Son Bou

Much of the south coast is made up of small, indented coves; Son Bou could hardly be more different The longest beach on Menorca, it has almost 3km of pale golden sand, a sunbather's dream with facilities from beach bars to water skiing and windsurfing The water shelves gently and swimming is generally safe, but there are occasional dangerous currents so you should look out for the red and green flags. The beach is so long that it rarely gets crowded; it is always possible, especially at the western end, to find your own secluded spot At the east end of the beach, beneath two ugly hotels, is one of Menorca's more remarkable ancient monuments a 5^th century Christian basilica, discovered in 1953. Similar to North African churches of the same period, it has three naves divided by pillars and a huge font, carved from a single stone. When you realize how long it lay hidden beneath the sand you wonder what further treasures are still waiting to be uncovered.

In the cliffs above the basilica are some large prehistoric burial caves, used as summer houses by Menorcan families. Climb up to these caves for the best views over the beach. Above the west end of the beach, separated by marshland, is the purpose built resort of Sant Jaume Mediterrani. This has everything you could want for a family holiday pools, shops, discos, plus the popular Club San Jaime with its water chutes and labyrinthine maze