Ty Bihan

About Ty Bihan

Ty Bihan suits travellers who want a quiet base on Menorca's south coast, close to the airport and the sea. The hotel is not rated with stars, and no guest score is listed, so the stay is judged on its own merits: a self-catering property with a kitchen, a garden and an outdoor pool. It works for couples, families and small groups who prefer independence over hotel services.

The hotel sits in Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed hamlet of lanes and steps by the sea, built in a fishing-village style. Rooms come with air conditioning, a kitchen or kitchenette, and a washing machine, so you can settle in for a week or longer. The setting is calm, and the south coast's coves and beaches are within easy reach by car or on foot.

Location: Binibeca Vell

Binibeca Vell is 0.9 km from Ty Bihan, a short walk or drive. The hamlet is a maze of white buildings and narrow alleys, with the sea at its edge. It is a popular spot for a stroll in the evening, when the lanes are quieter and the light softens. Sant Lluís, 3.7 km away, is a white village of windmills, with shops and restaurants for everyday needs.

The hotel is not on the beach, but the coast is close. Maó, the capital, is 7.8 km away, and Es Castell, the Georgian barracks town, is 7.7 km. A car is useful for exploring the south coast coves, though a taxi could cover the short distances. In high summer, the area is busy with day visitors; in May and October, it is more relaxed, and many businesses close from November to April.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists a range of facilities that suit different stays. Each unit has a kitchen or kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, oven, toaster and dishwasher, so you can cook your own meals. Air conditioning and a fan keep rooms cool, and a washing machine is available for longer trips. A TV, free wifi and a hairdryer are listed, along with toiletries and an iron and board.

Families are catered for with cots, high chairs and family rooms. Pets are allowed, which is useful for those travelling with a dog. The outdoor pool and solarium are shared spaces, and a garden, terrace and patio offer outdoor corners. Housekeeping is listed, but you should confirm the frequency and what it covers, as self-catering properties often vary. Check with Ty Bihan about check-in times and any pet conditions.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 4.7 km straight line from Ty Bihan, about 10 minutes by taxi or hire car. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but a direct connection to Binibeca Vell is not guaranteed. A hire car is the most flexible option, especially for reaching the hotel and exploring the island.

From Maó port, 7.8 km away, a taxi or hire car takes about 15 minutes. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive at Maó, and from Ciutadella there are links to Alcúdia on Mallorca. There is no regular direct ferry from Ibiza to Menorca, so most travellers fly or connect via Mallorca. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some seasonal bus lines stop running, so check the island bus operator for current schedules.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Binibeca Vell, 0.9 km away, is the nearest coastal hamlet, with its whitewashed lanes and sea views. Sant Lluís, 3.7 km, offers a glimpse of Menorca's windmill heritage. Maó, 7.8 km, has a natural harbour about 5 km long, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, and Es Castell, 7.7 km, is a Georgian barracks town at the harbour mouth. A boat trip round Maó harbour starts at 7.6 km, and La Mola fortress is 8.8 km away.

The south coast is known for limestone coves with white sand under pines, such as Cala Galdana, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta, all within a short drive. Son Bou, the longest beach, is further west. For local food, try Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin, or caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew, in a restaurant in the area. The Camí de Cavalls, the coastal bridleway, passes nearby, ideal for walking.

A day from Ty Bihan

Start the day with breakfast in your kitchen at Ty Bihan, then drive the 0.9 km to Binibeca Vell for a morning walk along the lanes and the water's edge. The sea is calm in the morning, and the white buildings reflect the light. From there, head to Sant Lluís, 3.7 km, to see the windmills and pick up supplies for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to Maó, 7.8 km, and take a boat trip round the harbour, which starts at 7.6 km. The harbour is a working port with Georgian buildings and a gin tradition. Later, visit La Mola fortress, 8.8 km, which guards the harbour mouth. Return to Ty Bihan in the evening, cook dinner in your kitchen, and relax by the pool or on the terrace as the sun sets.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Ty Bihan about its opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with more crowds and higher demand. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate varies by season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Ty Bihan