Villa S'Aladern

About Villa S'Aladern

Villa S'Aladern is a self-catering villa near Cala en Bosc on the south-west coast of Menorca. It suits travellers who want a private base with a kitchen, an outdoor pool and free parking, away from the main resort centres. The villa is not rated for stars and has no guest score listed; it offers a straightforward, independent stay for couples or families who prefer to cook and explore at their own pace.

The property provides a full kitchen with an oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and refrigerator, plus a washing machine for longer stays. Air conditioning, free WiFi, a TV and a safe are included. Outside there is a garden, a terrace, an outdoor pool and a table tennis table. Parking is free on site.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Villa S'Aladern is on Carrer Illa D'es Porros, in a quiet residential area near the village of Cala en Bosc. Cala en Bosc has a small sandy cove, a handful of shops and restaurants, and a marina. The villa is 8 km from Ciutadella, the old capital on the west coast, and 11.3 km from Cala Galdana, a wide white-sand cove on the south coast. Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, is 21.8 km away.

A hire car is essential for getting around from this location. The nearest beaches, Cala Turqueta (7.4 km) and Cala Galdana, are a short drive. Ciutadella's old town, with its cathedral, palaces and harbour, is 8 km away and reachable in about 10-15 minutes by car. In high summer, parking at the southern coves fills early; in the shoulder months of May, June and September, the area is quieter and easier to navigate.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is a single self-contained unit. The listed facilities include air conditioning, a bath, a hairdryer, an iron and board, and a safe. The kitchen is equipped with an oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, refrigerator and coffee-making facilities. A cot is available, making it suitable for families with a baby or toddler. The property has a TV and free WiFi. There is no mention of a cot or extra bed for older children, so confirm sleeping arrangements with the property.

The villa has a terrace and a garden with an outdoor pool. Table tennis is provided for outdoor recreation. The property is non-smoking throughout. Check-in and check-out times are not listed; confirm these directly with the owner or agent. Late arrivals should check the procedure for key collection.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 34.4 km straight line from Villa S'Aladern, about a 35-40 minute drive by taxi or hire car. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility for exploring the island. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but a bus journey to Cala en Bosc would involve a change in Ciutadella and is not direct. A taxi from the airport to the villa is a straightforward option.

The ferry port at Ciutadella is about 8 km away, with overnight sailings to Barcelona and services to Alcúdia on Mallorca. Maó port is 37.7 km straight line, about a 40-45 minute drive. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus services stop running; a hire car becomes even more important. Check the island bus operator for current seasonal timetables.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest listed beach is Cala Turqueta, 7.4 km away, a white-sand cove with pine trees and clear water. Cala Galdana, 11.3 km away, is a larger resort beach with facilities. Ciutadella old town, 8 km away, is worth a visit at dusk when the stone buildings catch the evening light. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 9.4 km away and is one of Menorca's most important archaeological sites.

Menorca's food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese (protected designation of origin), caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells on the north coast, and gin from Maó, a legacy of 18th-century British rule. The Camí de Cavalls, a 185-km coastal bridleway, passes near the south-coast coves. For a day out, drive to Monte Toro (about 358 m) above Es Mercadal for views of both coasts.

A day from Villa S'Aladern

Start the morning with breakfast on the terrace at Villa S'Aladern, then drive 7.4 km to Cala Turqueta. Arrive early in summer to find parking; swim in the clear water and walk the pine-shaded path along the cove. Mid-morning, drive 8 km into Ciutadella and explore the old town: the cathedral, the palace-lined Plaça des Born and the narrow port. Stop for a coffee or a snack at a café in the port area.

In the afternoon, drive 9.4 km to the Naveta des Tudons, the boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, then continue to Cala Galdana (11.3 km) for a late swim. Return to the villa for a relaxed evening: cook dinner using the kitchen and eat on the terrace. If you prefer to eat out, drive back into Ciutadella for a meal in the old town. The drive is short and the roads are quiet after dark.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check the villa's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with hot weather, crowded coves and full car parks. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate varies by season and property type, is reduced for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Villa S'Aladern