Villa LaCalma

About Villa LaCalma

Villa LaCalma is an unrated apartment or villa on the north coast of Menorca, set back from the sea near the near-circular bay of Arenal d'en Castell. It suits travellers who want a self-catering base with a kitchen, an outdoor pool and free parking, rather than a full-service hotel. The villa is a practical choice for couples or families who plan to spend their days exploring the island and want space to cook and relax in the evening.

The property is not rated for stars, and no guest score is listed. What is clear from the facilities is that this is a functional, independent stay: air conditioning, a dishwasher, a washing machine and a terrace are all listed. The villa works well for those who prefer to set their own timetable, eat in some nights and use the pool as a simple way to cool off after a day out.

Location: Arenal d'en Castell

Villa LaCalma sits on Carrer De Sa Calma 13, about 1.3 km in a straight line from Arenal d'en Castell, the near-circular bay of pale sand on Menorca's north coast. That distance means the beach is not on the doorstep, but it is close enough for a short drive or a longer walk. The bay itself has a gentle curve of sand and shallow water, which suits families. Fornells, the fishing village known for caldereta de llagosta, is 7.4 km away, and Es Mercadal at the foot of Monte Toro is 9.2 km away.

In high summer, the north coast is windier than the south, which can be a relief when the heat builds. The area around Arenal d'en Castell is a purpose-built resort, so it has a concentration of holiday accommodation and seasonal services. In the shoulder months of May and September, much of the resort quietens down, and you may find some restaurants and shops closed. A car is useful from Villa LaCalma to reach the beach, Fornells and the interior with ease, though parking at the bay can fill up on busy days.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with air conditioning, free wifi and a range of self-catering equipment, including a kitchen, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and toaster. There is also a coffee maker, an iron and board, and a washing machine, which makes longer stays practical. A cot is listed, so families with a baby can ask about availability. The outdoor pool is a key feature, though the property is not beachfront, so expect to travel the 1.3 km to the sand.

Non-smoking rooms are listed, and the terrace offers a private outdoor space. For late arrivals, the self-catering setup means you can shop on the way in and prepare your own meals. Confirm with the property before booking how the pool is heated, if at all, and whether the wifi speed suits your needs. The villa does not appear to have on-site staff, so check the check-in procedure and whether a car parking space is reserved for your use.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 16.8 km away in a straight line from Villa LaCalma. From the airport, a taxi is the most direct option, taking about 25 to 30 minutes by road. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer some lines extend to the resorts, but the service is seasonal, so check the island bus operator for current routes. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility for reaching the villa and exploring the island.

If you arrive by ferry, Maó port is 14.9 km away in a straight line. From the port, a taxi or a hire car will take you north towards Arenal d'en Castell. There is no direct ferry from Ibiza or Formentera to Menorca, so you would connect through Mallorca or fly. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some seasonal buses stop running, so plan your transfer carefully if you travel outside the main season.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach is Arenal d'en Castell, 1.3 km away, a near-circular bay of pale sand with calm, shallow water. Fornells, 7.4 km away, is a working fishing village where you can watch boats and try the local lobster stew, though no specific restaurant is named here. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 9.2 km away; the hill, about 358 m high, has a sanctuary and views of both coasts. The Favàritx lighthouse, 6.2 km away, stands on dark slate inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, a good spot for a windswept walk.

The north coast around Villa LaCalma is part of the Tramuntana region, with darker rock and reddish sand. The Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway of about 185 km, passes along this coast, and kayaking is listed as a possible activity 9.2 km away. For food, look for local Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin, and fresh seafood in Fornells. The area is quieter than the south, with fewer crowds even in summer.

A day from Villa LaCalma

Start the morning with a short drive to Arenal d'en Castell, 1.3 km away, for a swim in the pale bay before the heat builds. The water in summer is warm, around 25-26 °C in August, and the shallow slope suits a relaxed dip. After a couple of hours, drive inland to Es Mercadal, 9.2 km away, and walk up Monte Toro for views across the island. The sanctuary at the top is a simple stop, and the road is manageable in a hire car.

For the afternoon, head to the Favàritx lighthouse, 6.2 km away, on the north-east coast. The dark slate landscape is stark and photogenic, and the wind keeps things cooler. Later, take the short drive to Fornells, 7.4 km away, for a late lunch or an early evening stroll around the port. Return to Villa LaCalma for a swim in the outdoor pool and a simple dinner cooked in the kitchen. The day covers coast, interior and a fishing village without long drives.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Villa LaCalma about its opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and the highest demand for hire cars. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged by the accommodation per person per night; the rate varies by season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the Govern de les Illes Balears for current rates, as they change.

Questions about Villa LaCalma