Playa de Son Saura (Es Banyul y Bellavista)

Introduction

Menorca, that Balearic jewel that invites us to disconnect and immerse ourselves in the Mediterranean essence, harbors on its southwest coast one of the most iconic and beloved beaches: Playa de Son Saura. This is no ordinary beach; in fact, we're talking about a set of two sister coves, Es Banyul and Bellavista, which together form a canvas of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a natural setting that leaves us breathless. For us, visiting Son Saura is stepping into a small paradise where time seems to stand still, and where the pristine beauty of the island manifests itself in all its splendor.

When we think of Balearic beaches that combine the comfort of certain services with the feeling of being in an almost virgin place, Playa de Son Saura (Es Banyul y Bellavista) always comes to mind. Its fame is no coincidence; the fine, soft sand under our feet, the transparency of the water inviting us for an endless dip, and the intense green of the surrounding pine trees create an atmosphere of peace and harmony that makes it the perfect destination for an unforgettable beach day. It's one of those coves that, once you know it, you know you'll always want to return.

From the moment we step onto its sand, we understand why this Ciutadella beach is so cherished. It's a place where families find safety and space for the little ones to play freely, where couples enjoy romantic walks along the shore, and where nature lovers delight in the diversity of its landscape. We love how Son Saura maintains its wild charm despite being accessible and offering certain services, a balance that few beaches achieve with such mastery. It is, without a doubt, a mandatory stop on any Menorca itinerary.

How to Get to Playa de Son Saura (Es Banyul y Bellavista)

Getting to Playa de Son Saura is relatively straightforward, although it requires a short journey from Ciutadella. We always recommend renting a car or a motorbike to move around the island with complete freedom, especially if we want to explore several coves in the same day. From Ciutadella, the route is well signposted; we must take the ME-24 road heading south, towards the beaches of the southwest coast.

Once on the road, we'll find clear signs pointing to Son Saura. The final access is via a paved rural track that leads directly to the beach parking lot. It's important to consider that, during the high season (especially in July and August), the parking may have a fee and its capacity is limited. We always advise arriving early in the morning to secure a good spot and avoid crowds. If the parking lot is full, access is sometimes closed, and you have to wait for vehicles to leave.

From the parking lot, there is a well-defined path that leads directly to the sand. It's a short and pleasant walk, just a few minutes, which allows us to anticipate the beauty that awaits us. There is also the option of arriving by public transport during the summer months, with bus lines connecting Ciutadella with the main beaches, but the schedules can be more restrictive. For the more adventurous, the Camí de Cavalls offers spectacular routes that pass by Son Saura, allowing you to arrive on foot from other nearby coves like Cala en Turqueta or Cala des Talaier, an experience we highly recommend for hiking lovers.

The Sand and the Water

Playa de Son Saura (Es Banyul y Bellavista) captivates us from the first moment with its sand. It's a white sand, fine and soft to the touch, that stretches across its two main sections, Es Banyul and Bellavista. We love the feeling of walking barefoot on it, feeling it slip between our toes. The cleanliness of the sand is remarkable, and its texture makes it perfect for building sandcastles or simply for lying down to sunbathe and relax.

But if there's something that truly mesmerizes us about Son Saura, it's the color and transparency of its waters. The sea here is an intense turquoise blue, which gently fades into emerald tones as it approaches the shore. The waters are incredibly clear, allowing us to see the seabed with total clarity, even several meters away. This clarity is ideal for snorkeling, as we can easily observe small fish and marine life.

Besides its beauty, the waters of Son Saura are famous for their calmness. Being in a relatively protected bay, the waves are usually very gentle, making it an exceptionally safe beach for swimming, especially for children. The entry into the sea is very gradual and shallow for many meters, allowing children to play safely at the water's edge and adults to walk in the water without worries. It is, without a doubt, an aquatic paradise that invites us to immerse ourselves and enjoy without limits.

Services and Facilities

Despite its relatively virgin appearance, Playa de Son Saura has some essential services that help make our stay more comfortable and pleasant. We appreciate that a balance is maintained between preserving the natural environment and providing the basics for visitors.

Among the services we can find, the presence of a nearby parking lot stands out, as we already mentioned, which facilitates access by car. Although it may be paid during the high season, it's a convenience that allows us to arrive without major complications. Once at the beach, we'll find a chiringuito, often known as Bar/Restaurant Es Banyul, where we can refresh ourselves with a cold drink, enjoy an ice cream, or even savor a simple dish with sea views. It's perfect for a light lunch