Villa Hermitage

About Villa Hermitage

Villa Hermitage suits travellers who want a self-contained base in the south of Menorca. It is an apartment or villa, not rated, with no guest score given. The property is set in Binibeca Vell, a whitewashed fishing-village-style hamlet of lanes and steps by the sea, so the setting is quiet and distinctly Mediterranean.

The stay is entirely self-catering. The villa has a kitchen with an oven, microwave, toaster, dishwasher and refrigerator, plus a washing machine and an iron and board. Air conditioning and free wifi are listed, and there is an outdoor pool and a garden. This is a practical choice for families or couples who prefer to cook and relax rather than eat out every night.

Location: Binibeca Vell

Binibeca Vell is a planned hamlet built to resemble a traditional fishing village. Its narrow lanes, whitewashed walls and stone steps lead down to the sea. The villa is at De Dalt 38, within the hamlet, and the nearest named area, Binibeca Vell, is 1.9 km away by straight line. Sant Lluís, a white village of windmills, is 4 km away, and Maó (Mahón), the capital, is 7.6 km away.

In high summer, the south coast is popular, and car parks at the coves fill early. The villa has free car parking, so a hire car is the practical way to explore. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, the lanes are quieter and the sea is still warm enough for swimming. Much of the island's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so confirm the villa's opening dates before booking.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with air conditioning, free wifi, a TV and a terrace. The kitchen is equipped for self-catering, with a dishwasher, oven, microwave, toaster and refrigerator. A washing machine and an iron and board are also listed, which is useful for longer stays. The outdoor pool and garden are shared or private, so check with the property what exactly is included.

For families, the villa offers space to spread out, and the kitchen makes meal times easy. For couples, the terrace and pool provide a quiet retreat. Late arrivals should confirm check-in times with the property, as there is no reception. The villa is non-smoking throughout. Confirm the number of bedrooms and bathrooms directly, as these are not listed.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 3.5 km away in a straight line, so the transfer is short. A taxi from the airport to the villa takes a few minutes by road. A hire car collected at the airport is the most flexible option, as the villa has free car parking. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but for Binibeca Vell a car or taxi is more practical.

Maó port is 7.6 km away by straight line. Ferries from Barcelona, Palma and Ciutadella arrive there. From the port, a taxi or hire car takes about 15 minutes. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some seasonal bus lines stop running. Check the island bus operator for current timetables, or rely on a hire car for the whole stay.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Binibeca Vell, 1.9 km away, is the nearest area, with its lanes and steps by the sea. Sant Lluís, 4 km away, is a white village with windmills and a weekly market. Maó, 7.6 km away, sits above a natural harbour about 5 km long, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. A boat trip round Maó harbour starts 7.5 km away, and the La Mola fortress at Maó is 9.4 km away.

A talayotic village, a prehistoric site of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage listing, is 12.5 km away. The south coast has coves such as Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta, though these are further than the distances given. Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin, and the island's lobster stew, caldereta de llagosta, is a local speciality. You will need a car to reach most of these places.

A day from Villa Hermitage

Start the morning with coffee on the terrace at Villa Hermitage, then drive the 1.9 km to Binibeca Vell. Walk the lanes and steps down to the water, and swim from the rocks or the small cove. The hamlet is quiet in the morning. Drive 4 km to Sant Lluís to see the windmills and pick up supplies for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive 7.6 km to Maó. Walk along the harbour, or take a boat trip round the harbour, which starts 7.5 km away. Visit the La Mola fortress, 9.4 km away, which guards the harbour mouth. Return to the villa in the evening, cook in the kitchen, and swim in the pool as the sun sets. The distances are short, so the day is relaxed.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check the villa's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and the highest prices. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of accommodation, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Hermitage