If you’re thinking about buying a house in Menorca, as a second home on the island, today we present you with a selection of the best areas or urbanizations to purchase your second home in Menorca, perfect for enjoying in summer and/or throughout the year. Discover them!
Whether it’s a property to enjoy summer in relative isolation or a refuge to escape to for extended periods, Menorca offers many options. To help narrow down your search, we’ve selected the areas we believe are the best locations to buy a second home in Menorca:
The best areas to buy a second home in Menorca
These are just a few of the areas we’ve found interesting to accommodate a wider variety of profiles and target audiences. If you don’t find an area that suits your needs, please consult with us, and we’ll provide personalized advice:
Binibeca — Sant Lluis:
Located on the southeastern tip of the island, Binibeca enjoys an ideal location, being close to Sant Lluis and Mahon and within easy reach of several other beaches and resorts along this stretch of the coast, including Binisafua, Biniancolla, Son Ganxo, and Punta Prima.
Technically, there are three parts to Binibeca (also called Binibequer): Binibeca Nou, which spreads inland from the sandy beach and is mostly comprised of traditional style, detached villas; Binibeca Vell, the quaint, whitewashed fisherman’s village with its own complex of apartments, bars and restaurants, as well as villas overlooking hidden swimming spots; and Cala Torret, a pedestrianised development, tucked between two coves, with simple apartments arranged around little squares.
Binibeca has long been a popular holiday resort for families, but a significant number of people — both locals and foreigners — live there year-round, enjoying the tranquility it offers in winter, along with easy access to nearby towns.
Facilities in Binibeca:
The heart of Binibeca is the deep sandy beach, home to the iconic Los Bucaneros beach bar (sadly closed for summer 2020). In summer there are parasols and sun beds for rent on the beach, pedaloes and other water sports equipment for hire, toilets, and shady picnic areas under the pine trees.
There’s also a dive centre and some other nautical sports companies as well as plenty of places to eat and drink. Cala Torret offers a selection of bars and restaurants overlooking the water, as well as a bakery, supermarket, and tourist information centre. Binibeca Vell also boasts various shops and a mix of simple and sophisticated places to eat out. Out of season, shops in Binibeca are closed, but Sant Lluis is only a short drive away and has all the services you’ll need, open year-round.
Access to Binibeca:
Binibeca is a 15-minute drive from the airport. There are buses to Sant Lluis and Mahon and, during the summer months, a tourist ‘train’ makes its way along the coast to Punta Prima, stopping at various points along the way.
Properties for sale in Binibeca:
Most properties enjoy a southerly aspect and sea views and Binibeca offers something for every taste and budget. At the lower end of the scale are economical lock-up-and-leave apartments in Cala Torret; in the mid-range are villas with pools set back from the coast; and at the top end, you’ll find some exclusive front line properties with sensational views, some with direct access to the sea. Do not hesitate to check our website to find all properties for sale in Binibeca. And, for those looking for a building project, there are also various plots with building permission available.
Son Parc — Es Mercadal:
Son Parc is a small, low key resort on the north coast that enjoys the distinction of being home to Menorca’s only golf course, Son Parc Golf. Its other key attraction is the fine white sand beach, Arenal de Son Saura, where the water is crystal clear and a variety of water sports can be practiced in summer, and the virgin beach of Cala Pudent, a one-kilometer walk along the coast. Three apart-hotels overlook the beach, while the rest of the development spreads over undulating hills and is surrounded by pine forests, with many homes tucked in nestled into the greenery, lending it a different feel to other resorts.
A few shops, mini-markets, and bars are located on the main ‘strip’ of the resort, but this is not the place to come for lively nightlife or sophisticated boutiques. Son Parc is ideal for young families and those seeking peace and relaxation. It is, of course, even quieter in winter, but for those that enjoy a round of golf, walks along the coast, painting, or birdwatching, it’s an ideal out of season retreat.
Facilities in Son Parc:
Son Parc has a handful of bars, restaurants and shops, and a clinic, but for more choice, the towns of Alaior and Es Mercadal offer a much wider selection of goods and services and are both about a 20-minute drive.
Access: to Son Parc:
Buses connect the resort to Alaior and Es Mercadal, and from there you can find onward buses to other parts of the island. The airport is about 19km/30 minutes’ drive away. The typical fishing village of Fornells — the birthplace of the famous Caldereta de Langosta (lobster stew) is about 6km away and the busier resort of Arenal d’en Castell is just along the coast.
Properties for sale in Son Parc:
You can choose between views of the sea, the countryside or the golf course in Son Parc. We have a selection of properties for sale in Son Parc that include apartments, villas with pools, and plots of land where you can build your dream home.
Cala Llonga — Mahón:
One of the most prestigious developments in the municipality of Mahon, Cala Llonga comprises 360 private villas and houses spread out along the northern shore of Mao Harbour. Because homes are built up the hillside and face south, they enjoy all-day sun and fantastic views across the port.
A high end, very well kept residential development, Cala Llonga offers a lifestyle you won’t find in many other places: there are several jetties here where owners can moor their boats just a stone’s throw from their homes, making heading out for a day on the water a simple affair. A water taxi service that takes you across the harbour to dine or drink in Calas Fonts or Mahon adds to the appeal and, because the owners’ association in Cala Llonga voted against permitting tourist rental licences, the area remains crowd-free and quiet even in peak season.
Facilities: in Cala Llonga:
Cala Llonga is a residential development with a year-round occupancy, rather than a holiday resort, and with Mahon a short drive away, it doesn’t offer the facilities that tourists resorts do. There is a supermarket, however, and an apart-hotel with a bar/cafe, but there are no other shops or restaurants in the neighbourhood.
Access to Cala Llonga:
Cala Llonga is less than ten minutes’ drive from Mahon, where you will find all the shops, restaurants, and services you need. It’s also only 5 minutes from the authentic fishing village and sandy beach at Sa Mesquida, and for boat owners, it’s ideally located for exploring both north and south coasts.
Properties for Sale in Cala Llonga:
Properties for sale in Cala Llonga are typically characterized by being more exclusive villas, large & spacious, and ideal for year-round living.». Portal Menorca has some magnificent sea view villas for sale in this area, along with a few sought-after plots of land.
Son Bou/San Jaime/Torre Soli Nou:
Situated on the south coast, Son Bou is Menorca’s longest (3km of fine white sand), and arguably one of its most beautiful, beaches. The developments of Son Bou, San Jaime, and Torre Soli Nou blend into one another along the back of the beach and up into the hills.
Son Bou is the holiday hub, with two hotels next to the beach and a commercial complex behind it. Further west one finds small apartment complexes in San Jaime, many arranged around well-kept gardens and pools, with villas at higher elevations; at the western end, Torre Soli Nou is the most exclusive area with larger villas and homes set into the hillside with wonderful sea views.
With free parking, wheelchair access, lifeguard, three beach bars and all manner of water sports, this is one of the best beaches for sea and sand lovers. Plenty more bars, shops, and restaurants in the resort make it an ideal destination for summer stays, and it attracts visitors of all ages and nationalities as there is plenty to do without leaving the resort.
Out of summer season, there are some good walks in the area, and the Paleo-Christian basilica at the far eastern end of the beach, and the pre-historic settlement of Torre d’en Gaumes are well worth a visit.
Facilities in Son Bou:
The commercial area has plenty of souvenir shops, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants to appeal to all tastes, and the popular Club San Jaime with a pool, restaurant, waterslides, and live entertainment. You will also find a chemist, medical centre and car hire here.
Access to Son Bou:
Son Bou is 8km from Alaior and about 20 km from the airport. There are buses from here to Alaior and from there to other towns and villages. Torre Soli Nou is not within walking distance of the beach and due to some steep hills in the area, a car is advisable.
Properties for sale in Son Bou:
There is a wide variety of properties for sale in Son Bou, ranging from well-priced apartments to villa complexes and large private homes with the more exclusive properties situated further west. Those higher up the hillside offer greater privacy, exceptional sea views, and all-day sun.
Son Blanc — Ciutadella:
Situated between the ferry station and Sa Caleta beach, Son Blanc is a small, upmarket suburb of Ciutadella. A low-rise, tasteful development of private villas with gardens and pools, Son Blanc is an appealing base at any time of year, being an only short walk or bike ride (1.5 km) from the historic centre of Ciutadella, but also close to several beaches and coves, and ideally located for exploring the famous virgin beaches of the south coast: Cala Macarella, Cala Turqueta, and Son Saura.
Facilities in Son Blanc:
This is a small residential area so has no commercial services within it, but it’s within walking distance of all the commercial services, transport, and businesses in the town and port of Ciutadella.
Access to Son Blanc:
Son Blanc is 45 km from the airport and only one minute from the ferry station, from which ferries depart for Mallorca and Barcelona. It’s within walking or cycling distance of the town centre.
Properties for sale in Son Blanc:
Son Blanc is a prestigious area characterized by large, detached houses. Available properties for sale in Son Blanc are always in high demand. Portal Menorca currently has three attractive, recently-built detached homes and two plots of land for sale.
Santo Tomás – Es Migjorn:
Santo Tomás is a coastal urbanization located in the south of Menorca, known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. It is one of the best areas to buy a second home on the island, offering a perfect balance between nature and modern amenities. The serenity of the surroundings and the natural beauty make Santo Tomás a sought-after place for those looking for a vacation retreat or a real estate investment.
Facilities and Services in Santo Tomás:
Santo Tomás offers a variety of facilities and services that make it attractive for second-home buyers. Available amenities include:
- Beaches: Santo Tomás has direct access to two main beaches, Santo Tomás and San Adeodato, both with white sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and water sports.
- Restaurants and Bars: The area has a good selection of restaurants and bars, offering everything from local cuisine to international options, allowing residents to enjoy diverse culinary experiences. A clear recommendation is the restaurant located right at the entrance of the urbanization known as «Es Bruc.»
- Shops and Supermarkets: There are several shops and supermarkets in the area, making it easy to buy daily necessities without needing to travel far.
- Sports Facilities: For sports enthusiasts, there are options such as tennis, paddle, and hiking and cycling routes that take advantage of the natural surroundings.
- Medical Services: Santo Tomás has basic medical services and pharmacies, ensuring attention in case of emergencies or everyday medical needs.
Access to Santo Tomás:
Santo Tomás is easily accessible from different points of the island, adding to its attractiveness as a destination for a second home. Access options include:
- By Car: From Mahón, the capital of Menorca, you can reach Santo Tomás in approximately 25 minutes by car, using the main road ME-1 and then following the signs to Es Migjorn Gran and Santo Tomás.
- Public Transport: There are bus services connecting Santo Tomás with other parts of the island, although the frequency may vary depending on the season.
- Airport: Menorca Airport is about 30 minutes away by car, making it easy for those coming from outside the island.
Property Types in Santo Tomás:
The real estate offer in Santo Tomás is varied, catering to different tastes and budgets. The types of properties that can be found include Plots of Land for building your dream home; Apartments In communities with pools and communal gardens; & Villas or Detached Houses for those seeking more space and privacy.
If you’d rather build your ideal home in Menorca, look out for our upcoming post on where to buy plots with building permission in Menorca.