Binibeca Holidays

Binibeca sits on the pretty south-east coast of the Balearic Island of Menorca. It’s a compilation of three different places, stretching from Cala Torret through Binibeca Nou – where you’ve got a lovely little sandy beach – and onto whitewashed charmer Binibeca Vell. Between them, they cover some great shops, bars and restaurants. The area’s fairly quiet, though the capital, Mahon, is only about 20 minutes’ drive away.

Binibeca’s beach does Menorca proud. It’s a small sandy patch that gently shelves into the calm shallow sea, where pedalos and kayaks quietly skim across the water. There’s a good line-up of sunbeds, a beach bar and a shaded picnic area at the back of the sands. Snorkellers will love exploring around the rocks, while scuba divers will find a centre at Cala Torret.

Back in the Seventies, architect Antonio Sintes came up with Binibeca Vell, a set of gleaming white houses that looked just like a traditional fishing village. Now, daytrippers wander the narrow cobbled streets – cameras in hand – before heading down to the picturesque harbour. The resort train runs from here to Cala Torret, with its shops and restaurants, if you don’t fancy the 20-minute walk.

In about 15 minutes you can be in Sant Lluis to see the island’s only working windmill. The town also comes with a good mix of shops and restaurants, including the go-to place for tapas, La Rueda. Another rive minutes’ drive on and you’ll be at the capital, Mahon. A Gothic cathedral, 18th-century gin distillery and well-preserved fort are all up for grabs here.