Prat de Son Bou is a coastal wetland on the south coast of Menorca, in the municipality of Alaior. Reed beds and shallow pools spread behind a line of dunes, and in front of them runs Son Bou beach (Platja de Son Bou), a long stretch of sand with clear water. The marsh is one of the island's main wetlands and holds ducks, cormorants and small birds, while the beach draws swimmers and snorkellers, with restaurants and sun loungers along part of its length.
Prat de Son Bou
Coastal marsh of reed beds and dunes on Menorca's south coast, backing a long sandy beach with clear water and birdlife.
- Entrance
- Free; there is no ticket.
- Parking
- Two car parks, about 160 m and 250 m away in a straight line.
- Difficulty
- Level walking on sand; the rocks at the far right-hand end of the beach are 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the car park.
- Transport
- Bus stops C. de Bella Mirada, 65 (about 250 m away) and Passeig del Prat (about 480 m away).
- Advance booking
- Not needed.
- Hours
- Open at all hours.
- Address
- 07730 Alaior, Balearic Islands, Spain
What makes it special
Ducks work the pools behind the dunes, a cormorant sits out on the water, and small birds move through the reeds just inland of the sunbathers. That is the draw at Prat de Son Bou: marsh and open beach side by side, with a line of dunes between them.
The sea is clear and good for swimming and snorkelling. Near the car park the sand is busy, but the beach runs long enough that the crowd thins as you keep walking. The rocks at the far right-hand end are 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the car park, and the whole way you have reeds on one side and sea on the other.
Good to know
- To the right of the car park the beach is used by naturists; families tend to head left.
- There are no public toilets nearby. The restaurants on the beach have toilets that beach-goers can use.
- The open sand has no natural shade. Sun loungers stand along part of the beach, some with umbrellas; otherwise bring your own shade.
- The quieter stretches lie furthest from the car park, so be ready to walk on sand to find space.
Getting there
Two car parks lie about 160 m and 250 m away in a straight line, and the beach runs off in both directions from them. Turn left for the family end, or right for the naturist stretch and the rocks at the far end, 20 to 30 minutes on foot.
Without a car, the nearest bus stop is C. de Bella Mirada, 65, about 250 m away, with a second at Passeig del Prat about 480 m off. An information board with a map stands about 720 m away.
Best time to visit
Best: early morning or late afternoon, and outside July and August.
Avoid: midday in high summer, and swimming on days of strong onshore wind.
The sand is bare and takes the full sun, the island fills with holidaymakers in midsummer, and the marsh birds are most active in the cooler hours.
Sun & daylight
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Prat de Son Bou on the map
The beach faces the open sea, and in an onshore wind breaking waves and rip currents build along it. Check the flag at the lifeguard towers before you swim, and stay out of the water on a red flag.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a naturist area at Prat de Son Bou?
Yes. The stretch of beach to the right of the car park is used by naturists; families tend to go left.How long does it take to walk to the end of the beach?
The rocks at the far right-hand end are 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the car park.Is Prat de Son Bou suitable for children?
Yes. Families usually settle on the left side of the beach from the car park, and lifeguard towers stand along the sand.Are there toilets?
There are no public toilets nearby. The restaurants on the beach have toilets that beach-goers can use.Can you get there by bus?
Yes. The nearest stop, C. de Bella Mirada, 65, is about 250 m away, and Passeig del Prat is about 480 m away.