Villa Benmar

About Villa Benmar

Villa Benmar suits travellers who want a self-catering base on the north coast of Menorca, away from the busier south-coast coves. The villa is not rated and has no guest score listed, so you book on the basis of its facilities and location. It works for couples or small families who prefer to cook and drive to the beach rather than stay in a resort hotel.

This is a villa or apartment with a private outdoor pool, a terrace and a garden. Free car parking and free wifi are included. The property lists air conditioning and non-smoking rooms. There is no on-site restaurant or bar, so you will need to shop and cook, or eat out in Arenal d'en Castell or Fornells.

Location: Arenal d'en Castell

Villa Benmar is on Avinguda De Los Accionistas, in the Arenal d'en Castell area. Arenal d'en Castell is a near-circular bay of pale sand on the north coast, with a small resort centre of shops, cafés and a few restaurants. The straight-line distance from the villa to the beach is 1.1 km, a short drive or a walk of about 15-20 minutes. Fornells, a fishing village known for its lobster stew, is 5.6 km away by road.

In high summer, the bay gets busy with day visitors and holidaymakers, but the villa's garden and pool offer a quieter retreat. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, the area is much calmer, though some facilities may have reduced hours. A car is useful for exploring the north coast and reaching the nearest shops. Es Mercadal, at the foot of Monte Toro, is 7.2 km away and has a supermarket and a weekly market.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with air conditioning, free wifi and a non-smoking policy. The outdoor pool, terrace and garden are the main facilities for relaxing. There is no mention of a separate living area or kitchen, so confirm the layout and the number of bedrooms with the property when booking. The accommodation is likely to suit a couple or a small family who want self-catering space.

Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure, as there may not be a reception desk on site. Free car parking is listed, so you can park at the villa. The property does not list a cot or high chair, so ask if these are available if travelling with a baby. The wifi is free, but confirm the speed and coverage in the garden and pool area.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 17.5 km straight line from Villa Benmar. A taxi from the airport takes about 20-25 minutes. A hire car gives flexibility for exploring the island and is recommended because the villa is not on a main bus route. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but you would need a taxi or bus to Arenal d'en Castell and then walk or take a second taxi to the villa.

Maó port is 16.2 km straight line away. Ferries from Barcelona and Mallorca arrive here. From the port, a taxi to the villa takes about 20 minutes. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, so check the schedules. The villa's free parking means you can leave a hire car on site. Seasonal buses to Arenal d'en Castell run roughly from May to October; outside that, a car or taxi is essential.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Arenal d'en Castell, 1.1 km away, is the nearest beach: a wide crescent of pale sand with calm, shallow water. Fornells, 5.6 km away, is a fishing village where you can eat caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) at the harbour restaurants. Es Mercadal, 7.2 km away, sits at the foot of Monte Toro, the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts.

Monte Toro is 5.9 km straight line from the villa. The Favàritx lighthouse, 8.5 km away, stands on dark slate inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core zone of the Biosphere Reserve. The north coast offers kayaking (7.1 km to launch points) along the Tramuntana cliffs. The Camí de Cavalls, the 185-km coastal path, passes near Arenal d'en Castell and Fornells.

A day from Villa Benmar

Start the morning with breakfast on the villa's terrace. Drive 1.1 km to Arenal d'en Castell for a swim before the crowd arrives. Walk along the sand or hire a kayak from the beach. Mid-morning, drive 5.6 km to Fornells and walk around the harbour. Buy fresh bread and cheese (Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation) at a local shop for a picnic lunch.

After lunch, drive 7.2 km to Es Mercadal and climb Monte Toro (5.9 km straight line from the villa) for the view. In the afternoon, return to the villa for a swim in the pool. Late afternoon, drive 8.5 km to the Favàritx lighthouse for sunset over the dark slate coast. Dinner at a restaurant in Fornells or cook at the villa using the kitchen.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check the villa's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and highest demand for hire cars. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of property, 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 Benmar