If you are on holiday in Menorca, visiting the enchanting white village of Binibeca is a must. Here is our guide to planning your visit.
Binibeca: a maze of narrow streets and white houses
Its architecture and the immaculate whiteness of its façades is reminiscent of the fishing villages of a bygone era. In its simplicity and remarkable tranquillity, Binibeca is one of the most picturesque villages in Menorca.
This little fishing village’s surprising charm lies in its well-designed and interconnected labyrinth of white houses and narrow streets. This is a place not to be missed if you are planning a holiday on the island. Let’s see what makes it so special…
The origins of Binibeca Vell: the white village of Menorca
Strolling along the narrow streets under the white painted archways in the centre of Binibeca Vell, you might be forgiven for thinking that the village had existed for many, many years. Also known as the white village of Menorca, Binibeca is actually a tourist complex that was built only recently.
Constructed in the seventies by Spanish architect Antonio Sintes, this collection of 165 extraordinarily attractive houses (people often say that they look more Greek than Menorcan) was the result of a shared dream: to create an idyllic space to attract Bohemians and inspire intellectuals and artists; a beautiful fishing village made up of sloping narrow streets, chalky white walls and wooden balconies. That dream eventually became a reality thanks to one of the most famous painters in the area, Francesc Poch Romeu, who, having fallen in love with Binibeca, brought the white town of Menorca to fame in numerous paintings.
The first house built in the village was Casa Candi, with the last houses completed in the Seventies. As you meander through its streets, you will notice the signs asking you to be quiet and enjoy the peace and tranquillity, out of respect for its residents.
An area of extraordinary natural beauty
Located in the municipality of Sant Lluís, Binibeca stretches for 3 km along the south-east coast of Menorca and includes the original “Binibèquer Vell”, or old town, and the area of “Binibèquer Nou”, a natural extension of the village with many of the houses and villas in harmony with the original design.
At the eastern-most point of Binibeca Vell you will also find Cala Torret, a little village that appears to be separate from the town but is actually part of it. There you will also find the area’s tourist information centre, a large supermarket and a playground for children.
With just 165 houses, connected by a labyrinth of little streets and archways, it won’t take you long to explore the village. Everyone who visits Binibeca agrees that it is an extraordinarily attractive place. Once you’re there, enjoy getting lost in the maze-like streets and admire the white houses with their wooden balconies. You’ll feel like you have stepped into a postcard!
How to reach Binibeca, Menorca
The village is located 8 kilometres from Mahón, in the south-east of the island. Binibeca is very easy to get to: just take the road for Sant Lluís, turning off at the crossroads and following the signs for Binibèquer Vell.
From Ciutadella, head towards Mahón, then take the turning for Sant Lluís, and from there, follow the signs for Binibeca Vell.
If you’re going by car, the best way if you want to visit the whole island, I suggest you park in Calle de Sàncora, which has a large carpark and is just 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of Binibeca.
What to see and do in Binibeca
If you decide to visit Binibeca, make sure you check out the church, the main square and the seafront promenade: three of its biggest attractions and among the first to be built.
At the end of the day, head for the small but picturesque port. There you can see the moored boats as they float in the waters of the Mediterranean. You will also find several souvenir shops to nose around before going for a well-earned rest on the terrace of one of the many restaurants and bars with a sea view.
Binibeca has quite a wide variety of restaurants including pizzerias, signature cuisine restaurants, local taverns and fantastic places where you can enjoy delicious tapas and fresh fish, like Binibeca’s Club Nautico, located right near the port.
But if you always like to be on the go, even on holiday, head for Cala Torret. Hire a boat or a kayak at Binibeca Diving or take one of their daily snorkelling or scuba diving courses in the Isla dell’Aire Marine Reserve and in the Cap d’en Font caves.
Beaches and coves: Torret, Binibeca and Punta Prima
When you have finished wandering its streets and climbing to the top of the village to admire the white roofs set against the backdrop of the Menorcan sea, head for one of the beaches or coves surrounding Binibeca Vell. After all, you are visiting an island, so a day sunbathing and diving into its beautiful turquoise sea is a must.
1. Playa de Binibeca
The first beach to visit is Playa de Binibeca or, as many of the locals call it, Platja de Binibèquer. This beach is located 6 kilometres from Sant Lluís and 12 kilometres from Mahón.
The beach’s golden sand and crystal-clear waters are surrounded by a beautiful pine grove. The clear, shallow waters, protected by a promontory, make it ideal for families with young children and a fabulous place for snorkelling because of the exceptional visibility.
On the beach, there is also an “Instagrammable” red and white fishing shack, called Los Bucaneros, where, during the summer, they serve fresh fish and drinks in a casual setting with a sea view.
Alternatively, if you don’t want a big lunch, head for the car park, where, in high season, you will find Pizza Al Vuelo, a pizza food truck managed by an Italian. Opening hours are 11:00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and there are a few tables and chairs for customers.
2. Cala Torret
Cala Torret is a quiet beach, surrounded by rocks, and the perfect place to practice snorkelling or scuba diving. The cove has a couple of bars on the beach front and a shady area with pine trees, where you can shelter from the sun and have a nice picnic.
There are several boats docked at Cala Torret, some private and others for hire. If you want to explore the area, hiring a kayak and taking a guided tour is an excellent way to do it. The turquoise waters and surrounding scenery are truly spectacular.
3. Punta Prima
Lastly, there is Punta Prima, regarded as one of the best beaches in Menorca owing to its clean turquoise waters. This beautiful cove is around 200 metres long and 40 m wide and equipped with sun loungers and beach umbrellas. It is sandy, with shallow waters, so it is ideal for children. It is also protected from the island’s typical winds and currents.
Get there early in the morning: Punta Prima tends to get crowded quickly as it is a big beach that is easy to get to.
Why visit Binibeca?
Binibeca is ideal for families, couples and friends. If you just want to get away from it all and relax with a glass of wine while watching a magnificent sunset, it is the place for you.
Although the village is small, it has everything you could hope for on a dream holiday: bars, restaurants, shops and trendy clubs for a great night out. There are also plenty of hotels and holiday homes where you can stay in the area.
There are tons of activities, like snorkelling and kayaking, and for small children, there is Splash Sur Menorca, a water park with loads of rides.
Still thinking about it? Don’t miss your chance to explore this wonderful Menorcan village! Book a flight with Volotea.
