Son Bou, Menorca: Ultimate Travel Guide and Best Things to Do & Eat
Nestled on Menorca’s sun-drenched south coast, Son Bou is one of the island’s most popular holiday destinations, famed for its mile-long golden beach, crystal-clear waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing beach break, a nature-filled adventure, or a cultural exploration, Son Bou has something to offer every type of traveler. In this guide, we’ll cover 6 of the best attractions and activities, from the iconic Son Bou Beach and the prehistoric Torre d’en Galmés, to tranquil wetlands, watersports, and nearby charming villages.
The resort is divided into three main areas: the beachfront, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water activities; the central hub, home to restaurants, cafés, and shops; and the quieter residential zones of San Jaime and Torre Soli Nou, ideal for families or travelers seeking peace away from the crowds. Standout experiences include the protected Son Bou Wetlands, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and Torre d’en Galmés, a fascinating Talayotic archaeological site that offers panoramic views of Menorca’s countryside.
Whether you’re traveling with children, enjoying a romantic getaway, or simply looking to unwind along Menorca’s most scenic beaches, this guide provides practical tips, insider advice, and detailed recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to Son Bou.
Things To See & Do in Son Bou
Son Bou Beach
Son Bou Beach is Menorca’s longest sandy beach, stretching over 1.8 kilometres of fine golden sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. Lifeguards patrol during summer, making it safe for families with young children. As the longest beach on the island, it offers space for everyone — families, couples, and solo travelers — without ever feeling crowded, even during the busy summer months. Its gently sloping shoreline makes swimming safe and accessible for children and inexperienced swimmers, while the calm Mediterranean waters are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. The wide expanse of sand allows for relaxation without feeling crowded, and the promenade behind the beach is lined with cafés, bars, and rental facilities. The backdrop of low cliffs and pine trees adds a scenic charm, making it a fantastic spot for photography at sunrise or sunset.
For more information: Check out our quick guide to The Beach at Son Bou.
Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Equipment rentals along Son Bou Beach allow visitors to explore the bay via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Seeing Son Bou from the water provides a unique perspective of the coastline and is a gentle adventure suitable for beginners.
Cost: Expect to pay between €15 to €30 per hour.
Roman Basilica
The Roman Basilicas at Son Bou is located on the eastern end of the beach. A Basilica is a type of Roman building that was built between 300 and 400 AD. These religious buildings were used for public gatherings like a public hall.
The basilica at Son Bou is in a rectangle shape and has three naves separated by pillars, a three-part head, and a small vestibule. The font used for baptism’s is cylindrical in shape with a small cross on the inside.
For more information: Check out our quick guide to The Roman Basilica at Son Bou.
Hike the Camí de Cavalls Coastal Trail
The Camí de Cavalls is Menorca’s iconic coastal path — a 185‑km circuit that hugs the island’s entire shoreline. Sections near Son Bou allow you to walk or cycle to scenic spots, including hidden coves and lovely views over the Mediterranean.
Even short strolls along the trail are rewarding. You’ll find quiet coves for a secluded swim, panoramic lookout points over rugged cliffs, and postcard views not seen from the resort centre.
Stage 15. Santo Tomás – Son Bou. Distance: 6.4km, time: 2h 15mins
Stage 16. Son Bou – Cala en Porter. Distance: 8km, time: 3h
Tips:
Son Bou Scuba
One of the most memorable experiences in the area is exploring Menorca’s underwater world with Son Bou Scuba. Located in the San Jaime commercial centre above Son Bou, this friendly PADI 5-Star Dive Resort offers guided dives, beginner experiences, and professional diving courses. Whether you’re trying scuba diving for the first time or you’re an experienced diver looking to explore the island’s famous caverns and reefs, it’s one of the best places in Menorca to start.
Menorca is famous for its exceptionally clear Mediterranean waters, underwater caves, and rocky reefs teeming with marine life. Diving with Son Bou Scuba gives you access to sites that many visitors never see. Expect to encounter barracuda, octopus, groupers, moray eels, and schools of colourful fish, all within visibility that often exceeds 25–30 metres in summer.
For more information: Check out the SonBou Scuba website.
Torre d’en Galmés Archaeological Site
Located a short drive from Son Bou, Torre d’en Galmés is one of Menorca’s most important prehistoric Talayotic settlements, featuring circular stone houses, ceremonial structures, and defensive walls dating back over 3,000 years.
Exploring the ruins gives insight into Menorca’s early civilization. Its elevated position also provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a photographer’s delight.
For more information: Check out our quick guide to Torre d’en Galmés.
Where to Eat and Drink in Son Bou
Restaurante Es Forn
Es Forn is one of the most respected restaurants in Son Bou for authentic island cooking. The focus here is on quality local ingredients and classic Balearic dishes served in a relaxed but refined setting. Tel: +34 971 37 23 45
Alessandro’s Italian Restaurant
A long-standing favourite in the resort, Alessandro’s delivers generous portions of classic Italian dishes — fresh pasta, risotto, stone-baked pizzas and seafood specials. After several visits, I’d describe it as consistently dependable, especially for families or groups with varied tastes. Tel: +34 971 37 24 16
Kit Cat Bar
Kit Cat is one of Son Bou’s most popular relaxed dining spots. The menu covers burgers, steaks, fresh salads, grilled fish and light bites — ideal for a laid-back evening. The terrace atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to unwind with a cocktail as the sun dips. Tel: +34 971 37 23 03
Chino Restaurant
Chino Restaurant is one of Son Bou’s best spots if you’re craving something different from the usual Mediterranean fare. The menu blends Chinese and Thai-inspired dishes — think rich green or red curry, tender chicken stir-fries, beef chow mein and satisfying fried rice varieties. Tel: +34 971 15 80 96
How To Get To Son Bou
By Car from Mahón Airport
From the airport follow the Me-14 north for about 3km in the direction of Ciutadella. Join the Me-1 road conintue west for about 10km. Then join the Carretera de Son Bou road to the resort, its clearly signposted. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes. If you need a rental car we would recommend reading our guide Hiring a Car in Menorca.
By Taxi from Airport
You can catch a taxi directly from Mahon Airport, the official taxi rank is located immediately outside arrivals. The cost will be in the region of €40 for up to four passengers and take around 25 minutes to reach Son Bou.
By Bus from Mahón
From the islands airport catch the Line 10 bus to Mahón’s bus station, the cost is €2,80 and takes around 10 minutes. Then from the bus station catch Bus Route 32 to Son Bou operated by TMSA buses. The cost is €2,65 for a single and take around 25 minutes. Please note buses do not accept card payment, cash only.
Son Bou FAQs
What is Son Bou known for?
Son Bou is famous for Son Bou Beach, the longest beach in Menorca at nearly 2.5 kilometres. The beach features soft golden sand, shallow turquoise water and excellent facilities, making it one of the most popular beaches on the island. The area is also known for its scenic coastal walks and natural surroundings within the protected wetlands behind the beach.
Is Son Bou good for families?
Yes, Son Bou is considered one of the most family-friendly resorts in Menorca. The long sandy beach with shallow water is ideal for children, and the resort has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, supermarkets and family activities. Many hotels and apartments are designed specifically for families, making it a popular destination for summer holidays.
What are the best things to do in Son Bou?
Visitors to Son Bou can enjoy a range of activities, from relaxing on the beach to exploring Menorca’s natural landscapes. Popular things to do include swimming and sunbathing at Son Bou Beach, walking sections of the coastal Camí de Cavalls, and visiting the historic ruins of the Basilica Paleocristiana de Son Bou, an early Christian church located near the beach.
When is the best time to visit Son Bou?
The best time to visit Son Bou is between May and October, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- May–June: Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists
- July–August: Peak summer with lively restaurants and beach activities
- September: Warm sea temperatures and a quieter atmosphere
Many travellers consider June and September the ideal months for enjoying the beach without the peak-season crowds.
How far is Son Bou from Menorca Airport?
Son Bou is around 20 km from Menorca Airport, and the journey usually takes around 20–25 minutes by car. Visitors can reach the resort by taxi, transfer service or rental car. Public buses also run between the airport area and nearby towns.
Are there restaurants and shops in Son Bou?
Yes, Son Bou has a good selection of restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and small shops, particularly in the central commercial area near the beach. Visitors will find a mix of local Menorcan cuisine, seafood restaurants and international options, making it easy to dine out throughout your stay.
Can you walk along Son Bou Beach?
es, one of the highlights of visiting Son Bou Beach is the ability to walk along its long stretch of sand. The beach extends for nearly 2.5 km, making it perfect for morning walks, sunset strolls or simply exploring quieter sections further away from the main resort area.
Is Son Bou a good base for exploring Menorca?
Yes, Son Bou’s central location on the island makes it a convenient base for exploring. From here, visitors can easily reach destinations such as Ciutadella, Mahon and many of Menorca’s famous southern beaches. Renting a car is often the easiest way to explore the island.
Where is the nearest Pharmacy in Son Bou
Farmacia Juan Martín Sureda, Centro Comercial Son Bou, R27, 07730 Son Bou, Balearic Islands, Spain
Is there an ATM machine in Son Bou?
There are numerous ATM machines in Son Bou but please note some are operated by Euronet so you may be charged a fee and a higher exchange rate for its convenience. Read our guide on using money and currency in our Traveler Information section.