed) arrival. Door to Door and child seats can be pre-booked.
VIP Transfers from 61 Eur upto 6 to Son Bou No wait. Travel in style in premium vehicles