Villa Patri

About Villa Patri

Villa Patri suits travellers who prefer an independent stay on Menorca's south coast. The villa provides a kitchen, a private outdoor pool and a terrace, making it a practical base for couples or a family who want to cook and relax without the services of a hotel. The property is not rated and has no guest score listed, so it appeals to those who book on the basis of the facilities and location rather than a star rating.

This is a self-catering apartment or villa in a residential street, Carrer De Midgjorn 24, set back from the shoreline. The accommodation includes a washing machine, a full kitchen with an oven and microwave, air conditioning and free WiFi. The outdoor pool and patio give the property a holiday-home feel, with the freedom to come and go on your own schedule.

Location: Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter is a deep sandy cove cut between high limestone cliffs on Menorca's south coast. The beach is 0.4 km straight line from Villa Patri, so a short walk or drive gets you to the sand and the shallow water that families use. The cove has a small village with a few shops and places to eat, though the property is on a quiet street away from the main summer activity.

In July and August the cove fills with visitors, and the car park near the beach fills early. In the shoulder months of May, June and September the pace is slower, and the beach is quieter. A car is useful for reaching other coves and the island's interior: Son Bou is 6 km away, Binibeca Vell is 10 km, and Maó is 11 km. The nearest airport is 7 km away.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with a kitchen, a washing machine, an oven, a microwave and a refrigerator, so guests can prepare meals and do laundry during their stay. Air conditioning and a fan are provided for the warmer months, and the living space includes a TV and free WiFi. The terrace and patio offer outdoor seating, and the private pool is for the exclusive use of the villa's guests.

Couples will find the layout suitable for a quiet holiday, while families can use the cot listed among the facilities. Late arrivals should confirm check-in arrangements with the property in advance, as the villa has no reception desk. The safe, smoke detector and iron and board are practical extras, and the non-smoking policy applies throughout.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7 km straight line from Villa Patri. A taxi from the terminal takes about 10-15 minutes. A hire car gives the most flexibility for exploring the island, and free car parking is available at the property. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer some services reach the south coast resorts, but a car is more practical for reaching Carrer De Midgjorn directly.

Maó port is 11 km straight line away, where ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive. From the port a taxi or hire car is the easiest option. The villa is not on a bus route that runs past the door, so guests who arrive without a car should plan transfers in advance. Flights and ferries are fewer in winter, and some bus services stop running between November and April.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Cala en Porter, 0.4 km away, is the nearest beach. The cove is sheltered by cliffs and has fine sand, and the water shelves gently. Son Bou, 6 km away, is the longest beach on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland behind it. Binibeca Vell, 10 km away, is a whitewashed fishing-village-style hamlet with narrow lanes and a small harbour. All these are on the south coast, where the limestone rock gives white sand and clear water.

A talayotic village is 4.4 km away, part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage site. A boat trip around Maó harbour, 11.4 km away, shows one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, with the Es Castell barracks and La Mola fortress. Monte Toro, 12.9 km away, is the highest point on the island at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. Mahón-Menorca cheese is a local speciality to try.

A day from Villa Patri

A day from Villa Patri could start with a short walk or drive to Cala en Porter for a morning swim. The cove's cliffs give shade in the early hours, and the water is calm. After the beach, drive 4.4 km to the nearby talayotic village to see the prehistoric talaiots and taules that are part of Menorca's UNESCO-listed heritage. The site is open to visitors and gives a sense of the island's ancient past.

In the afternoon, drive 11.4 km to Maó harbour for a boat trip around the port. The harbour is about 5 km long, lined with Georgian buildings from the British period. Return to Villa Patri in the late afternoon for a swim in the private pool and a meal prepared in the kitchen. The terrace is a good spot for an evening drink before the short drive back to the cove for a walk along the cliffs at sunset.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check Villa Patri's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, when the cove and the roads are busiest and the car park at Cala en Porter fills early. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax, the ecotasa, is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of property, is reduced for longer stays and in low season, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears site.

Questions about Villa Patri