Villa Urano

About Villa Urano

Villa Urano suits travellers who want a self-catering base in a quiet part of Menorca's south-west coast. The villa is not part of a large resort; it sits on Carrer Llevant in the Cap d'Artruix area, just outside the village of Cala en Bosc. This is a residential zone with a few shops and restaurants, a short drive from the old capital Ciutadella.

The property is an apartment or villa, not rated with stars, and no guest score is listed. It comes with a kitchen, an outdoor pool and a pool bar, plus free car parking and free WiFi. The kind of stay is independent: you cook your own meals, drive to the coves and explore the island at your own pace.

Location: Ciutadella de Menorca

Villa Urano is on the south-west coast of Menorca, near Cala en Bosc. Cala en Bosc is a small coastal village with a marina, a few supermarkets and a handful of places to eat. The villa is set back from the water; the nearest beach is Cala en Bosc itself, about a 10-minute walk. For a wider choice of coves, you need a car. Ciutadella, the old capital, is 8.5 km straight line away – about a 10-minute drive. The popular white-sand coves of Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella are 7.4 km and 9.6 km straight line respectively, both a short drive south.

In July and August, the roads to the southern coves fill early; car parks at Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella have limited space and sometimes a summer vehicle limit. In the shoulder months of May, June and September, the area is quieter and parking easier. From November to April, many of the seasonal beach bars and restaurants in Cala en Bosc close, but Ciutadella stays open all year.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with air conditioning, a kitchen, a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine and a coffee maker. These facilities suit families or couples who want to self-cater. There is a safe for valuables and a hairdryer. The property is non-smoking and has a smoke detector. WiFi and internet access are included at no extra cost.

Guests arriving late should confirm with the property how to access the keys. The kitchen is equipped for basic cooking, but you may want to bring your own supplies if arriving after the local shops close. The outdoor pool and pool bar are seasonal; check with the property whether they are open during your stay.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 34.2 km straight line from Villa Urano. A taxi takes about 30-40 minutes. There is no direct bus from the airport to Cala en Bosc; you would take a bus to Ciutadella (summer service) and then a taxi or a local bus. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility, especially for reaching the coves and Ciutadella. The villa has free car parking on site.

From Maó port (37.5 km straight line), a taxi or hire car is the easiest option. Ferries from Barcelona arrive at Maó or Ciutadella; Ciutadella is 8.5 km straight line from the villa, so arriving there saves time. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and seasonal bus services may not run. Check the ferry operators for current timetables.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest listed sight is Cala Turqueta, 7.4 km straight line south. This is a white-sand cove with pine trees down to the water; arrive early or take the summer bus from Ciutadella. Cala Macarella, 9.6 km straight line, is a similar cove with turquoise water. Ciutadella old town, 8.4 km straight line, is worth a visit at dusk when the streets and harbour are lit. The Naveta des Tudons, a prehistoric boat-shaped tomb, is a short drive north of Ciutadella.

Menorca's food specialities include Mahón-Menorca cheese, 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 path, passes near Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella; you can walk a short section from the villa. The island's Biosphere Reserve status means the water is clear and the landscape is protected.

A day from Villa Urano

Start the morning at Villa Urano with coffee from the kitchen. Drive 8.5 km to Ciutadella and explore the old town: the cathedral, the narrow streets and the harbour. From there, continue south to Cala Turqueta (7.4 km) for a swim before the crowds arrive. Pack a picnic from a Ciutadella supermarket. After lunch, drive 2 km to Cala Macarella (9.6 km from the villa) for a quieter afternoon on the sand.

In the late afternoon, return to Ciutadella for a walk around the port at dusk. The old town is 8.4 km from the villa, so you can watch the sunset over the harbour. Drive back to Villa Urano for an evening by the outdoor pool. If you prefer not to cook, Cala en Bosc has a few places to eat within walking distance.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Urano whether it is open during your dates. July and August are the peak months, with higher demand for car parking at the coves and higher prices 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 the type of accommodation, 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 Urano