Villa Garbes

About Villa Garbes

Villa Garbes is a self-catering apartment or villa in the south of Menorca, set back from the coast near the horseshoe bay of Cala Galdana. It suits travellers who want a kitchen and living space, a private outdoor pool and a garden, rather than a full-service hotel. The property is not rated for stars and has no guest score listed, so the choice depends on the facilities and location.

The accommodation is aimed at families and small groups who prefer to cook and eat on a terrace or balcony. A cot and family rooms are listed, and pets are allowed. The outdoor pool and the garden are the main outdoor spaces. A car is needed for most trips, though Cala Galdana is within walking distance.

Location: Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana is a wide, curved bay on the south coast, with a sandy beach backed by pine woods and low-rise buildings. The area is quieter than Son Bou or Ciutadella, with a handful of shops and restaurants near the beach. Villa Garbes is on Avinguda De Sa Punta, about 0.6 km straight line from the beach, so it is walkable in a few minutes on foot.

In July and August the beach and the nearby coves draw many visitors and car parks fill early. In the shoulder months of May, June and September the pace is slower and the beach quieter. A car is useful for reaching the wilder coves such as Cala Macarella, 2.3 km away, and Cala Turqueta, 4.5 km away, or for driving inland to Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, 12.4 km away.

Rooms and facilities

The rooms at Villa Garbes are listed with air conditioning, a fan, a fireplace, a safe and a smoke detector. Each unit has a kitchen or kitchenette with a dishwasher, microwave, oven, toaster, refrigerator and coffee maker. A washing machine, iron and board, and a hairdryer are provided. The living area includes a TV, video, desk and sofa bed, and there is a balcony or terrace.

For families, a cot and family rooms are listed. Luggage storage is available for late arrivals or early departures. The property has free WiFi and free car parking. Guests should confirm the exact configuration of the rooms, the number of bathrooms and the type of bed arrangements with Villa Garbes directly, as these details are not specified.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 23.2 km straight line from Villa Garbes. A taxi or a hire car collected at the airport takes about 25-30 minutes by road via the Me-1 and local roads. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer some services reach the southern resorts, but a car is more practical for reaching Cala Galdana with luggage and for exploring the island.

Maó port, with ferries from Barcelona and Palma, is 26.1 km straight line. From the port, a taxi or hire car is the easiest option. The nearest village is Es Mercadal, 12.4 km away, which has shops and a bus stop on the Maó–Ciutadella line. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus lines run only on school days; check the island bus operator for current timetables.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach is Cala Galdana itself, 0.6 km away, a sandy bay with shallow water and a pine backdrop. For wilder coves, Cala Macarella is 2.3 km straight line, a small cove with white sand and turquoise water, and Cala Turqueta is 4.5 km straight line, a classic Menorcan cove with a stream and a car park that fills early. Son Bou, 10.6 km away, is the longest beach on the island, with dunes and a wetland.

Inland, Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, 12.4 km away, offer a sanctuary with views of both coasts. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 9 km away near Ciutadella. The Camí de Cavalls, the 185 km coastal trail, passes near Cala Galdana and allows walkers to reach the neighbouring coves. Mahón-Menorca cheese, with a protected designation of origin, is sold in local shops.

A day from Villa Garbes

A day from Villa Garbes starts with breakfast on the terrace or balcony. Walk the 0.6 km to Cala Galdana for a morning swim on the sandy beach. From there, follow the Camí de Cavalls east along the coast to Cala Macarella, 2.3 km away, a quieter cove with pine shade. Return to Villa Garbes for lunch on the terrace, using the kitchen or kitchenette.

In the afternoon, drive inland to Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, 12.4 km away, to see the sanctuary and the view across the island. On the way back, stop at the Naveta des Tudons, 9 km away, a prehistoric tomb. End the day with a swim in the outdoor pool at Villa Garbes, then cook dinner in the apartment and eat on the terrace as the light fades.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Garbes whether it is open in those months. July and August are the peak season, with the hottest weather and the busiest beaches. 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 site.

Questions about Villa Garbes