Villa Mirador

About Villa Mirador

Villa Mirador suits travellers who prefer a self-catering stay with their own outdoor pool and parking. The villa is not rated and has no guest score, so it appeals to those who book on the basis of location and facilities rather than a hotel rating. It works well for families or small groups who want a base near the south coast of Menorca without being in a large resort.

This is an apartment or villa with a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave. The listed facilities include air conditioning, free WiFi, a safe, a smoke detector and a hairdryer. Outside there is a swimming pool with a pool bar. Parking is free on site. The property is non-smoking throughout.

Location: Cala en Porter

Villa Mirador is on Carrer De Lord Nelson in Cala en Porter, a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs on Menorca's south coast. The cove is 0.7 km straight line from the villa, so a short walk or drive takes you to the beach. Cala en Porter has a small village with shops, bars and restaurants around the cove, though the villa is set back in a quieter residential street.

In high summer, July and August, the cove gets busy and car parks fill early. In the shoulder months of May, June and September the area is quieter and the water is warm enough for swimming. A car is useful for exploring the south coast: Son Bou is 5.4 km straight line and Binibeca Vell is 10.6 km straight line. Maó port is 11.2 km straight line.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with air conditioning, free WiFi and internet access. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, microwave and coffee maker. A washing machine is provided for longer stays. The safe and smoke detector are practical for families. The outdoor pool and pool bar are for guests' use, though the property is not beachfront and the beach is 0.7 km away.

Couples and families should confirm the number of bedrooms and bathrooms directly with the property, as these are not stated in the listing. Late arrivals may need to arrange check-in times with the owner. The non-smoking policy applies throughout. Free car parking is available on site, which is useful given the distances to beaches and sights.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.4 km straight line from Villa Mirador. A taxi from the airport takes about 10-15 minutes. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Maó you would need a taxi or a hire car to reach Cala en Porter. A hire car collected at the airport gives flexibility for the south coast and beyond.

Maó port is 11.2 km straight line. Ferries from Barcelona, Palma and Alcúdia arrive there. From the port, a taxi to the villa takes about 15-20 minutes. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus lines stop running. Check the island bus operator for current timetables.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter beach is 0.7 km straight line, a deep sandy cove with cliffs on both sides. Son Bou, 5.4 km straight line, is the longest beach on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland. Binibeca Vell, 10.6 km straight line, is a whitewashed hamlet built to resemble a traditional fishing village. A boat trip round Maó harbour, 11.6 km straight line, shows the natural harbour and the La Mola fortress.

A talayotic village is 4 km straight line, one of the prehistoric sites that form part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage listing. Monte Toro, 12.2 km straight line, is the highest point on the island at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. Local food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells.

A day from Villa Mirador

A day from Villa Mirador could start with breakfast at the villa, using the kitchen and coffee maker. Drive 0.7 km to Cala en Porter beach for a morning swim. The cove is sheltered by cliffs and the water is calm. After the beach, drive 4 km to the nearest talayotic village to see the prehistoric taula and talaiot stones. Return to the villa for lunch by the pool.

In the afternoon, drive 11.6 km to Maó harbour for a boat trip around the port. The harbour is about 5 km long and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. In the evening, drive 12.2 km up Monte Toro for sunset views over both coasts. Dinner could be at a restaurant in Cala en Porter or back at the villa using the microwave and dishwasher.

Practical tips

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