Villa Libra

About Villa Libra

Villa Libra is a self-catering villa on the west coast of Menorca, near the small resort of Cala en Blanes. It suits couples or families who want a private base with a kitchen, an outdoor pool and free parking, away from the busiest tourist strips. The property is not rated and has no guest score, so it appeals to independent travellers who prefer to book accommodation on its own merits rather than on star ratings or reviews.

The villa is listed as an apartment or villa, which means guests have their own entrance, living space and cooking facilities. The facilities include a dishwasher, microwave, oven, toaster, washing machine and a refrigerator, making it straightforward to self-cater. There is also free WiFi, a TV, a safe, a cot and a hairdryer. The outdoor pool and the free car parking are practical assets for a stay on this part of the island.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Villa Libra is on Carrer Madrid 3, in the Cala en Blanes area, about 3.4 km straight line from Ciutadella. Cala en Blanes is a small resort with a cove, a few bars and a rocky coastline; it is quieter than the bigger south-coast beaches. The villa is not beachfront, so the nearest beach is a short drive or a walk of about 1 km to the cove. Ciutadella, the old capital of Menorca, is close enough for evening visits to its cathedral, port and narrow streets.

A car is recommended for exploring the island. The villa has free parking, which is useful because the popular coves such as Cala Turqueta (12 km straight line) and Cala Galdana (15.1 km straight line) fill up in summer. In the shoulder months of May, June and September the roads are quieter and parking is easier. The area is residential and low-key, with no nightlife beyond a few bars in Cala en Blanes.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Libra is a self-contained villa with a kitchen, a living area and bedrooms. The listed facilities include a dishwasher, microwave, oven, toaster, washing machine, refrigerator and an iron and board, so guests can cook and do laundry. There is free WiFi, a TV, a safe and a hairdryer. The outdoor pool is private to the villa. A cot is listed, which suggests the property can accommodate a baby; confirm the bedding configuration with the property.

The villa is non-smoking throughout. There is no mention of air conditioning, so check with the property whether it is installed, especially for stays in July and August. The safe is useful for storing passports and valuables. For late arrivals, the self-catering setup means you can shop for supplies on the way from the airport or in Ciutadella.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 38.8 km straight line from Villa Libra. A taxi takes about 35-40 minutes. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility, because the villa has free parking. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Ciutadella bus station you could take a taxi to the villa. In winter, flights and buses are fewer, so a hire car or a pre-booked taxi is more reliable.

The ferry ports are Maó (41.4 km straight line) and Ciutadella (3.4 km straight line). If you arrive by ferry at Ciutadella, the villa is a short taxi ride. Maó port is about 45 minutes by car. There is no regular direct ferry between Ibiza and Menorca; most travellers connect through Mallorca or fly. Check the ferry operators for current timetables and book ahead in summer.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Ciutadella old town is 3.4 km straight line from Villa Libra. It has a cathedral, palaces and a port with sunset views. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 7.8 km straight line, on the road to Ciutadella. Cala Turqueta, a white-sand cove on the south coast, is 12 km straight line; arrive early or take the summer bus to find parking. Cala Galdana is 15.1 km straight line, with a larger beach and a few facilities.

The island's food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells on the north coast. The Camí de Cavalls, the 185 km coastal bridleway, passes near the south-coast coves. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro (24.9 km straight line) offer views of both coasts from the highest point on the island, about 358 m.

A day from Villa Libra

Start the morning with breakfast at the villa, using the kitchen and the toaster. Drive to Ciutadella (3.4 km) and explore the old town, the cathedral and the port. Walk along the harbour wall. Mid-morning, drive to Cala Turqueta (12 km) for a swim; arrive early to find a parking space. The cove is a limestone bay with clear water and pine trees. Bring a picnic from the villa's kitchen.

In the afternoon, visit the Naveta des Tudons (7.8 km) on the way back towards Ciutadella. The prehistoric tomb is open to the public. Late afternoon, return to Villa Libra for a swim in the outdoor pool. In the evening, drive back to Ciutadella for dinner at one of the port restaurants, then watch the sunset over the harbour. Drive back to the villa for the night.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Libra whether it is open in winter. July and August are the peak months, with higher demand for hire cars and ferry seats. 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 Libra