Casa Ullastre de Fornells

About Casa Ullastre de Fornells

Casa Ullastre de Fornells suits travellers who prefer a self-contained stay with space to cook, relax outdoors and explore the north coast of Menorca at their own pace. The property is a villa or apartment in the fishing village of Fornells, on the sheltered bay known for its lobster stew. It is not rated by stars and has no guest score listed. The accommodation is designed for those who value a kitchen, a garden and a terrace over hotel services.

The villa offers a practical base for couples or small families who want to be close to the water without staying in a resort. Fornells itself is a quiet village with a few shops and restaurants, and the property is a short walk from the bay. Guests who hire a car can reach the south coast coves, the capital Maó and the airport within a reasonable drive. The north coast is less crowded than the south, especially in the shoulder months.

Location: Fornells

Casa Ullastre de Fornells is on the Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, in the fishing village of Fornells on Menorca's north coast. Fornells is 0.6 km straight line from the villa, so the village centre and the bay are within easy walking distance. The bay is sheltered and known for its calm water and the local speciality, caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew). The nearest beach resort, Arenal d'en Castell, is 6 km straight line away, a short drive east.

In high summer, Fornells is busier than in spring or autumn, but it remains quieter than the south coast resorts. The north coast (Tramuntana) has darker rock and reddish sand, and the wind can pick up. A car is useful for reaching the south coast coves, the airport and Maó. The village has a few basic shops and restaurants, but for a wider choice, Es Mercadal (7.5 km straight line) or Maó (21.4 km straight line) are the nearest towns.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with a kitchen that includes an oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and coffee maker, so guests can prepare meals. A washing machine, iron and board are provided for longer stays. The living area has a TV, DVD and CD player, and a fireplace for cooler evenings. Air conditioning and a fan are listed, which helps in summer. A desk is available for anyone who needs to work. Free wifi and internet access are included.

For families, the property allows pets, which is useful for those travelling with a dog. The garden, terrace, balcony and patio give outdoor space for eating or relaxing. A first aid kit and toiletries are listed. Guests arriving late should confirm check-in arrangements with the property, as no check-in times are given. The villa is non-smoking indoors. Parking is free on site.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 22.3 km straight line from Casa Ullastre de Fornells. A taxi or hire car takes about 30 minutes by road. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer there are services to Fornells, but a hire car gives more flexibility for exploring the island. The airport is about 4-5 km south-west of Maó, so the route goes through the capital and north along the coast road.

Maó port is 21.4 km straight line from the villa. Ferries from Barcelona arrive in Maó (overnight crossings of several hours) and also in Ciutadella. From the port, a taxi or hire car is the most direct option. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus services on the island are reduced. Fornells is on the north coast, so the drive from the airport or port passes through Es Mercadal and then north to the bay.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach is Arenal d'en Castell, 6 km straight line east, a near-circular bay with reddish sand. Fornells itself has a small beach and a rocky shoreline, but the main attraction is the bay for swimming and kayaking. Kayaking the north coast is listed at 2.5 km straight line, so guests can launch from Fornells or nearby. The Favàritx lighthouse, 13.2 km straight line, is on dark slate inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core of the Biosphere Reserve.

Monte Toro, 7.4 km straight line, is the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. Es Mercadal is at its foot, 7.5 km straight line from the villa. The village is a good place to buy local Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin. The Camí de Cavalls, the 185 km coastal trail, passes near Fornells, so guests can walk or cycle sections of it.

A day from Casa Ullastre de Fornells

A day from Casa Ullastre de Fornells could start with breakfast on the terrace, then a short walk to the bay for a morning swim or to hire a kayak. The north coast is listed at 2.5 km for kayaking, so guests can paddle along the shoreline. After that, drive 7.5 km to Es Mercadal and up Monte Toro for the views. The sanctuary is open to visitors, and the road goes almost to the top. Lunch could be in Es Mercadal or back in Fornells.

In the afternoon, drive 13.2 km to the Favàritx lighthouse, inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park. The landscape is dark slate and dramatic, with a lagoon and dunes nearby. Birdwatching is good in the park. In the evening, return to Fornells for a walk along the bay and dinner. The village is quiet in the shoulder months, and the bay is a pleasant place to watch the sunset. A car is needed for most of these trips.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check Casa Ullastre de Fornells's opening dates before booking. July and August are the busiest 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 type of accommodation, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Casa Ullastre de Fornells