Son Bou and Alaior (south coast)
Son Bou is the longest beach on Menorca, a wide stretch of sand backed by dunes and a protected wetland, with restaurants and shops behind it. Alaior, a short drive inland, is a working Menorcan town, and the prehistoric settlement of Torre d'en Galmés is close by. Menorca airport is around 20 to 25 minutes away.
Best for: Families who want a long sandy beach with shallow water
Not for you if: You want a traditional village: Son Bou is a purpose-built resort behind the beach.
Cala Blanca, Cala Blanes and Ciutadella (west)
Cala Blanca and Cala Blanes are small sandy inlets on the edge of Ciutadella, whose old town has a cathedral, narrow streets and a long harbour lined with restaurants. Cala Morell, to the north, has cliffside caves and a rocky swimming cove. The airport is around 45 minutes to an hour away.
Best for: Families and couples who want small coves and a historic town
Not for you if: You want a long, open beach: the coves here are small and fill quickly in August.
Cala'n Bosch and Cap d'Artrutx (south-west)
Cala'n Bosch has a small marina with restaurants and boat trips along the south coast, and Son Xoriguer beach is next door. The famous turquoise coves of Cala Turqueta and Macarella are a short drive or a longer coastal walk east. Ciutadella is about 15 minutes away and the airport around 50 minutes.
Best for: Families who want a marina, boat trips and nearby sandy bays
Not for you if: You want to drive to Macarella in summer: its car park is closed in peak season and you go by bus or on foot.
Es Migjorn Gran (south)
Es Migjorn Gran is a small whitewashed village a few minutes above the beaches of Sant Tomàs and Binigaus. From there, the coastal Camí de Cavalls path leads to quieter coves such as Cala Escorxada. Menorca airport is around 30 minutes away.
Best for: Walkers and couples who want a quiet village base
Not for you if: You want shops and restaurants on the doorstep: this is a small village.
Es Mercadal (centre)
Es Mercadal sits right in the middle of the island, below Monte Toro, the highest point on Menorca, with views over the whole coast. Fornells, known for its lobster stew, and the north coast beaches are around 15 minutes away, and the south coast is about the same. The airport is around 25 minutes away.
Best for: Anyone who wants to explore both the north and south coasts
Not for you if: You want to walk to the beach: everything here needs a short drive.
Binibeca, Punta Prima and Mahón (south-east)
Binibeca Vell is a cluster of whitewashed holiday houses built in the style of a fishing village, close to the small sandy beaches of Binibeca and Punta Prima. Mahón, the island's capital, sits on a deep natural harbour with boat trips and waterside restaurants. The airport is around 10 to 15 minutes away.
Best for: Couples who want a short transfer and a harbour town nearby
Not for you if: You want a wide choice: there are only a few of our villas on this side of the island.
