Villa Emilio

About Villa Emilio

Villa Emilio is an unrated apartment or villa at 13 Avinguda Central in Cala en Porter, on the south coast of Menorca. It suits travellers who want a self-catering base with a pool, a kitchen and free parking, close to a sandy cove without being on the beachfront. The property is not rated with stars, so the emphasis is on practical comfort rather than hotel service.

The villa offers a long list of facilities, including an outdoor pool, air conditioning, free wifi, a washing machine and a dishwasher. With a cot listed, it works for families. The lack of a guest score means you cannot judge it by past reviews, but the equipment suggests a straightforward, independent stay. Cala en Porter is 1.2 km away, so the beach is a short drive or a longer walk.

Location: Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter is a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs on Menorca's south coast. The village sits above the beach, with houses and villas spread along the slopes. Villa Emilio is on Avinguda Central, a street that runs through the settlement. The cove is 1.2 km away in a straight line, so you will hear the sea only faintly, if at all. A car makes the short trip down to the sand easier, though walking is possible.

The south coast is limestone, with white sand coves under pine trees. Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, is 5.4 km away, and Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed hamlet, is 10.7 km away. In high summer, car parks at the popular coves fill early, so arrive before mid-morning. In May, June and September, the roads are quieter and the cove feels more relaxed. Maó, the capital, is 10.9 km away, so shops and restaurants are within reach.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Emilio is listed with a kitchen, oven, microwave, toaster, refrigerator and dishwasher, so you can cook your own meals. Air conditioning and a washing machine add comfort for longer stays. The living space includes a TV and DVD player, and there is a safe for valuables. A cot is listed, which helps families with small children. The property has a patio and terrace, plus an outdoor pool, so you can spend the day outside without driving anywhere.

The facilities list includes a bath, hairdryer, iron and board, and free wifi. There is no mention of a microwave, but the kitchen is equipped for self-catering. Confirm with the property before booking whether the pool is open year-round and whether the air conditioning covers all rooms. Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure, as the villa is not a hotel with a 24-hour reception. Free car parking is listed, which is useful in a residential area.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.3 km away in a straight line from Villa Emilio. A taxi takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses run to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but the villa is not on a main line, so a hire car is the most practical option. The airport is small, and car hire desks are in the arrivals hall. The road to Cala en Porter is straightforward, mainly on the main south coast route.

Maó port is 10.9 km away, where ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive. From the port, a taxi or hire car gets you to the villa in about 20 minutes. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some seasonal buses stop running. Check the island bus operator for current timetables. If you arrive late, stock up at a supermarket in Maó or Sant Lluís on the way, as local shops may close early outside the summer season.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter, 1.2 km away, is the nearest beach, a deep cove with calm water and cliffs. Son Bou, 5.4 km away, offers a long stretch of sand with dunes and a wetland behind it. Binibeca Vell, 10.7 km away, is a whitewashed hamlet built in a fishing-village style, good for a wander. A talayotic village is 4.1 km away, a prehistoric site with stone towers, part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage listing since 2023.

A boat trip round Maó harbour, 11.4 km away, shows one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Monte Toro, 11.8 km away, is the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. For food, look for Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin. The island's north coast, with its darker rock and wind, is a different landscape from the south's white sand, and the Camí de Cavalls bridleway runs around the whole coast.

A day from Villa Emilio

Start the morning at Cala en Porter, 1.2 km away. Swim in the cove before the crowds arrive, then drive to the talayotic village, 4.1 km away, to see the prehistoric towers and taules. The site is open to the public, and you can walk among the stones. From there, continue to Son Bou, 5.4 km away, for a longer beach and a walk along the sand or the dunes.

In the afternoon, drive to Binibeca Vell, 10.7 km away, and explore the narrow lanes and whitewashed houses. In the evening, head to Maó, 10.9 km away, for a boat trip round the harbour, 11.4 km from the villa. The harbour is about 5 km long, with cliffs and coves. Return to Villa Emilio for a late dinner cooked in the kitchen, or eat out in Cala en Porter. The pool is a good way to end the day.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Villa Emilio whether the villa is open in winter. July and August are the peak months, when the cove and roads are busiest. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate changes by season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears before you travel.

Questions about Villa Emilio