Casa Maria

About Casa Maria

Casa Maria is a self-catering apartment or villa on Carrer Costa De Ses Barreres, just outside Ferreries in central Menorca. It suits travellers who want a quiet, independent stay away from the main resort strips. The property is not rated and has no guest score; it is listed as an apartment or villa with a full kitchen, a terrace and free WiFi, making it a practical choice for couples or small families who prefer to cook and explore at their own pace.

The stay is entirely self-contained: guests have a kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and coffee maker, plus a washing machine, iron and board. The terrace provides outdoor space for meals or evening drinks. There is no on-site restaurant, pool or spa, so the focus is on using the villa as a base for discovering the island's coves, villages and countryside.

Location: Ferreries

Casa Maria sits on the edge of Ferreries, a small inland town in the centre of Menorca. Ferreries has a few shops, bakeries and a weekly market, but no beach. The villa is about 6.8 km straight line from Cala Galdana, one of the south coast's largest sandy coves, and 7.2 km from Es Mercadal and Monte Toro. The area is rural: low hills, drystone walls and pine woods. In high summer, the roads to the south coves get busy; a car is essential for reaching the coast, shops and restaurants.

In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, the pace is slower and parking at Cala Macarella (8 km) and Cala Turqueta (9.9 km) is easier. The nearest village with a good range of services is Ferreries itself, about 1-2 km away on foot or a short drive. For a wider choice of restaurants and supermarkets, Es Mercadal (7.2 km) or Ciutadella (about 15 km by road) are options. The villa feels secluded without being remote.

Rooms and facilities

Casa Maria is listed as an apartment or villa with air conditioning, a fan, a safe, a TV, a DVD player and a radio. The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker and refrigerator. There is a washing machine, iron and board, and a hairdryer. The terrace is the main outdoor space. The property is non-smoking throughout. Guests should confirm the exact layout and number of bedrooms with the owner before booking.

For couples, the villa offers a private, self-contained stay with a bath and all the essentials for a week or more. Families will appreciate the kitchen and washing machine for longer holidays. Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure with the property; there is no 24-hour reception. Free WiFi is listed, but speeds may vary in a rural location. The safe is useful for valuables when visiting the coves.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 22.3 km straight line from Casa Maria. A taxi takes about 25-30 minutes by road. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility for exploring the island and reaching the villa. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but a bus to Ferreries would require a change in Maó or Ciutadella. The villa's rural location makes a car strongly recommended.

Maó port is 24.1 km straight line away. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive there. From the port, a taxi or a hire car is the most practical option for reaching Casa Maria. The nearest beaches, Cala Galdana (6.8 km), Cala Macarella (8 km) and Cala Turqueta (9.9 km), are all a short drive south. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer; check the schedules with the operators. The villa may not be open all year, so confirm the opening months directly.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The closest beaches are on Menorca's south coast. Cala Galdana (6.8 km) is a wide, sandy cove with a pine backdrop and a handful of seasonal bars and restaurants. Cala Macarella (8 km) and Cala Turqueta (9.9 km) are smaller, more natural coves with white sand and turquoise water; arrive early in summer or take the bus from Ferreries or Ciutadella. Son Bou (11.1 km) is the island's longest beach, with dunes and a wetland behind it. All these coves have car parks that fill early in July and August.

Inland, Es Mercadal (7.2 km) sits at the foot of Monte Toro (8.8 km), the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m. The sanctuary at the top offers views of both coasts. The Camí de Cavalls, the 185 km coastal trail, passes near these southern coves and is accessible from Cala Galdana. For local food, Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin and is sold in Ferreries and Es Mercadal. The lobster stew caldereta de llagosta is a Menorcan speciality, served in restaurants along the north coast.

A day from Casa Maria

Start the morning with breakfast on the terrace at Casa Maria. Drive south to Cala Macarella (8 km), arriving early to find a parking spot. Spend the morning swimming and snorkelling in the clear water. The cove is backed by low cliffs and pine trees; there are no large facilities, so bring water and snacks. Walk the short coastal path to the smaller Cala Macarelleta for a quieter spot.

For lunch, drive to Es Mercadal (7.2 km) and buy picnic supplies at the local shops. Afternoon: drive up Monte Toro (8.8 km) for the views from the sanctuary. In the late afternoon, head to Cala Galdana (6.8 km) for a swim or a walk along the beach. Return to Casa Maria for a self-cooked dinner on the terrace. If the evening is clear, the stars are good away from the coastal lights.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Casa Maria whether it is open during those months. July and August are the busiest months, with crowded coves and higher car park demand. 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 Casa Maria