SON BOU
Area: Minorca
Country: Spain


Location:
On a rather exposed section of S coast, 13 miles W of Mahon and airport.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Position:
Approached through rocky, rugged countryside and backed by low hills. Purpose-built group of three estates includes San Jaime and Torre Soli Nou.

Description:
Facing Son Bou Beach, largest on the island, this composite resort contains all modern buildings and some very fine private villas, among the pines on the hills of Torre Soli Nou. Although quite pretty to look at, those seeking local colour will be disappointed. Apart from some primitive houses, cut into the rocks at the W end, this resort is exclusively for tourists.

Suitability:
Mid-market, for beach lovers and quiet vacationers.

Accommodation:
Hotels at top end of beach, otherwise all apartments and private villas, including some luxury ones.

Shopping:
Two commercial centres provide supermarkets, souvenirs, beach gear and a medical post.

Beach:
1­ miles of straggling, quite narrow sandy beach backed by tussocky dunes and reed beds. The longest beach on the island about half of which (away from all the hotels) is a nudist section.

Entertainments:
Daytime: little to distract attention from the beach. Ruins of a Christian basilica at top end of beach. Nightlife: some lively bars and a disco opposite Club Royal.

Eating:
Tourist and fast food restaurants scattered along seafront.

Public-transport:
5 buses per day to Mahon. A tourist "train" serves the sprawling resort.

Local-excursions:
As Mahon.