Villa Lavanda

About Villa Lavanda

Villa Lavanda is a self-catering villa on the south coast of Menorca, near the village of Sant Tomàs. It suits couples and small families who prefer to cook their own meals and drive to the island's coves and sights. The villa has a private outdoor pool, a pool bar and free car parking, so you can come and go without relying on taxis or buses.

The property is rated as a one-star villa, meaning it offers simple, functional accommodation. There is no guest score listed. The facilities include a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, air conditioning, free WiFi and a safe. This is a practical choice for travellers who want a quiet base outside the main resort areas, with the flexibility to explore Menorca at their own pace.

Location: Es Migjorn Gran

Villa Lavanda is in the Urbanización Santo Tomás, a residential area just outside the village of Sant Tomàs on Menorca's south coast. The south coast has limestone cliffs, pine trees and white-sand coves. Sant Tomàs itself has a sandy beach, a handful of shops and a few places to eat. In high summer, the beach and the village get busy, but the villa's location on a quiet street keeps it calm. In the shoulder months of May, June and September, the area is quieter and the sea is warm enough for swimming.

The villa is 4.2 km from Son Bou, the longest beach on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland behind it. Cala Galdana is 7 km away, and the famous coves of Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta are within a short drive. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, the island's highest point, are 9.5 km away. A car is essential: the nearest shops and restaurants are in Sant Tomàs, but most beaches and sights are several kilometres away. Parking at the villa is free.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Lavanda is a one-star villa, so the rooms are simple and functional. The facilities listed include air conditioning, a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, a washing machine, a hairdryer and a safe. There is free WiFi and a smoke detector. The villa has a private outdoor pool and a pool bar. Couples and small families will find the space adequate for a self-catering holiday.

The kitchen is equipped for cooking meals, and the washing machine is useful for longer stays. The air conditioning keeps the rooms cool in summer. There is no mention of a cot or high chair, so families with babies should confirm what is available. Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure with the property, as the reception may not be staffed around the clock.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 16.8 km straight line from Villa Lavanda. A taxi from the airport takes about 20-25 minutes. You can also hire a car at the airport and drive to the villa; the route follows the main road south through Maó and then towards Sant Tomàs. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but they do not go directly to Sant Tomàs, so a car or taxi is the most practical option.

Maó port is 19.8 km away, where ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive. From the port, you can take a taxi or pick up a hire car. The drive to the villa takes about 25 minutes. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some car-hire desks at the airport may have reduced hours. Check the ferry operators and the airport website for current schedules.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach to Villa Lavanda is Son Bou, 4.2 km away, a long stretch of sand with dunes and a wetland behind it. Cala Galdana is 7 km away, a popular cove with a curved beach and pine trees. Cala Macarella, 8.6 km away, is a smaller cove with turquoise water, reached by a short walk from the car park. In summer, the car parks at these coves fill early, so arrive before mid-morning or use the seasonal bus from Sant Tomàs.

The talayotic village is 6 km away, a prehistoric settlement with talaiots and taules, part of Menorca's UNESCO-listed Talayotic heritage. Monte Toro, 10.1 km away, has a sanctuary and views of both coasts. Es Mercadal, at the foot of Monte Toro, is a good place to try Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin. The Camí de Cavalls, the coastal bridleway, passes near the villa and offers walking routes along the south coast.

A day from Villa Lavanda

Start the morning with breakfast at the villa, then drive 4.2 km to Son Bou for a swim on the long sandy beach. The dunes and wetland behind the beach are good for a short walk. By mid-morning, drive 8.6 km to Cala Macarella, a smaller cove with clear water and pine shade. Arrive early to find parking. Spend the morning swimming and snorkelling along the limestone cliffs.

For lunch, drive back towards Sant Tomàs or pack a picnic. In the afternoon, drive 6 km to the talayotic village to see the prehistoric towers and tables. Then head to Monte Toro, 10.1 km away, for the views of the island from the sanctuary. In the evening, return to the villa for a swim in the pool and dinner cooked in the kitchen. The pool bar is a good place for a drink before bed.

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 busiest months, with higher demand for car hire and more crowded coves. 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 villa, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Villa Lavanda