Villa Forte

About Villa Forte

Villa Forte is a self-catering villa on Menorca's south coast, in the Cala en Porter area. It suits travellers who want a base with a kitchen, a private outdoor pool and free car parking, within easy reach of one of the island's deeper sandy coves. The villa is not rated with stars and has no guest score listed. Guests manage their own schedule with a kitchenette or full kitchen, a lounge and a terrace, plus a garden and a games room for quieter afternoons.

The property is a villa, not a hotel with reception hours, so the listed 24-hour front desk and express check-in suggest a key-collection arrangement. Facilities include air conditioning, free WiFi, a safe, a DVD player and a TV. The outdoor pool and the patio are the main outdoor spaces. A cot and high chairs are listed for families. Pets are allowed. The villa is not on the beachfront; Cala en Porter is 0.2 km away in a straight line.

Location: Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter is a deep sandy cove cut between high limestone cliffs on Menorca's south coast. The cove has a small beach and a handful of seasonal services. The area is quieter than the larger resorts such as Son Bou or Cala Galdana, and the cliffs give it a sheltered feel. The nearest village is not listed; the closest named settlement is the cove itself. The villa is on Av. Central, about 0.2 km from the cove in a straight line.

The south coast (Migjorn) of Menorca is limestone, with white sand coves under pine trees. Cala en Porter is one of the deeper coves, with cliffs on either side. Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, is 5.9 km away in a straight line. Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed hamlet built in a traditional fishing-village style, is 10 km away. Maó, the capital, is 11.2 km away in a straight line. A hire car is the most practical way to explore the coast and the interior.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with a kitchen or kitchenette, a lounge, a terrace and a patio. The rooms include a bath, a bidet, a hairdryer and toiletries. Air conditioning and a fan are listed. A sofa bed is available. The property has family rooms and non-smoking rooms. A cot and high chairs are listed for younger children. Pets are allowed. Guests should confirm the exact layout and the number of bedrooms with the property before booking.

The facilities include a safe, a TV, a DVD player, a radio and an alarm clock. An iron and board are provided. The kitchen has a microwave, an oven, a toaster, a refrigerator and a coffee maker. Free WiFi and internet access are listed. The property has a laundry service, a market and a picnic area. The outdoor pool and the garden are the main outdoor spaces. A garage and free car parking are available. The 24-hour front desk and express check-in should be confirmed with the property.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.1 km away in a straight line from Villa Forte. A taxi from the airport to the villa takes about 10-15 minutes by road. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; but a hire car collected at the airport gives more flexibility for reaching the villa and exploring the coast. The airport is about 4-5 km south-west of Maó. Flights are fewer in winter.

Maó port is 11.2 km away in a straight line. Ferries from Maó link to Barcelona (overnight crossings of several hours) and to Palma on Mallorca. From the port, a taxi or a hire car is the most practical way to reach the villa. Buses from Maó to the south-coast resorts run more frequently in summer; check the island bus operator for current timetables. The villa's free car parking makes a hire car the recommended option.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter is 0.2 km away in a straight line. The cove has a sandy beach between high limestone cliffs, with a few seasonal bars and restaurants. Son Bou, 5.9 km away, is the longest beach on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland behind it. Binibeca Vell, 10 km away, is a whitewashed hamlet built in a traditional style, with narrow lanes and a small cove. The south coast has several other coves within a short drive: Cala Galdana, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta are all reachable by car.

A talayotic village is 4.3 km away in a straight line. These prehistoric settlements, with their talaiots and taules, are part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage site listed in 2023. A boat trip round Maó harbour, 11.6 km away, shows one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Monte Toro, 13 km away, is the highest point on Menorca, about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin and is widely available.

A day from Villa Forte

Start the day at Villa Forte with breakfast on the terrace. Drive 4.3 km to the nearest talayotic village and explore the prehistoric talaiots and taules. The site is part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage listing. After the visit, drive back towards the coast and spend the late morning at Cala en Porter, 0.2 km from the villa. The deep cove between high cliffs has a sandy beach for swimming. The sea temperature in summer is about 22-26 °C.

In the afternoon, drive 11.6 km to Maó harbour for a boat trip around the port. The harbour is about 5 km long, with cliffs, fortifications and the Es Castell barracks town at the mouth. Return to the villa for a swim in the outdoor pool. In the evening, drive 13 km to Monte Toro for sunset views from the sanctuary. The hill is about 358 m high and looks over both the north and south coasts. Dinner can be prepared in the villa's kitchen.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check Villa Forte's opening dates with the property. July and August are the peak months with the hottest weather and the busiest beaches. 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 site.

Questions about Villa Forte