Villa Helena

About Villa Helena

Villa Helena suits travellers who want a self-catering base on Menorca's south coast. The villa is in the residential area of Cala en Porter, a short walk from the cove. It has a private outdoor pool, a garden and a terrace, making it a good choice for couples or families who prefer space and independence over a hotel.

This is an apartment or villa, not a rated hotel. No guest score is listed. The accommodation provides air conditioning, wifi and parking. Guests stay in a quiet setting with a pool and garden, and can cook their own meals or eat out at the nearby cove. The villa is not on the beachfront; Cala en Porter is 0.5 km away.

Location: Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter is a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs on Menorca's south coast. The cove has a beach, a few shops and places to eat. Villa Helena is on Carrer De Les Petjades, a residential street set back from the cove. In high summer the cove gets busy, but the villa's garden and pool offer a quieter retreat. In the shoulder months of May, June and September the area is more relaxed.

The villa is 0.5 km straight line from Cala en Porter, so the beach is walkable. Son Bou, the longest beach on the island with dunes and a wetland, is 6.2 km away. Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed hamlet built in a fishing-village style, is 9.7 km away. A hire car is useful for exploring the south coast coves and the rest of the island. Buses run to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; check the island bus operator for current timetables.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Helena is listed with air conditioning, wifi, a terrace, a garden area and an outdoor pool. These facilities suit families who want to spend time outdoors and couples who prefer a private space. The villa is non-smoking. There is parking on site, which is useful for guests arriving by hire car.

The accommodation is self-catering, so guests need to confirm the exact layout, number of bedrooms and bathroom arrangements with the property before booking. Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure with the owner or manager. The villa's facilities are listed as available, but it is wise to confirm that the pool and garden are maintained during the stay, especially outside the main season.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 6.9 km straight line from Villa Helena. A taxi from the airport takes about 10-15 minutes. A hire car collected at the airport gives flexibility for exploring the island. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Maó, a bus or taxi is needed to reach Cala en Porter. In winter, flights and buses are fewer, so check the schedules.

Maó port is 11 km straight line from the villa. Ferries from Maó connect to Barcelona (overnight crossings of several hours) and to Palma on Mallorca. From the port, a taxi or hire car is the most direct way to reach Villa Helena. The villa's parking is a convenience for those who drive. Ciutadella, the old capital in the west, is about 30 km by road; a hire car makes the trip easier.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach is Cala en Porter, 0.5 km away, a deep sandy cove between high cliffs. Son Bou, 6.2 km away, is the longest beach on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland. Binibeca Vell, 9.7 km away, is a whitewashed hamlet with narrow streets and a small cove. The south coast has many limestone coves with white sand and pine trees, such as Cala Galdana, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta; arrive early or use the summer bus.

A talayotic village is 4.5 km from the villa, part of Menorca's UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric sites. A boat trip round Maó harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, is 11.4 km away. Monte Toro, the highest point on the island at about 358 m, is 13.3 km away; from the sanctuary there are views of both coasts. The local Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin and is worth trying.

A day from Villa Helena

Start the morning at Villa Helena with breakfast on the terrace. Walk the 0.5 km to Cala en Porter for a swim in the cove before the crowds arrive. After a morning at the beach, drive 4.5 km to a talayotic village to see the prehistoric stone structures. Return to the villa for lunch by the pool.

In the afternoon, drive to Monte Toro, 13.3 km away, for the view from the sanctuary over both coasts. On the way back, stop at a local shop for Mahón-Menorca cheese. In the evening, drive to Maó harbour, 11 km away, for a walk along the waterfront and a boat trip. Return to Villa Helena for a quiet evening in the garden.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes from roughly November to April, so check Villa Helena's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months; book early and expect the coves to be busy. 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 with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Helena