Villa Carmen

About Villa Carmen

Villa Carmen is a self-catering villa near Cala en Blanes, on the west coast of Menorca. It suits travellers who want a simple base with an outdoor pool and a garden, close to Ciutadella but outside the town centre. The one-star rating means the accommodation is basic: you get the essentials, not extras such as a restaurant or daily cleaning. There is no guest score listed, so check recent reviews on the booking platform before reserving.

The villa is a good choice for a family or a small group who prefer to cook their own meals and spend the day by the pool or exploring the coast. The listed facilities are free WiFi, a garden, an outdoor pool, a terrace and a smoking area. There is no mention of air conditioning, a kitchen or parking, so confirm what is provided when you book. The property is not beachfront: the nearest coves are a short drive away.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Villa Carmen is on Calle Tramuntana in the Cala en Blanes area, about 2.7 km straight line from Ciutadella. Cala en Blanes is a residential zone with a small cove, a few shops and a bus stop. Ciutadella, the old capital of Menorca, has a cathedral, narrow streets, palaces and a port known for sunsets. The walk into town takes about 30 minutes along the road; a taxi is quicker. The area is quieter than the south-coast resorts, with less traffic and fewer crowds.

In high summer, July and August, the roads around Ciutadella get busy, but Cala en Blanes stays calmer. The outdoor pool at the villa becomes the main attraction for a lazy day. In the shoulder months, May, June and September, the weather is warm enough for the pool and the coves are less crowded. From November to April, much of the island's tourism business closes, so check the villa's opening dates before booking. The garden and terrace are pleasant for evening meals in the milder months.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Carmen is a one-star villa, so the rooms are basic. The listed facilities include free WiFi, a garden, an outdoor pool, a terrace and a smoking area. There is no mention of air conditioning, a kitchen, a TV or a safe, so confirm these with the property before you arrive. The villa likely has a living area, a bathroom and a bedroom or two, but the exact layout is not given. Families should check the number of beds and whether a cot is available.

For late arrivals, check the check-in time and procedure with the hotel when you book. The nearest shops for groceries are in Ciutadella, 2.7 km away, so stock up before you arrive if you plan to cook. The outdoor pool is shared or private: ask the property. The smoking area is listed, so smokers have a designated space. There is no on-site restaurant or bar, so you will need to eat out or cook.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 38.3 km straight line from Villa Carmen. A taxi from the airport to Cala en Blanes takes about 35-40 minutes. A hire car gives you the freedom to explore the island, and the villa's location on a residential street means you can park nearby. Buses run from the airport to Ciutadella in summer, but the service is less frequent in winter. From Ciutadella, it is a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride to the villa.

Maó port, the main ferry terminal, is 40.8 km straight line away. Ferries from Barcelona, Alcúdia and Palma arrive there. Ciutadella port, 2.7 km from the villa, also has ferries to Barcelona and Alcúdia in season. If you arrive at Ciutadella port, you can walk or take a taxi to the villa. Flights and ferries are fewer from November to April, so plan ahead. Check the ferry operators for current timetables.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Ciutadella old town is 2.7 km straight line from Villa Carmen. The town has a cathedral, palaces and a port where you can watch the sunset. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 7.1 km away. Cala Turqueta, a white-sand cove on the south coast, is 11.7 km away. These are best reached by car or taxi. The Camí de Cavalls, the coastal path, passes near the area and offers walks along the cliffs.

The nearest beach is Cala en Blanes itself, a small cove with a sandy strip and rocks. For larger beaches, drive to Cala Galdana, 14.7 km away, or Cala Turqueta. The south-coast coves fill early in summer, so arrive by mid-morning or take the bus. Menorcan food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, sobrasada and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells. The local gin from Maó is worth trying.

A day from Villa Carmen

Start the morning at Villa Carmen with breakfast on the terrace. Drive to Ciutadella, 2.7 km away, and explore the old town: the cathedral, the palaces on the main square and the port. Walk down to the port for a coffee. Then drive to the Naveta des Tudons, 7.1 km away, to see the prehistoric tomb. The site is open to the public and takes about 30 minutes to visit.

For lunch, drive to Cala Turqueta, 11.7 km away, and swim in the clear water. Bring a picnic; there are no shops at the cove. In the afternoon, return to Villa Carmen for a swim in the outdoor pool. In the evening, drive back to Ciutadella for dinner at a restaurant near the port. Watch the sunset over the harbour before walking back to the car. The day covers the main sights within 12 km of the villa.

Practical tips

Villa Carmen is a seasonal property: much of Menorca's tourism business closes from November to April, so check the villa's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with hot weather and crowded coves; book ahead. 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 Carmen