Sant Lluis: Coast, Culture and Trails

Sant Lluís combines an orderly townscape with coastal scenery, history and trails through the rural surroundings. There is also a seasonal craft market and an opportunity to visit a winery. From the town’s grid layout to coves with Posidonia on the seabed, there are a variety of themes to consider when planning your trip.

Townscape and History

At the entrance to the town, Molí de Dalt now houses the ethnological museum and a tourist information office. Sant Lluís was founded during the French presence in Menorca in the 18th century and named in honour of the French king Louis IX. The town developed with an orderly, grid-like layout, similar to the urban plans of the 19th century. Its founding history and urban structure therefore offer different historical perspectives. Torre de Son Ganxo, also known as Torre de Punta Prima, is a Spanish coastal defence tower dating from 1786.

Coastal Landscapes and Coves

Playa Punta Prima is 200 metres long and about 75 metres wide; from there, you can enjoy views of S’Illot des Cagaire and Illa de l’Aire. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and coastal tours are available at the beach. Playa Binibeca Nou is 400 metres long and lies between Punta Binibeca and Cala Torret. Its seabed of sand and Posidonia beds is suitable for snorkelling. Cala Binibeca Vell is also a place to snorkel: this rocky cove has deep water and a seabed of rock, sand and Posidonia. It lies next to the maritime-style settlement of Binibeca Vell, designed by architect Antoni Sintes.

Cala Alcaufar lies at the end of a deep, narrow cove flanked by rocky cliffs. From there, you can see Illot des Torn and a small anchorage in front of the cove. In the settlement of the same name stands Torre d’Alcaufar, an 18th-century defence tower.

Walking and Nature Trails

The circular Ruta Vermella (Route 1) follows rural trails through Sant Lluís and is 8 km long; its difficulty is rated as medium to low. The also-circular Ruta Lila (Route 3) covers 11.2 km; its estimated duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes. Ruta Lila is therefore 3.2 km longer than Ruta Vermella; the time estimate also provides a guide for planning your day.

One stage of the Camí de Cavalls runs from Binisafuller to Punta Prima through the Sant Lluís area. It is 8.06 km long, flat and not very difficult. Temporary ponds can also be found along a section of the Camí de Cavalls in the Sant Lluís area; their high biodiversity gives them considerable ecological value. Camí de Biniati is designated as a nature trail and also forms part of Menorca’s cycling route. Camí del far de l’Illa de l’Aire provides access to the lighthouse and runs through a protected landscape of great importance. Before setting out on a specific route, check the current trail signs and local access conditions.

Wine and Seasonal Market

At Binifadet in Sant Lluís, you can stroll among the vines and learn about the wine-making process. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. Mercat d’Estiu de Sant Lluís takes place on Thursdays and features more than 40 stalls selling local crafts. As it is a seasonal market, check the dates before making firm plans to visit.

Discover more destinations: Binissafuller, S'algar, Binibèquer, Punta Prima, Arenal D'en Castell, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, Sa Mesquida.

For an overview of the wider area: Menorca.