Binissafuller (Roters), Menorca - A little piece of Mediterranean paradise

Binissafuller (Roters) is a long established residential settlement on the South coast a few kilometres from the old town of Sant Lluis. Many of the villas have large mature gardens which means the whole area is very green and lush. The nearby beaches of Binissafuller and Binibeca both provide safe swimming for old and young alike. In Binissafuller Roters itself a deep rocky inlet next to the natural harbour/cove is wonderful for snorkelling and, with its series of man-made platforms, is a great place for sand-free diving, swimming and sun worshipping. The natural harbour's slipway also supplies easy access into the water. The bar/restaurant on the seafront serves excellent fresh fish.

Binibeca Vell, an enchanting resort built in the style of an old fishing village, is 10 minutes walk. It has a small supermarket, some tourist shops, bars and restaurants, which are open from May to end September.

Compared to Mallorca or Ibiza the island of Menorca remains relatively undeveloped. As such it has become a favourite destination for families seeking quiet, self-catering, villa holidays. UNESCO declared the island a special Reserve of the Biosphere in 1993 and, as a result, there are still dozens of totally unspoilt beaches lapped by transparent, often turquoise water. Much of the interior with its low rolling hills, pinewoods and dry stonewalls provides idyllic scenery for walkers and birdwatchers. The island’s strategic position in the Western Mediterranean means that it has been settled for thousands of years and has experienced numerous invasions including the English and the French. For archaeologists and historians this means rich pickings. There are some 1,600 pre-historic archaeological sites on the island, called Taulas or Talayots. Most are undated but are thought to be thousands of years old.

At the Eastern end of the island the capital Mahón (Maó in Menorquín) boasts the longest, deepest and safest natural harbour in the Western Mediterranean. The many quayside bars and restaurants provide the perfect place to watch the maritime traffic. The city itself has many carefully restored buildings and a wide range of shops in its narrow streets. At the opposite end of the island the former capital Ciudadela (Ciutatella), is an enchanting city with stunning buildings and beautiful shady alleyways.

Both Mahón and Ciudadela have an abundance of restaurants, bars and a few nightclubs. Some of the best restaurants are within 4 or 5 kms of Binissafuller. More original and traditional entertainment is provided in the summer months by the special weekend fiestas known as Jaleos put on in turn by each of the towns around the island. The Ciudadela Jaleo takes place in June and is the Island’s best known party of the year and sees the finest horsemen on the island ride their black thoroughbreds through the streets and even into people’s front rooms!

If you have never been to Menorca you have a treat in store. If you’ve already visited you won’t need any convincing: Menorca is the unspoiled jewel of the Western Mediterranean.

Written by David Rendall - Owner of Property 69108 in Binisafuller, Minorca