Villa Aries

About Villa Aries

Villa Aries suits travellers who want a self-contained base on Menorca's west coast, with the independence of a private kitchen, a garden and an outdoor pool. It is a villa (not a hotel), unrated and without a guest score, so you book the whole property rather than a room. The setting is residential, near Cala en Blanes, a small cove with a sandy beach and a few shops.

The property is listed with a full kitchen (oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, refrigerator) and a washing machine, making it practical for longer stays or families who prefer to cook. Free Wi-Fi, free car parking and a terrace with garden furniture are included. There is no on-site restaurant or reception; you deal directly with the owner or a local manager. Confirm the booking process and key collection when you reserve.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Villa Aries is on Carrer Madrid 3, in a quiet residential area just outside Cala en Blanes, about 3.4 km straight line from Ciutadella. Cala en Blanes itself is a small cove with a sandy beach, a handful of bars and a supermarket. The villa is not on the beachfront; the nearest sand is a short walk or drive away. Ciutadella's old town, with its cathedral, palaces and port, is close enough for a short drive or a taxi ride.

In high summer (July and August) the area is busy but quieter than the south-coast coves. The shoulder months of May, June and September are more relaxed, with fewer crowds and still warm enough for the pool and the beach. Much of Menorca's tourism business closes from November to April; check with the owner whether Villa Aries is open in winter, as many holiday villas are not let year-round.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Aries is a whole villa, not a hotel with separate rooms. The facilities listed include a kitchen, a washing machine, an iron and board, a hairdryer, a TV and free Wi-Fi. There is an outdoor pool, a garden and a terrace. The property is non-smoking inside. A cot is listed, which suggests it can accommodate a baby or toddler; confirm the cot's availability and any charge when booking.

The kitchen is equipped with an oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, toaster and refrigerator, so you can cook full meals. There is a coffee maker (type not specified). For late arrivals, check whether the owner provides a welcome pack or if you need to bring basic supplies. The nearest supermarket is in Cala en Blanes or in Ciutadella. The villa has free car parking, which is useful because the area is not well served by public transport.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 38.8 km straight line from Villa Aries. A taxi from the airport to the villa takes about 35-40 minutes. You can also hire a car at the airport; the drive follows the main road west past Maó and then towards Ciutadella. Buses from the airport run to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but they do not serve Cala en Blanes directly, so a hire car or taxi is the most practical option.

Maó port is 41.4 km straight line away; ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive there. Ciutadella port is only 3.4 km straight line from the villa, and ferries from Alcúdia on Mallorca and from Barcelona (overnight) arrive there. If you arrive at Ciutadella, a taxi to Villa Aries is short and cheap. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer; check the schedules with the operators. A hire car is recommended for getting around the island.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Ciutadella old town, 3.4 km straight line from Villa Aries, is the main attraction: a medieval centre with a cathedral, noble palaces, a narrow port and a lively evening atmosphere. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 7.8 km straight line away, just outside Ciutadella on the road to Maó. Cala Turqueta, a white-sand cove on the south coast, is 12 km straight line away; arrive early in summer as the car park fills.

The south-coast coves such as Cala Galdana (15.1 km straight line) and Cala Macarella are within a 15-20 minute drive. The centre of the island, Es Mercadal at the foot of Monte Toro (24.9 km straight line), has views of both coasts from the sanctuary. Local food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese (a protected designation of origin) and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells. You will find these in restaurants in Ciutadella and the nearby villages.

A day from Villa Aries

Start the morning at Villa Aries with breakfast on the terrace. Drive the 3.4 km to Ciutadella and explore the old town: the cathedral, the narrow streets and the port. Walk down to the port for a coffee. Mid-morning, drive 12 km to Cala Turqueta; arrive before 10:00 to find parking. Swim in the clear water and relax on the white sand. Bring a picnic or buy lunch at a kiosk if one is open.

In the afternoon, drive 7.8 km to the Naveta des Tudons, the prehistoric boat-shaped tomb, then continue to Es Mercadal (24.9 km from the villa) for a view from Monte Toro. Return to Villa Aries in the late afternoon for a swim in the pool. In the evening, drive back to Ciutadella for dinner at a restaurant in the port or the old town. Walk along the port as the sun sets.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with the owner whether Villa Aries is open during those months. July and August are the peak season, with the highest demand and temperatures. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the type of accommodation and the season, 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 Aries