Villa Carmela

About Villa Carmela

Villa Carmela is a self-catering villa on Menorca's north coast, 1.3 km from the pale sand of Arenal d'en Castell. It suits travellers who want a base with a kitchen, a washing machine and an outdoor pool, without the formality of a hotel. The villa is not rated with stars and has no guest score listed, so it appeals to those who prefer to book a private space rather than a serviced property.

The stay is entirely self-contained: guests cook their own meals, manage their own schedule and use the villa as a launch point for exploring the island. The outdoor pool and the free car parking make it practical for families or couples who plan to drive. The villa is set back from the beach, so the atmosphere is quieter than the resort centre.

Location: Arenal d'en Castell

Villa Carmela is on the Pla De S'esglesia parcel in the Na Macaret area, within Es Mercadal municipality. Arenal d'en Castell, a near-circular bay of pale sand, is 1.3 km straight-line distance. The villa is not beachfront, so guests walk or drive to the shore. Fornells, the fishing village known for its lobster stew, is 7.3 km away. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, the island's highest point at about 358 m, are 9.4 km straight-line distance.

In high summer, the north coast is less crowded than the south, but Arenal d'en Castell still fills with families. The villa's parking means you can leave the car and walk to the beach. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, the area is quieter, and the pool becomes more usable. A car is essential for reaching supermarkets, restaurants and other coves; there is no village within easy walking distance.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with air conditioning, free WiFi, a kitchen, a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, a safe, a hairdryer, a coffee maker and a smoke detector. These facilities suit families who need to wash clothes and prepare meals, and couples who want a self-contained space. The non-smoking policy applies throughout. The outdoor pool is a key feature for cooling off after a day out.

Check-in and check-out times are not listed, so confirm these directly with the property. The villa has no on-site reception; guests should arrange arrival details in advance. The listed facilities do not include a cot or high chair, so ask if these are available. Late arrivals are possible by pre-arrangement, but the villa's remote location means you need a car and a clear set of directions.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 17.1 km straight-line distance from Villa Carmela. A taxi takes about 20-25 minutes. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Maó you would need a second bus or a taxi to reach Na Macaret. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility, especially for reaching the villa and exploring the north coast. Flights and buses are fewer from November to April.

Maó port is 15.1 km straight-line distance. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive here; from the port, a taxi or hire car is the best option. Fornells is 7.3 km away, and Arenal d'en Castell is 1.3 km away. The villa has free car parking, so a car is recommended. Seasonal bus services to Arenal d'en Castell run in summer; check the island bus operator for current timetables.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Arenal d'en Castell, 1.3 km straight-line distance, is a near-circular bay with pale sand and calm water, good for swimming and families. Fornells, 7.3 km away, is a fishing village with a sheltered harbour and restaurants serving caldereta de llagosta, the local lobster stew. The Favàritx lighthouse, 6.2 km straight-line distance, sits on dark slate inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core zone of the Biosphere Reserve. Monte Toro, 8 km straight-line distance, offers views of both coasts.

The north coast (Tramuntana) has darker rock and reddish sand, with windier conditions. Kayaking along this coast is listed as 9.2 km straight-line distance from the villa. The Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway around the island, passes through this area. Es Mercadal, 9.4 km away, sits at the foot of Monte Toro and has shops and a market. The south coast coves, such as Cala Galdana and Cala Macarella, are about 30-40 minutes by car.

A day from Villa Carmela

Start the morning with breakfast at the villa, using the kitchen and coffee maker. Drive 1.3 km to Arenal d'en Castell for a swim before the beach gets busy. The bay's shallow water is calm for children. After a couple of hours, head 7.3 km to Fornells to walk around the harbour and buy fresh bread or pastries from a bakery. The village is quiet in the morning.

In the afternoon, drive 6.2 km to the Favàritx lighthouse. The dark slate landscape and the waves make a stark contrast to the pale sand of Arenal d'en Castell. Walk the short trail around the cape. Late afternoon, return to the villa for a swim in the pool and a shower. Drive 8 km up Monte Toro for sunset views over the island. Dinner is at the villa, using the kitchen and dishwasher.

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 higher demand and warmer sea temperatures around 25-26 °C. 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, 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 Carmela