Villa Amapola

About Villa Amapola

Villa Amapola suits travellers who want a self-catering base in the south of Menorca, away from the main resort centres. The villa is in the Urbanization Santo Tomas, a residential area near the village of Sant Tomàs. It is not a hotel with reception or restaurant; it is an apartment or villa with a kitchen, washing machine and dishwasher, designed for independent stays. There is no star rating or guest score listed.

The property has an outdoor pool, free car parking and free WiFi. Air conditioning is listed, which is useful in the summer months. The villa is a good choice for families or small groups who prefer to cook their own meals and explore the south coast coves by car. The nearest beach is Son Bou, 4.2 km away, and Cala Galdana is 7 km away.

Location: Es Migjorn Gran

Villa Amapola is in the Urbanization Santo Tomas, a residential area just outside the village of Sant Tomàs on the south coast of Menorca. Sant Tomàs has a small beach, a supermarket and a few cafés. The area is quieter than the larger resorts like Son Bou or Cala Galdana, and most guests use a hire car to reach the coves and restaurants. The villa is 4.2 km from Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, and 7 km from Cala Galdana, a popular sandy bay with pine trees.

In high summer, the south coast coves get busy; arriving early is advisable. In the shoulder months of May, June and September, the area is much quieter. The villa's location is good for visiting the central part of the island: Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 9.4 km away. A car is essential for getting around, as there is no regular bus service directly to the villa. The nearest village, Sant Tomàs, is walkable, but most beaches and sights require a short drive.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Amapola is listed as an apartment or villa with a kitchen, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and coffee facilities. Air conditioning is listed, and there is free WiFi. The property has an outdoor pool and a pool bar. It is not a hotel with daily housekeeping; guests manage their own cleaning and laundry. The villa is suitable for families, as it has a washing machine and a safe. There is no mention of a cot or high chair, so families with babies should confirm with the property.

The villa has non-smoking rooms and a smoke detector. There is free car parking on site. Late arrivals should check with the property about check-in times, as there is no 24-hour reception. The facilities listed are a kitchen, air conditioning, WiFi and a pool, which covers the basics for a self-catering holiday. Guests should confirm the number of bedrooms and bathrooms directly with Villa Amapola before booking, as these are not given.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 16.8 km from Villa Amapola as the crow flies. The drive takes about 20-25 minutes by hire car or taxi. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but there is no direct bus to Sant Tomàs. A hire car is recommended for this villa, as the location is outside the main bus routes. Car hire desks are at the airport arrivals hall. In winter, fewer flights operate, and some car hire companies have reduced hours.

The port of Maó is 19.8 km from the villa. Ferries from Barcelona, Palma and Ciutadella arrive at Maó. From the port, a taxi or a hire car is the most practical option. Son Bou is 4.2 km away, Cala Galdana is 7 km, and Es Mercadal is 9.4 km. The Camí de Cavalls passes near the south coast, but access from the villa requires a short drive. Seasonal buses run to Son Bou and Cala Galdana in summer, but they are less frequent outside July and August.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beaches are Son Bou (4.2 km), a long stretch of sand with dunes and a wetland behind it, and Cala Galdana (7 km), a sheltered bay with pine trees and a small resort. Cala Macarella is 8.6 km away, a white-sand cove with turquoise water, popular in summer. The south coast coves are limestone with clear water; they fill up early in July and August. A hire car gives access to quieter coves like Cala Turqueta and Cala en Porter, both a short drive away.

A talayotic village is 6 km from the villa, part of Menorca's UNESCO-listed prehistoric sites. Monte Toro, the highest point on the island at 358 m, is 10.1 km away, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. Es Mercadal, at the foot of Monte Toro, is 9.4 km away and has shops and restaurants. The island's Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin and is worth trying. Fornells, on the north coast, is known for lobster stew (caldereta de llagosta), but is a longer drive.

A day from Villa Amapola

Start the morning with breakfast at the villa, using the kitchen and coffee facilities. Drive 6 km to the talayotic village, a prehistoric settlement with stone structures. Spend an hour exploring the site. Then drive 8.6 km to Cala Macarella for a morning swim. The cove has white sand and clear water; arrive before 10:00 in summer to find a spot. Bring water and snacks, as there are no shops on the beach.

For lunch, drive to Es Mercadal (9.4 km) for a meal at a local café or buy supplies for a picnic. In the afternoon, drive up Monte Toro (10.1 km) for the view over the island. Return to the villa for a swim in the outdoor pool. In the evening, drive to Son Bou (4.2 km) for a walk along the beach and dinner at a restaurant in the resort. The drive back to the villa is short.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Amapola whether it is open in the months you plan to travel. July and August are the busiest months on the south coast, with crowded coves and higher demand for car hire. 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 accommodation, and is reduced for longer stays. Children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Amapola