Villa Cassia

About Villa Cassia

Villa Cassia is a self-catering villa in Cala en Porter, on the south coast of Menorca. It suits travellers who want a private base with a kitchen, outdoor pool and garden, away from large resort hotels. The property is not rated by stars and has no guest score listed, so it appeals to independent-minded guests who prefer to book by facilities and location rather than by a category.

The villa is set on Carrer Alt, a residential street above the cove. It offers free car parking and free WiFi, plus a washing machine and dishwasher for longer stays. The outdoor pool and solarium are the main outdoor features, with a terrace and garden for relaxing. This is a straightforward, practical stay for couples or families who want to cook and drive to the beaches and sights.

Location: Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter is a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs on Menorca's south coast. In high summer the cove fills with visitors, but the residential streets above remain quieter. The villa is 0.5 km straight line from the cove, so a short walk downhill brings you to the sand, restaurants and a small supermarket. In the shoulder months of May, June and September the cove is more relaxed, with fewer crowds and cooler evenings.

The villa is 6.9 km straight line from Menorca Airport (MAH) and 11 km straight line from Maó port, so a hire car or taxi is practical. The nearest village with more services is Sant Lluís, about 10 minutes by car. Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, is 6.1 km straight line away, and Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed fishing-village-style hamlet, is 9.8 km straight line away. A car is recommended for exploring the south coast coves and the interior.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Cassia is listed as a villa with a kitchen, oven, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator and coffee-making facilities. There is a washing machine and iron and board for laundry. Air conditioning is listed, which is useful in July and August. The property has a bath, hairdryer, safe, TV and free WiFi. The rooms are non-smoking. A cot is listed, so families with a baby can request it when booking.

The villa has a terrace, garden and outdoor pool with a solarium. There is free car parking on site. Guests arriving late should confirm check-in arrangements with the property, as there is no 24-hour reception. The listed facilities include canoe and diving or scuba diving, but these likely refer to equipment hire or nearby activities rather than on-site gear; confirm with the villa what is provided.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 6.9 km straight line from Villa Cassia. A taxi takes about 10-15 minutes. A hire car collected at the airport gives flexibility for the whole stay; the villa has free parking. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the south coast resorts, but a bus to Cala en Porter may require a change in Maó. Check the island bus operator for current routes and frequencies.

Maó port is 11 km straight line from the villa, about 15-20 minutes by taxi or hire car. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive at Maó. From Ciutadella port, about 40 km away, a hire car or taxi is needed. Flights and ferries are fewer from November to April; check the airport and ferry operators for winter schedules. The villa's own opening dates should be confirmed for the shoulder months.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter is 0.5 km straight line from the villa, a sandy cove with a cave bar at the back. Son Bou is 6.1 km straight line away, with dunes and a wetland behind the beach. Binibeca Vell is 9.8 km straight line away, a whitewashed hamlet built in a traditional fishing style, with narrow lanes and a small harbour. A talayotic village is 4.5 km straight line away, one of the prehistoric sites that form part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage listing.

A boat trip round Maó harbour is 11.4 km straight line away; the harbour is about 5 km long, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Monte Toro, the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, is 13.2 km straight line away, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin and is available in local shops. The Camí de Cavalls coastal path passes near Cala en Porter; walk a section or cycle.

A day from Villa Cassia

Start the morning at Villa Cassia with breakfast on the terrace. Drive 0.5 km to Cala en Porter for a swim before the cove gets busy. From there, walk along the cliff path to the next small coves or drive 6.1 km to Son Bou for a longer beach with dunes. Pack a picnic from the Cala en Porter supermarket. In the afternoon, drive 4.5 km to the talayotic village to see the prehistoric talaiots and taules, then continue to Monte Toro (13.2 km) for the panoramic view.

Return to the villa for a swim in the outdoor pool. In the evening, drive 11.4 km to Maó harbour for a boat trip or a walk along the waterfront. Alternatively, stay local and eat at one of the Cala en Porter restaurants. Drive back to Villa Cassia in 10 minutes. In July and August, book restaurants in advance and arrive at beaches before 10 am to find parking. In the shoulder months, the pace is slower and the coves quieter.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check Villa Cassia's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with hot weather, crowded beaches and higher demand for hire cars. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the type of accommodation and the season, 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 website.

Questions about Villa Cassia