Villa Palmera

About Villa Palmera

Villa Palmera is a self-catering villa in Cala en Porter, on Menorca's south coast. It suits travellers who want a private base with a kitchen and a pool, away from large resorts. The villa is not rated with stars and has no guest score listed, so the property should be contacted for details of the accommodation standard.

The villa is equipped for independent stays: it has a kitchen with an oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and refrigerator, plus a washing machine and ironing facilities. The outdoor pool and terrace provide space for relaxing. Free car parking is available on site, which is useful given the location.

Location: Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter is a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs on Menorca's south coast. The villa is on Av. Central, 0.6 km straight line from the cove. The area has a mix of holiday homes and small shops; the beach and a few seasonal bars and restaurants are within walking distance. In July and August the cove gets busy, but the villa's private pool offers an alternative.

Outside the peak summer months, Cala en Porter is quieter, and many seasonal businesses close from November to April. A hire car is recommended for exploring the rest of the island. The villa's free parking makes this straightforward. Son Bou, with the island's longest beach, is 5.5 km away, and the whitewashed hamlet of Binibeca Vell is 10.5 km away.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed as a non-smoking property with air conditioning, a fan and a safe. It has a TV and free WiFi. A cot is listed, so families with a baby can request it. The kitchen and washing machine make longer stays practical. Guests arriving late should confirm check-in arrangements with the property, as no times are given.

The terrace and outdoor pool are the main outdoor spaces. The villa is not described as having a private garden or sea views, so these should be checked with the owner. The listed facilities include a hairdryer, an iron and board, and a smoke detector. The property does not list a telephone or a lift, which is typical for a villa.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.3 km straight line from Villa Palmera. A taxi takes about 10-15 minutes. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some southern resorts; a bus to Cala en Porter may require a change in Maó. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility, and the villa has free parking.

Maó port is 11.1 km straight line, reachable by taxi or car in about 15-20 minutes. Ferries from Maó connect to Barcelona (overnight) and Palma. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus services stop. Check the island bus operator for current timetables. The villa's location means a car is useful for shopping and exploring.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter is 0.6 km straight line from the villa. The cove has a sandy beach and cliffs; a path leads to a natural arch. Son Bou, 5.5 km away, has a long beach with dunes and a wetland. Binibeca Vell, 10.5 km away, is a whitewashed hamlet built to resemble a traditional fishing village, with narrow lanes and small coves.

A talayotic village is 4.1 km away, part of Menorca's UNESCO-listed prehistoric heritage. Maó harbour, 11.5 km away, is one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; boat trips operate from there. Monte Toro, 12.3 km away, 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 product.

A day from Villa Palmera

Start the morning with breakfast on the terrace at Villa Palmera. Drive 4.1 km to the nearest talayotic village to explore Menorca's prehistoric taules and talaiots. Then head to Son Bou, 5.5 km away, for a walk along the long sandy beach and the dunes. The beach has a wetland behind it, good for birdwatching.

In the afternoon, drive to Monte Toro, 12.3 km away, for the panoramic views from the sanctuary. Return to Cala en Porter for a swim at the cove or in the villa's pool. In the evening, drive to Maó, 11.1 km away, for a walk along the harbour. The harbour is about 5 km long; a boat trip around it is 11.5 km from the villa.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Palmera whether it is open in the months you plan to travel. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and higher demand for car parking at popular coves. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; rates change and are reduced in low season and for longer stays; children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Palmera