Beach · Alaior · Menorca

Son Bou

Menorca's longest beach

The largest beach on the island, with a developed eastern stretch and a wild western one protected by dunes and a nudist zone. Behind it lies the Prat de Son Bou wetlands reserve.

Type
Sandy beach
Length
2.5 km
Sand
Fine white sand · dunes to the west
Water
Turquoise · 24 °C · gentle break
Son Bou
GPS · 39.9083° N, 4.0872° E
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Where to park

Where to leave the car

Two free car parks: western access (wilder, 400 spaces) and eastern access (next to the hotels, 300 spaces).

When to arrive

Best time to visit

Any time — it comfortably absorbs the crowds. The western end is always quieter (though it's a 20-min walk in).

Tours & excursions · Best-sellers on Viator

The seven best-selling excursions in Menorca

Hand-picked from Viator's top-rated experiences on Menorca, sorted by review volume and average rating. Free cancellation up to 24 h before, reserve now and pay later.

  • Free cancellation 24 h
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Half-day boat tour along the south coast of MenorcaBoat & beach4 h

Half-day boat tour along the south coast of Menorca

4.5(426 reviews)

Sail out of Cala Galdana and cruise the south coast's most photographed coves: Macarella, Turqueta and Es Talaier. Two swim stops with snorkelling gear included.

From
£30per person
  • Three swim stops in southern coves
  • Snorkelling gear provided
  • Small groups (max 12 people)
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Southern catamaran: Cala Galdana, Macarella and TurquetaBoat & beach5 h

Southern catamaran: Cala Galdana, Macarella and Turqueta

4.7(892 reviews)

A full day sailing the entire south coast on a spacious catamaran. Lunch is served on board, with two anchor stops long enough for a proper swim in each cove.

From
£60per person
  • Two long swim stops with snorkelling
  • Lunch and unlimited soft drinks on board
  • Departure from Cala en Bosc
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Kayaking and sea caves on the north coast (Fornells)Adventure3 h

Kayaking and sea caves on the north coast (Fornells)

4.9(512 reviews)

Paddle out of the sheltered Fornells bay along a coastline of red cliffs and sea caves you can only reach by kayak. Every tour includes a snorkelling stop over a Posidonia meadow.

From
£38per person
  • Stable double kayaks (beginners welcome)
  • Snorkelling stop with gear included
  • English-speaking guide
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Full-day private sailing around Menorca with lunchBoat & beach8 h

Full-day private sailing around Menorca with lunch

4.8(267 reviews)

Charter a semi-private sailing yacht for the day and follow the wind between three or four southern coves. Lunch, drinks and snorkelling gear all included.

From
£155per person
  • Semi-private sailing yacht (max 8 guests)
  • Three cove stops chosen with the skipper
  • Full lunch, wine and beer on board
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Ciutadella at sunset with the historic harbourCulture2 h

Ciutadella at sunset with the historic harbour

4.6(341 reviews)

Follow a local historian through Ciutadella's palace-lined lanes, Gothic cathedral and 17th-century harbour just as the light turns golden. Ends with a glass of pomada at a family bar.

From
£22per person
  • Local English-speaking historian
  • Small groups (max 15)
  • Glass of pomada included at the end
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Food trail: Mahón cheese and Xoriguer ginFood & wine4 h

Food trail: Mahón cheese and Xoriguer gin

4.7(218 reviews)

A hands-on introduction to Menorca's two edible icons: PDO Mahón cheese at an artisan dairy and Xoriguer gin at the family distillery that has been running since 1784.

From
£36per person
  • Guided cheese-cellar visit and tasting
  • Xoriguer gin distillery and free tasting
  • Pomada cocktail at the end
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Camí de Cavalls hike along the southern cliffsNature4 h

Camí de Cavalls hike along the southern cliffs

4.8(174 reviews)

Walk a hand-picked stretch of the Camí de Cavalls between Cala Galdana and Cala Macarella with a certified local guide. Time for a swim built into every tour.

From
£40per person
  • Certified local hiking guide
  • Snacks, water and safety kit provided
  • Swim stop in a protected cove
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How you get there

Getting there

By car from Alaior (15 min). TMSA bus from Alaior in summer.

What you'll find

Services

  • Beach bars along the whole stretch (Sa Marina, Es Bruc)
  • Kayak, catamaran and sunbed hire
  • Showers, toilets and accessible entrances
  • Lifeguard Jun–Sept

Local tips

What we wish we'd been told

  • 01Visit the ruins of the paleochristian basilica (5th century) at the eastern end
  • 02The nudist zone lies west, beyond the dunes
  • 03Prat de Son Bou wetlands behind: an evening stroll on the boardwalks

Around this beach

Towns within 15 km of Son Bou

Nearest villages on Menorca — sorted by distance. Ideal bases for staying close to the beach.

Guide to the linked village

See town guide →

Keep exploring

More beaches in Menorca

Guide to Menorca