Maru I

About Maru I

Maru I is a hotel on Menorca's south coast, in the Cala en Porter area. It suits travellers who prefer self-catering accommodation with a pool and parking included. The hotel is not rated by stars and has no guest score listed, so you book on the basis of the facilities offered rather than a category.

The hotel provides a kitchen, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, making it practical for longer stays or for families who want to prepare their own meals. An outdoor pool and a pool bar are on site. Free car parking and free wifi are included. The property is non-smoking throughout and has air conditioning.

Location: Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter is a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs on the south coast of Menorca. The hotel is 0.2 km from the cove in a straight line, so the beach is within easy walking distance. The area is a resort with a mix of holiday accommodation, shops and places to eat. In July and August the cove and the surrounding streets are busy. In May, June, September and October the pace is quieter, and many visitors find the shoulder months more relaxed.

The nearest village is not listed, but Maó is 11.2 km away in a straight line. A hire car is useful for exploring the rest of the island. The hotel has free car parking on site. Son Bou, the longest beach on Menorca with dunes and wetland, is 5.9 km away. Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed hamlet built in a fishing-village style, is 10 km away. The talayotic village is 4.2 km from the hotel.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists air conditioning, a safe, a hairdryer and smoke detectors in the rooms. A kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave and washing machine is included, so guests can cook and do laundry during their stay. This setup is practical for families with young children or for anyone staying a week or more. The property is non-smoking throughout.

Free wifi and internet access are listed. For late arrivals, the hotel has a safe for valuables and the kitchen allows you to store and prepare food. The outdoor pool and pool bar are on site. If you need specific room configurations, such as a cot or a particular bed arrangement, confirm with the property directly before booking.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.2 km from Maru I in a straight line. A taxi from the airport takes about 10-15 minutes by road. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Maó you would need a second bus or a taxi to Cala en Porter. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility, and the hotel provides free parking.

Maó port is 11.2 km away in a straight line. Ferries from Barcelona arrive at Maó; from there you can take a taxi or bus to Cala en Porter. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus services run less often. Check the island bus operator for current timetables. The hotel's free parking is useful if you hire a car.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter is the nearest beach, 0.2 km from the hotel. It is a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs, with calm water for swimming. Son Bou, 5.9 km away, is the longest beach on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland area behind it. Binibeca Vell, 10 km away, is a whitewashed hamlet of narrow lanes and small squares, built to resemble a traditional fishing village.

A talayotic village is 4.2 km from the hotel, part of Menorca's prehistoric heritage recognised by UNESCO in 2023. A boat trip round Maó harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, is 11.7 km away. Monte Toro, the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, is 13.1 km away; from the sanctuary at the top you can see both coasts. Local food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew from Fornells on the north coast.

A day from Maru I

Start the morning with breakfast prepared in the hotel's kitchen. Walk the 0.2 km to Cala en Porter for a swim before the cove gets busy. Later, drive 4.2 km to the talayotic village to see the prehistoric stone structures. From there, continue to Monte Toro, 13.1 km away, for the view of both the north and south coasts. Have lunch at a café in Es Mercadal at the foot of the hill.

In the afternoon, drive to Son Bou, 5.9 km away, and walk along the long sandy beach or through the dunes. Return to Maru I for a swim in the outdoor pool and a drink at the pool bar. In the evening, drive to Binibeca Vell, 10 km away, to see the whitewashed houses in the late light. Dinner can be at one of the restaurants in the hamlet or back in Cala en Porter.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Maru I directly for its opening dates. July and August are the peak months, when the cove and the roads are busiest. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of accommodation, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears site.

Questions about Maru I