Villa Astur

About Villa Astur

Villa Astur suits travellers who want a self-contained base in a quiet part of Menorca. The villa is in Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed hamlet of lanes and steps by the sea, away from the busier resorts. It works well for couples or families who prefer to cook and relax in their own space rather than rely on on-site restaurants or bars.

This is an apartment or villa, not rated with stars. No guest score is given. The property is not on the beachfront. It provides free car parking, free WiFi and a full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, oven, toaster and refrigerator. Pets are allowed, and a cot can be requested.

Location: Binibeca Vell

Binibeca Vell is a purpose-built fishing-village-style settlement on the south-east coast of Menorca. It consists of white houses, narrow lanes and steps that lead down to a small cove. The area is quiet and residential, with a few shops and restaurants within the hamlet. Villa Astur is on Camí De Sa Sípia Trista, about 1.6 km from the centre of Binibeca Vell as the crow flies.

A car is useful for exploring the rest of the island. Sant Lluís is 3.3 km away, a white village with windmills and basic services. Maó, the capital, is 7.6 km away. Menorca Airport is 5.1 km away. In high summer the south-coast coves can get busy, but Binibeca Vell itself stays relatively calm. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October the pace is slower and parking is easier.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Astur is listed as a self-catering villa. Facilities include a kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, oven, toaster and refrigerator, plus a washing machine, iron and board. Free WiFi and a TV are provided. There is a hairdryer, and coffee-making equipment is available. The property is non-smoking. Pets are allowed, which is useful for guests travelling with a dog or cat.

The villa has free car parking on site. A cot can be requested, making it suitable for families with a baby. There is no mention of air conditioning, so guests should confirm cooling arrangements with the property before booking. Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure with the owner, as no check-in times are listed.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 5.1 km from Villa Astur in a straight line. A taxi from the airport takes about 10-15 minutes. A hire car gives flexibility for exploring the island; the airport has several rental desks. Buses from the airport run to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts; from Maó you can take a local bus towards Binibeca, but services are limited and a car is more practical.

Maó port is 7.6 km away. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive at Maó; from the port a taxi or hire car takes about 15 minutes. In winter (November to April) flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus services are reduced. Check the hotel's opening months before booking, as many Menorca properties close outside the main season.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Binibeca Vell is the nearest settlement, 1.6 km away, with a small beach and a few places to eat. Sant Lluís, 3.3 km away, has a supermarket, bakery and a weekly market. Es Castell, 7.2 km away, is a Georgian town at the mouth of Maó harbour, with a promenade and views of the port. Maó itself, 7.6 km away, has a large natural harbour, restaurants, shops and the La Mola fortress (8.2 km).

The south coast of Menorca has many white-sand coves set under pine trees. Cala en Porter is a deep cove between high cliffs, about 10 km away. Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, is about 12 km away. S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, 14.4 km away, has a lagoon, dunes and birdwatching. The Camí de Cavalls bridleway passes through the area. Mahón-Menorca cheese is a local speciality.

A day from Villa Astur

Start the morning with coffee at Villa Astur, then drive 1.6 km to Binibeca Vell for a walk through the white lanes and a swim from the rocky cove. From there, continue 3.3 km to Sant Lluís to see the windmills and buy provisions at the market. Drive 7.2 km to Es Castell for a stroll along the harbour front and a look at the Georgian architecture.

In the afternoon, drive 8.2 km to La Mola fortress above Maó harbour for views of the port and the coast. Return towards Villa Astur via Maó, 7.6 km away, for an evening walk along the harbour. Dinner can be prepared in the villa's kitchen. The drive back to Binibeca Vell takes about 15 minutes.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Astur whether it is open during your intended dates. July and August are the busiest months, with crowded coves and higher demand for hire cars. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; rates depend on the property type and season, are 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 Astur