Villa Terra

About Villa Terra

Villa Terra is a self-catering villa on the west coast of Menorca, close to the old capital of Ciutadella. It suits travellers who want a base with a kitchen, private outdoor space and parking, away from the busier resort strips. The property is not rated and has no guest score listed, so the stay is what you make of it: independent, flexible and centred on the island's south-coast coves and Ciutadella's evening life.

This is an apartment or villa with a full kitchen, washing machine, dishwasher and terrace. The garden and outdoor pool give it a private, relaxed feel. It is not on the beachfront, but Ciutadella's port and the nearest coves are a short drive away. The accommodation is listed with air conditioning, free WiFi, a safe and a cot or high chair on request.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Villa Terra is on Ronda De Sa Punta 62, in the area of Cala en Blanes, about 2.5 km straight line from Ciutadella. Cala en Blanes is a small cove with a beach and a handful of shops and bars. The villa is outside the main resort zones, so it is quiet at night. Ciutadella's old town, with its cathedral, palaces and narrow port, is walkable in about half an hour, or a short taxi ride. The nearest proper beach, Cala Turqueta, is 11.2 km straight line, and Cala Galdana is 14.3 km straight line.

In July and August the roads to the south-coast coves fill early; a hire car is essential for getting to the white-sand beaches before the car parks reach capacity. In May, June and September the area is quieter, and the evening light over Ciutadella's harbour is a daily draw. The villa's garden and pool make it a comfortable retreat for the hotter afternoons.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Terra is listed as a self-catering villa with a kitchen or kitchenette, oven, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine. The rooms have air conditioning, a fan, a TV, a hairdryer, an iron and board, and free WiFi. A safe is provided. The property has a terrace and a garden with an outdoor pool. It is a non-smoking property. For families, high chairs are available on request.

There is no information about the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, so confirm the exact layout with the property when booking. The kitchen is equipped for self-catering, and the laundry service and ironing facilities make longer stays practical. The outdoor pool is shared or private depending on the villa's configuration; check with the host. Free car parking is available on site.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 37.9 km straight line from Villa Terra. A taxi takes about 35-40 minutes. A hire car is the most practical option for the stay, as the villa has free parking and the coves and Ciutadella are easier to reach by car. Buses from the airport run to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Ciutadella you can take a local bus or taxi the last 2.5 km to the villa. Flights and buses are fewer from November to April.

Maó port is 40.5 km straight line; Ciutadella port is 2.5 km straight line. Ferries from Barcelona and Alcúdia (Mallorca) arrive at Ciutadella, making the villa very convenient for those arriving by sea. From Maó, a taxi or hire car is needed. The villa's distance to Ciutadella means you can walk to the old town for dinner or the port for a sunset stroll. In winter, check ferry schedules as crossings are less frequent.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Ciutadella old town is 2.5 km straight line from Villa Terra. The old capital has a cathedral, narrow streets with palaces, and a port that catches the evening sun. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 6.8 km straight line. Cala Turqueta, a white-sand cove under pines, is 11.2 km straight line; arrive early in summer or take the seasonal bus. Cala Galdana, with a larger beach and facilities, is 14.3 km straight line.

Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The south-coast coves such as Cala Macarella and Son Bou are within a short drive. The Camí de Cavalls, the 185 km coastal trail, passes near the villa; you can join it for a walk or cycle. Mahón-Menorca cheese is a local speciality, and the island's gin tradition comes from the 18th-century British rule. Fornells, on the north coast, is known for caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew).

A day from Villa Terra

Start the morning with breakfast on the terrace at Villa Terra. Drive 11.2 km to Cala Turqueta, arriving early to find parking before the cove fills. Swim in the clear water and walk the pine-shaded path along the shore. By midday, drive back to the villa for lunch and a swim in the outdoor pool. The afternoon is for resting in the garden or reading on the terrace. In the late afternoon, drive 2.5 km into Ciutadella.

Park at the edge of the old town and walk through the narrow streets to the cathedral. Follow the ramparts down to the port for a drink at a café as the sun sets. Dinner can be at one of the port-side restaurants or back at the villa, using the kitchen. After dark, the old town is quiet and the port lights reflect on the water. Drive the short distance back to Villa Terra for the night.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Terra whether it is open in the months you plan to travel. July and August are the peak months, with crowded coves and higher demand for hire cars. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and type of accommodation, and is reduced for longer stays; children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Villa Terra