Villa Maribel

About Villa Maribel

Villa Maribel suits travellers who want a self-contained base on the south coast of Menorca, close to the whitewashed lanes of Binibeca Vell. This is an apartment or villa with a private outdoor pool, a terrace and a full kitchen, designed for independent stays without hotel services. It is not rated and has no guest score listed.

The property offers free car parking and free WiFi, making it practical for those who arrive by hire car. The kitchen, oven, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator give guests the freedom to cook their own meals. Air conditioning is listed, which is useful in the warmer months.

Location: Binibeca Vell

Villa Maribel is on Carrer Binibecavey in Sant Lluís, 0.7 km straight line from the centre of Binibeca Vell. Binibeca Vell is a whitewashed fishing-village-style hamlet of narrow lanes and steps by the sea, built to look like a traditional fishing settlement. The area is quiet and residential, with no large resort complexes. Sant Lluís, a white village with windmills, is 3.9 km away. Es Castell, the Georgian barracks town at the mouth of Maó harbour, is 7.9 km away.

In high summer, July and August, the south coast coves and Binibeca Vell attract many visitors, but the villa's location on a side street keeps it away from the busiest spots. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, the area is much quieter. A hire car is recommended for reaching supermarkets, restaurants and beaches, as the villa is not within easy walking distance of shops or eateries.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with a kitchen, an oven, a dishwasher, a microwave and a refrigerator, so guests can prepare meals and store food. Air conditioning is listed, along with free WiFi and internet access. The bathroom includes a bath and a bidet. A cot is listed, which may suit families with a baby. The property has a smoke detector and is non-smoking throughout.

Guests should confirm the exact number of bedrooms and the layout with the property before booking, as these details are not given. The terrace and the outdoor pool are private, so there is no shared facility. Late arrivals should check the check-in procedure and key collection with the owner, as no check-in time is listed.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 4.9 km straight line from Villa Maribel. A taxi from the airport takes about 10-15 minutes. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the southern resorts; a bus to Sant Lluís may be possible with a change. A hire car collected at the airport gives the most flexibility, especially for reaching the villa's free parking. In winter, flights and buses are fewer, so a taxi or hire car is more reliable.

Maó port is 8 km straight line from the villa, about a 15-minute drive. Ferries from Maó connect to Barcelona (overnight crossings of several hours) and to Palma on Mallorca. For those arriving by ferry, a taxi from the port to the villa is straightforward. Binibeca Vell is 0.7 km away, walkable in about 10 minutes along the road. Sant Lluís is 3.9 km away, a short drive.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Binibeca Vell, 0.7 km away, is a whitewashed hamlet of lanes and steps by the sea, with small coves and rocky inlets for swimming. The south coast of Menorca has limestone coves with white sand under pine trees, such as Cala en Porter (a deep cove between high cliffs) and Son Bou (the longest beach, with dunes and wetland). These are a short drive south or west. The nearest village with shops and restaurants is Sant Lluís, 3.9 km away, known for its windmills and white houses.

A boat trip round Maó harbour, 7.8 km straight line, shows the 5 km natural harbour and its fortifications. La Mola fortress at Maó, 9 km straight line, is a 19th-century Isabel II fortress guarding the harbour entrance. A talayotic village is 14.3 km straight line, part of the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage sites. The local food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells on the north coast.

A day from Villa Maribel

Start the morning with breakfast on the private terrace at Villa Maribel, then drive 0.7 km to Binibeca Vell for a swim in the rocky coves or a walk through the whitewashed lanes. In the late morning, drive 3.9 km to Sant Lluís to see the windmills and buy fresh bread and cheese for a picnic. The drive to the south coast coves such as Cala en Porter or Son Bou takes about 15-20 minutes; arrive early in summer to find parking.

After lunch at the villa, spend the afternoon by the private outdoor pool or drive 7.8 km to Maó harbour for a boat trip. In the evening, drive 8 km to Maó for dinner in the capital, or 7.9 km to Es Castell for a meal by the harbour. Return to the villa for a quiet night on the terrace. In the shoulder months, the roads are quieter and parking easier.

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 higher demand and busier coves. 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 Maribel