Binibeca lies in south-eastern Minorca five miles from the capital Mahon. The transfer time from the airport is less than half an hour. Binibeca was one of the first purpose built tourist resorts on the island and comprises Cala Torret in the east through Binibeca Nou and onto Binibeca Vell in the west. It is a very quiet resort much loved by families and those looking for total relaxation.
Guaranteed summer sunshine, warm safe seas, a relaxed friendly atmosphere and welcoming restaurants are all provided by a Binibeca holiday.
Binibeca is very popular with families especially those with young children. It attracts sun seekers who, at the end of an exhausting day lounging on the beach, enjoy a quiet meal and a glass of wine in a restaurant overlooking the sea.
The holiday season in Binibeca begins in April and lasts until late October with temperatures ranging from the twenties to the mid thirties.
Binibeca is an area that stretches for three kilometres along the coast just five miles from Mahon. Binibeca Vell was constructed to look like a traditional Minorcan fishing village. Its village, always freshly painted, with its patios filled with geraniums are pretty but, because of its perfection, it lacks authenticity. The streets are narrow and cobbled with lots of arches. There is even a church spire which, instead of a church beneath, has a niche containing a crucifix. The alleyways wind their way to a quaint harbour with a bar and restaurant. There are some small sheltered coves in the three kilometre stretch of coastline but the main beach is Cala de Binibeca, bordered by pine trees, with fine white sand and calm shallow water. Beach umbrellas, sun beds and pedalos are available for hire. A mini road train travels from one end of the resort to the other. The diving centre in Cala Torret accepts novices as well as experienced divers. Waters around Binibeca are so clear that it is ideal for diving and snorkelling. At Santa Llus, a short distance inland, there is an airfield where you can take a sightseeing tour of the island in a light aircraft. The airfield also has a go-karting track which appeals to teenagers. On the road to Sant Climent there is a British owned riding school where horses can be hired. As this is a popular activity it is best to book ahead in order to avoid disappointment.
Evenings in Binibeca are fairly low key reflecting the popularity of the resort with families. Although there are a number of lively bars they do not stay open until dawn. Evenings are usually spent eating, drinking and strolling around the resort.
There are many self-catering apartments in Binibeca and there are good supermarkets to supply their needs. There is a variety of gift and souvenir shops where the usual supply of leather goods, jewellery, pottery and embroidered linens can be purchased. There is no weekly market in Binibeca but the square in nearby Sant Lluis holds a small market on Mondays and Wednesdays. For the more serious shoppers, the local buses go to Mahon two or three times a day. The service, however, is not the most reliable.
Binibeca has many small bars and restaurants providing a wide variety of food to accommodate most tastes. Fish, locally caught, is a major part of the island’s cuisine. There is an abundance of prawns, mussels, red mullet and sea bass. Tapas bars are available to fill the gap between lunch and dinner which, in Minorca, can be fairly late. Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
