Villa Mari

About Villa Mari

Villa Mari is an unrated apartment or villa on Carrer De Migjorn in Cala en Porter, on Menorca's south coast. It suits travellers who want a self-catering base near a sandy cove, with the freedom to cook, park free and come and go without hotel routines. The property is not on the beachfront, but the cove is 0.4 km away in a straight line, close enough for a short walk or drive.

The villa is equipped for independent stays. The listed facilities include a kitchen with an oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and refrigerator, plus a washing machine, iron and board, and a hairdryer. Air conditioning and a fan cover the warm months, and free wifi and internet access are listed. An outdoor pool and a terrace give outdoor space, and free car parking is included. There is no star rating or guest score.

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 cove, with a small beach and cliffs that shelter the water. Villa Mari is on Carrer De Migjorn, within 0.4 km of the cove in a straight line. The nearest village is not specified, but the cove itself is the main draw, with a beach and seasonal services.

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7 km away in a straight line, and Maó port is 11 km away. Son Bou, the island's longest beach, is 5.9 km away, and Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed hamlet, is 10.1 km away. A car is useful for exploring, though the cove is walkable. In high summer, the south coast draws crowds, and car parks at popular coves fill early. In the shoulder months of May and September, the area is quieter, and many seasonal businesses close roughly from November to April.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Mari is listed as a self-catering property, so the rooms are private rather than hotel-style. The kitchen is equipped for cooking, with an oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and refrigerator. A washing machine and iron are listed, which suits longer stays. The terrace and outdoor pool are shared or private depending on the layout; confirm with the property. Air conditioning and a fan are listed, along with a TV and free wifi.

For families, a cot is listed, and the pool and cove offer daytime activities. For late arrivals, the self-catering setup means you can shop on the way or eat in. Non-smoking rooms are listed, and a smoke detector is present. There is no mention of a bath, though a bath is listed among facilities. Confirm with the property whether the pool is shared or exclusive, and check the exact layout of the bedrooms and bathrooms, as these details are not specified.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7 km away in a straight line from Villa Mari. A taxi from the airport takes a short drive, or you can hire a car at the airport and follow the road south. Buses run to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but a car is the most flexible option for reaching the villa and exploring the island. The airport is about 4-5 km south-west of Maó, so the route passes near the capital.

Maó port is 11 km away in a straight line, where ferries arrive from Barcelona and Palma. From the port, a taxi or hire car covers the distance in about 20 minutes. Cala en Porter itself is 0.4 km from the villa, so you can walk to the cove. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and seasonal buses may not run; check the island bus operator and ferry companies for current schedules.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter is the nearest beach, 0.4 km away. It is a deep cove with sandy shore and high cliffs, good for swimming and sunbathing. Son Bou, 5.9 km away, has a long beach with dunes and a wetland. Binibeca Vell, 10.1 km away, is a whitewashed hamlet built in a fishing-village style, popular for a stroll. A talayotic village is 4.3 km away, offering a look at Menorca's prehistoric past.

A boat trip round Maó harbour is 11.4 km away, where you can see the natural harbour and its forts. Monte Toro, the island's highest point at about 358 m, is 12.8 km away, with views of both coasts. For food, Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin, and the island is known for lobster stew in Fornells, though no restaurants are named here. The Camí de Cavalls, a historic bridleway of about 185 km, passes through the south coast and can be joined near the cove.

A day from Villa Mari

Start the day at Villa Mari with breakfast on the terrace. Walk the 0.4 km to Cala en Porter for a morning swim before the crowds arrive. The cove is sheltered by cliffs, so the water is calm. After a few hours, drive 4.3 km to the talayotic village to explore the prehistoric stone structures, a reminder of Menorca's Talayotic heritage, listed by UNESCO in 2023.

In the afternoon, head 11.4 km to Maó for a boat trip round the harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. See the Georgian architecture left from British rule and the Es Castell barracks town. Return to Villa Mari in the evening, cook a meal in the kitchen, and relax by the pool. If you prefer, drive 5.9 km to Son Bou for a longer beach walk before sunset.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Villa Mari about its opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, when the south coast is busiest and car parks fill early. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged by the accommodation per person per night; the rate varies by season and length of stay, with children under 16 exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Mari