A turning just outside Alaior eventually leads down through a small tunnel cut into the rocky hill side, and a spectacular view opens up of the resort of Son Bou and its magnificent beach. Pale golden sand stretches for about 3km, making it the longest beach on Menorca, and one that because of its size, never gets over crowded.

 The sands slope gently down into clear blue waters, which on calm days offer excellent bathing and water sport facilities. The usual sun beds and umbrellas are available to hire, as well as pedaloes, and water-skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing are awaiting the more adventurous. Beach bars are on hand to satisfy any immediate refreshment requirements and there is a red cross centre above  which flies a red flag should bathing not be safe.

 The beach is within easy walking distance of the centre of the resort. There, can be caught, the land train which offers an excellent and enjoyable way to see Son Bou and its immediate neighbour San Jaime. The two are made up of mainly low level developments and villas nestling into the low pine clad hills behind.

 Between them, Son Bou and the more residential, San Jaime, offer a wide selection of bars, restaurants and shops, catering for all tastes and requirements. There are children's’ play areas, water chutes and a newly opened maze which offers mind boggling and often frustrating entertainment!

 For those who seek more of the ancient Menorca, at the eastern end of the resort is the headland Cap de Penyes, which is honeycombed with caves - a typical village which would have been hollowed out of the hillside before concrete was invented! Here can also be found the remains of a  fortified talayotic village and at the foot of the cliffs, the remains of an early Christian basilica, which would have been the focal point of the village in the 4-5 century, Ses Canessies, the name by which Son Bou was formally known.

 And finally for those interested in wildlife, the beach as it progresses further west, becomes wilder and quieter. It is also backed by marshland which is home for a thriving bird population.

Where to eat: