Villa Albe

About Villa Albe

Villa Albe suits travellers who want a self-contained base with a kitchen and private outdoor space, close to one of Menorca's best-known south-coast bays. The property is an apartment or villa, not rated, and has no guest score listed. It provides a kitchen, a washing machine, a dishwasher and a terrace, making it practical for longer stays or for those who prefer to cook and eat at the property.

The villa is in a residential setting on Plaça Na Gran, a short distance from Cala Galdana. The outdoor pool and garden offer a place to relax between trips to the coves. Free car parking and a garage are included, which is useful for exploring the south coast, where car parks fill early in summer.

Location: Cala Galdana

Villa Albe is in the Cala Galdana area of Menorca's south coast. Cala Galdana is a horseshoe-shaped bay with a sandy beach, pine trees and a handful of shops and cafés. The villa is 0.5 km straight line from the beach, so you can walk there in a few minutes. The area is a base for the wilder coves nearby: Cala Macarella is 2.2 km away and Cala Turqueta is 4.4 km away, both reachable by car or on foot via the Camí de Cavalls.

In July and August, the south-coast coves are busy and car parks fill early; arriving before mid-morning or using the seasonal bus helps. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, the beaches are quieter and the weather is still warm enough for swimming. The villa's garden and pool provide a retreat when the coves are crowded. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 12.5 km away, and Son Bou is 10.6 km away.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with air conditioning, a fan, a TV, a DVD player, a radio and free WiFi. The kitchen has an oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster and coffee-making facilities, so you can prepare meals. There is a washing machine, an iron and board, a hairdryer and a safe. The bathroom has a bath. The terrace and garden are private, and the outdoor pool is for guests' use.

The property is non-smoking. It suits families: the kitchen and washing machine make self-catering easy, and the pool and garden give children space to play. For late arrivals, confirm check-in times and key collection with the property. The garage and free parking mean you do not need to search for a space on the street.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 23.3 km straight line from Villa Albe. A taxi takes about 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic. A hire car collected at the airport gives flexibility for reaching the villa and exploring the island; the villa has free parking and a garage. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer some services go to the south-coast resorts, but a car is the most practical option for this location.

Maó port is 26.2 km straight line away; ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive there. From the port, a taxi or a hire car is the easiest way to reach the villa. Ciutadella, the old capital, is about 20 km away by road and has ferries to Alcúdia on Mallorca. Flights and ferries are fewer from November to April, and many seasonal bus services stop running; check the island bus operator for current timetables.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach is Cala Galdana, 0.5 km away, a sandy bay with shallow water and a pine-fringed shore. For quieter coves, Cala Macarella (2.2 km) and Cala Turqueta (4.4 km) are accessible by car or on foot via the Camí de Cavalls. Both have white sand and clear water, but arrive early in summer to find parking. Son Bou (10.6 km) is the longest beach on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland behind it.

Inland, Es Mercadal (12.5 km) sits at the foot of Monte Toro, the island's highest point at about 358 m, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. The Naveta des Tudons (9.1 km) is a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb near Ciutadella, part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage site. Mahón-Menorca cheese, with a protected designation of origin, is sold in local shops. The Camí de Cavalls (GR 223) passes near the villa, offering coastal walks.

A day from Villa Albe

Start the morning with breakfast on the villa's terrace, then walk the 0.5 km to Cala Galdana for a swim before the crowds arrive. After a coffee at a café near the beach, drive 2.2 km to Cala Macarella for a quieter spot. The cove is surrounded by pine trees and has a small sandy beach. Spend the morning swimming and snorkelling in the clear water.

For lunch, return to the villa and cook using the kitchen. In the afternoon, drive 9.1 km to the Naveta des Tudons to see the prehistoric tomb, then continue to Ciutadella for a walk through the old town's narrow streets and a view of the port at sunset. Drive back to Villa Albe for an evening swim in the outdoor pool before dinner on the terrace.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check Villa Albe's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with crowded coves and full car parks. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the type of accommodation and the season, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Villa Albe