Villa Bini Sac

About Villa Bini Sac

Villa Bini Sac is a self-catering villa in the whitewashed hamlet of Binibeca Vell, on Menorca's south coast. It suits travellers who want a quiet, independent stay near the sea, with a garden and terrace for outdoor meals. The villa is not rated, so there are no stars to guide expectations; the facilities are listed plainly and the emphasis is on making your own routine.

The property is set back from the water, about 1.8 km from the centre of Binibeca Vell. That distance means you are close enough to the village for a short drive or a longer walk, but far enough to avoid the summer footfall. For couples, the kitchen and washing machine make longer stays easy; for families, the garden and DVD player offer simple entertainment. The villa is a practical base for exploring the south coast.

Location: Binibeca Vell

Binibeca Vell is a whitewashed fishing-village-style hamlet of lanes and steps by the sea. It is a popular spot for photographs, with its narrow alleys and low houses. The villa sits at Gregal 14, on the edge of this settlement, so you can walk into the lanes in the evening when the day visitors have left. The nearest village centre is 1.8 km away, which is walkable on a flat route, though a car makes the return easier with shopping.

Sant Lluís, 4.3 km away, is a white village of windmills and a practical stop for supplies. Maó, the capital, is 7.9 km away, where you will find the harbour, shops and restaurants. In high summer, the south coast is busy, and car parks at the coves fill early. In the shoulder months of May and October, the lanes are quieter and the sea is still swimmable, though some businesses close from November to April.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with a kitchen, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator and toaster, so you can cook for yourselves. A washing machine and iron and board are also listed, which is useful for longer stays or for drying beach clothes. The living area has a TV, DVD player and fireplace, and there is free WiFi throughout. A fan is listed, but not air conditioning, so confirm the cooling options before booking if you visit in July or August.

The terrace and garden are the main outdoor spaces, with a sea view noted in the facilities. Pets are allowed, which makes this villa a rare choice for travellers with a dog. The property is non-smoking indoors. There is no mention of a pool, so plan for sea swimming instead. For late arrivals, confirm the check-in procedure with the property, as the villa is self-catering and there is no reception desk.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 3.8 km away in a straight line, which is a short taxi ride or about a 10-minute drive. A hire car is the most flexible option for reaching the villa and for exploring the south coast. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer to some resorts, but they do not serve Binibeca Vell directly, so a taxi or hire car is recommended. The airport is small and easy to navigate.

From Maó port, 7.9 km away, you can take a taxi or drive south towards Sant Lluís and then Binibeca. The route is straightforward on minor roads. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive at Maó or Ciutadella; from Ciutadella, the drive across the island takes about 40 minutes. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some seasonal bus lines stop running, so check timetables with the operators if you travel outside the main season.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beaches are along the south coast, within a short drive. Binibeca Vell itself has rocky coves rather than sand; for white sand, head to Cala Macarella or Cala Turqueta, about 12-15 km away. These coves are popular, so arrive early or take the bus in summer. Sant Lluís, 4.3 km away, has a few shops and a weekly market, and is a good place to stock up on local produce.

A boat trip round Maó harbour starts 7.8 km away, offering a view of the natural harbour and its fortifications. La Mola fortress at Maó is 9.7 km away, a 19th-century defence that guards the harbour mouth. A talayotic village, part of the World Heritage listing, is 12.5 km away, giving a glimpse of prehistoric Menorca. For food, try Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin, and look for caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew, in the coastal restaurants.

A day from Villa Bini Sac

Start the morning with coffee on the terrace at Villa Bini Sac, then drive the 4.3 km to Sant Lluís for fresh bread and pastries. From there, continue to a south-coast cove like Cala Macarella, about 12 km away, and swim before the crowds arrive. The water in summer is around 25-26 °C in August, so a long swim is comfortable. Bring a picnic, as the coves have few facilities.

In the afternoon, drive to Maó, 7.9 km away, and take a boat trip round the harbour, which lasts about an hour. Walk along the waterfront and see the Georgian windows left from the British period. In the evening, return to Binibeca Vell and wander the lanes as the light fades, then cook dinner in the villa's kitchen. If you have energy, drive to La Mola fortress, 9.7 km away, for sunset views over the harbour.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with the property whether Villa Bini Sac is open in the winter. July and August are the peak months; book early and expect busy coves. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate changes with the season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears before you travel.

Questions about Villa Bini Sac