Villa Shilo

About Villa Shilo

Villa Shilo is an unrated apartment or villa on Avenida Central in Cala en Porter, on the south coast of Menorca. It suits travellers who want a self-contained base with a kitchen, a washing machine and an outdoor pool, rather than a hotel with shared facilities. The villa is set back from the beach, with the cove at 0.2 km straight line, so you can walk down for a swim and return for a quiet evening.

This is a practical stay for families and small groups who prefer to cook, park for free and spread out. The property lists air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a dishwasher, a microwave, a safe and a smoke detector. There is no guest score given, and the villa is not rated by stars. The outdoor pool and pool bar are listed among the facilities, which makes the villa a comfortable choice for a week or more on the island.

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 beach, with a mix of holiday homes, small shops and seasonal places to eat. Villa Shilo is 0.2 km straight line from the cove, so the beach is walkable, though the path may involve steps and a slope. The area is busy in July and August, when the cove fills early and the car park at the beach can be crowded.

Outside the summer months, Cala en Porter is much quieter, and some restaurants and shops close roughly from November to April. The villa's free parking means a hire car is the most practical option year round. Son Bou is 5.9 km straight line, Binibeca Vell is 10 km, and Maó is 11.2 km from the villa, so a car makes it easy to explore the south coast and the capital. In the shoulder months of May and October, the roads are emptier and the beach is more peaceful.

Rooms and facilities

The villa lists air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, a washing machine, a hairdryer and a safe. These facilities suit families who want to self-cater and couples who prefer a home base. The outdoor pool and pool bar are listed, but the villa is not beachfront, so you will walk the 0.2 km to the cove for a swim in the sea. Non-smoking rooms are listed, and a smoke detector is fitted.

As the property is a villa, the layout is likely to be spread over one or two floors, but the exact number of bedrooms and bathrooms is not given. Confirm the sleeping arrangements and the pool opening dates with the property before booking, especially if you travel with children. The free car parking is a clear advantage, as street parking in Cala en Porter can be limited in high season. Check whether the pool bar is open in the months you plan to stay.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.2 km straight line from Villa Shilo. A taxi from the airport to the villa takes about 15 minutes in normal traffic, or you can pick up a hire car at the terminal and drive. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but a direct bus to Cala en Porter may not run year round. Check the island bus operator for current routes and timetables.

If you arrive by ferry, Maó port is 11.2 km straight line from the villa, about a 20 minute drive. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma dock at Maó, and some services use Ciutadella in the west. From the port, a taxi or a hire car is the most straightforward option. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, so plan connections carefully. The villa's free parking makes a hire car the most practical option year round.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach is Cala en Porter itself, 0.2 km straight line from the villa. It is a deep sandy cove between high limestone cliffs, with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Further along the south coast, Son Bou is 5.9 km straight line and offers the island's longest beach, with dunes and a wetland behind. Binibeca Vell, 10 km straight line, is a whitewashed hamlet built in a traditional fishing style, good for a stroll and a meal.

Inland, a talayotic village is 4.2 km straight line from the villa, part of the prehistoric heritage that earned Menorca a World Heritage listing in 2023. Monte Toro, the island's highest point at about 358 m, is 13 km straight line, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. A boat trip round Maó harbour, 11.6 km straight line, is a good way to see the 5 km long natural harbour. Local food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, a protected product, and lamb dishes.

A day from Villa Shilo

Start the morning with a walk down to Cala en Porter, 0.2 km away, for a swim before the heat builds. The cove is sheltered by cliffs, so the water is usually calm. Return to the villa for breakfast on the terrace, then drive inland to the talayotic village 4.2 km away. Explore the prehistoric towers and taulas, then continue to Monte Toro, 13 km away, for the sanctuary and the view over the island.

In the afternoon, drive to Son Bou, 5.9 km away, and spend a couple of hours on the long beach. Alternatively, head to Binibeca Vell, 10 km away, and wander the narrow lanes. In the evening, take a boat trip round Maó harbour, 11.6 km away, to see the port from the water. Return to the villa for a swim in the pool and a meal cooked in the kitchen. The distances are short, so the day feels relaxed rather than rushed.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Villa Shilo about its opening dates and the pool availability. July and August are the peak months, with the hottest weather and the busiest beaches. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of stay, 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 Shilo