Villa Mariola

About Villa Mariola

Villa Mariola is a self-catering villa in the whitewashed hamlet of Binibeca Vell on Menorca's south coast. It suits travellers who want a private base with a kitchen, outdoor pool and free parking, away from large resorts. The property is not rated and has no guest score, so you book knowing the facilities listed rather than a star rating.

The villa is set in a quiet residential lane, Carrer De S'anguila Torta, within the fishing-village-style lanes of Binibeca Vell. It is not beachfront, but the cove and its rocky shoreline are a short walk away. The accommodation is designed for independent stays, with a full kitchen, washing machine and dishwasher, plus a terrace and patio for outdoor living.

Location: Binibeca Vell

Binibeca Vell is a purpose-built whitewashed hamlet of narrow lanes, steps and small squares by the sea. It was designed to resemble a traditional fishing village and is one of the most photographed spots on the south coast. The area has a small cove with rocks and clear water, plus a handful of shops and eateries in summer. Villa Mariola is 1.1 km straight line from the centre of Binibeca Vell, so the cove and lanes are within a short drive or a longer walk.

Sant Lluís, a white village of windmills, is 3.6 km straight line away and has a supermarket, bakery and a few restaurants open year-round. Maó, the capital, is 7.8 km straight line; its harbour and old town offer more services and ferry connections. Es Castell, the Georgian barracks town at the harbour mouth, is 7.5 km straight line. In high summer the south-coast roads and car parks fill early. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October the area is quieter and parking easier.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Mariola is listed as a villa with a kitchen, oven, microwave, toaster, dishwasher and washing machine, so you can cook and clean for yourself. Air conditioning is listed, which is useful in summer. The property has a TV, free wifi, a safe, a hairdryer and iron and board. A cot and high chairs are listed, making it possible for families with small children. The rooms are non-smoking.

There is an outdoor pool, a terrace and a patio, so you can eat and relax outside. Free car parking is listed on site. The property does not list a check-in or check-out time, so confirm these with the owner when booking. The facilities are listed as provided but you should check the exact layout and number of bedrooms with the property before you arrive.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 5 km straight line from Villa Mariola. A taxi takes about 10 minutes. In summer, buses run from the airport to Maó and to some south-coast resorts; from Maó you can take a connecting bus to Sant Lluís or Binibeca, but services are less frequent outside July and August. A hire car collected at the airport gives you the most flexibility for exploring the island and reaching the villa.

Maó port is 7.8 km straight line away. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive here. From the port, a taxi to the villa takes about 15 minutes. Buses from the port to Sant Lluís run in summer. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and many bus lines stop running, so a hire car or taxi becomes essential. The villa's free parking makes a car convenient.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Binibeca Vell itself is 1.1 km straight line from the villa, with its rocky cove and whitewashed lanes. The south coast has several coves within a short drive: Cala en Porter, a deep cove between high cliffs, is about 8 km away; Son Bou, the longest beach on Menorca with dunes and a wetland, is about 12 km. Sant Lluís (3.6 km) has a windmill and local shops. Es Castell (7.5 km) has a Georgian grid and a harbourfront promenade.

Maó harbour (7.8 km) is one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. A boat trip round the harbour gives views of the 19th-century La Mola fortress (8.6 km straight line). S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core of the Biosphere Reserve, is 14.6 km straight line, with a lagoon, dunes and the Favàritx lighthouse. Menorcan food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese with a protected designation of origin and caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew from Fornells on the north coast.

A day from Villa Mariola

Start the morning at Villa Mariola with breakfast on the terrace. Drive the short distance to Binibeca Vell to walk the lanes and steps by the sea. From there, continue to Sant Lluís (3.6 km) to see the white windmill and buy supplies for the day. Then head to the south coast: Cala Macarella or Cala Turqueta are about 15 km away; arrive early in summer to find a parking spot. Swim and snorkel in the clear water before the midday crowds.

For lunch, pack a picnic from Sant Lluís or eat at a beach bar on the cove. In the afternoon, drive to Maó harbour (7.8 km) for a boat trip round the port, or visit La Mola fortress (8.6 km) for views of the harbour mouth. Return to Villa Mariola in the late afternoon for a swim in the pool. Cook dinner in the kitchen and eat on the patio. On a clear evening, drive to Monte Toro (about 20 km) for sunset views over both coasts.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Villa Mariola whether it is open in your dates. July and August are the peak months, with more crowds and higher demand for car parking at the 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 Mariola