Hostal Xuroy

About Hostal Xuroy

Hostal Xuroy suits travellers who want a simple, well-placed base in the south-east of Menorca rather than a large resort. The two-star guesthouse sits at Carrer Llevant number 1 in Alcaufar, within Sant Lluís municipality and outside the main resort areas, so mornings stay quiet and Maó is a short drive north. Couples touring the island, walkers on the Camí de Cavalls and families who prefer a pool to a crowded beach fit the profile here.

This is a hostal rather than a hotel: two stars, a modest scale and a practical set of facilities. A swimming pool, free parking and free wifi are listed, along with air conditioning, a terrace, a lounge and a bar or snack service, so the day can end without another drive. It is a straightforward base for people who plan to be out exploring, then come back to sleep.

Location: Sant Lluís

Alcaufar is a small coastal corner of Sant Lluís municipality, on the quieter southern side of Menorca, and Sant Lluís itself, the white village of windmills, is 3.7 km inland. Es Castell, the Georgian barracks town at the mouth of Maó harbour, is 5.3 km away, and Binibeca Vell, the whitewashed hamlet, is 5.6 km. Hostal Xuroy stands outside the main resort areas, so the setting stays calm through the evening.

On foot you can cover the lanes around Alcaufar and pick up the Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway that circles Menorca for about 185 km in 20 stages. Everything else needs wheels: Sant Lluís is 3.7 km away, Es Castell 5.3 km and Maó port 7.1 km, all straight-line figures that road distances exceed. In high summer the southern coves fill early; May, June and September leave more room on the lanes and paths.

Rooms and facilities

Air conditioning, a fan, a bath, a TV and a balcony appear among the room facilities, though the mix varies by room, so confirm what yours includes when booking. Couples tend to value the balcony and the quiet. Families should ask about the cot and how the kids pool sits alongside the outdoor pool. Non-smoking rooms are listed. Late arrivals should check express check-in and arrival arrangements with the hostal before travelling.

Practical details matter at a two-star hostal: housekeeping and cleaning are listed, with laundry service, luggage storage, a safe and a lift that helps with bags. A lounge, a terrace and a patio cover the indoor and outdoor sitting. Confirm with Hostal Xuroy which facilities carry a charge, whether parking needs reserving in high summer, and the check-in and check-out times, since the property sets its own.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.3 km from Hostal Xuroy in a straight line, the shortest of the given arrival points. A taxi handles that hop comfortably outside peak weeks. Collecting a hire car at the airport also solves transport for the rest of the stay, and the hostal lists a car rental service and free parking. Public buses connect the airport with Maó; any onward service towards Alcaufar needs checking with the island bus operator.

From Maó port, 7.1 km from Hostal Xuroy in a straight line, the drive round the harbour and south to Alcaufar is straightforward by taxi or booked transfer. Ferries from Barcelona reach Maó and Ciutadella, and Ciutadella links to Alcúdia on Mallorca; check the operators for current timetables. Sailings and flights thin out between November and April, so a winter booking at Hostal Xuroy should include a confirmed transfer.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Beaches are the main draw in this corner. Hostal Xuroy lists a beach nearby, and Menorca's south coast, the Migjorn shore of limestone and white sand under pine, runs close by; Binibeca Vell is 5.6 km from the hostal and Sant Lluís 3.7 km. Car parks at the popular southern coves fill early in high summer and some have seasonal limits, so an early start or the bus helps.

Within easy reach are the La Mola fortress above Maó harbour, 5.4 km from Hostal Xuroy, a 19th-century Isabel II fortification guarding the harbour mouth, and a boat trip round Maó harbour at 6.5 km, with timetables set by the operator. S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core of the Biosphere Reserve, is 13.6 km away. On the plate, look for caldereta de llagosta in Fornells, Mahón-Menorca cheese with its protected designation of origin, and the gin tradition left by British rule.

A day from Hostal Xuroy

Begin with a walk from Hostal Xuroy along the lanes towards Sant Lluís, 3.7 km away, where the white village and its windmills make a short morning errand. Drive on to Binibeca Vell, 5.6 km from the hostal, before the midday heat, then come back for the outdoor pool. Lunch from the bar or snack service listed at the hostal keeps the middle of the day simple.

In the afternoon, head for the La Mola fortress, 5.4 km from Hostal Xuroy, for the harbour views, and consider a boat trip round Maó harbour, 6.5 km away, if the sailings suit; confirm times with the operator. Es Castell, 5.3 km off, makes a good stop for a walk before the evening. Finish on the hostal's terrace or patio rather than driving out again, with the pool and a drink to close the day.

Practical tips

Hostal Xuroy's own opening dates matter more than the island's pattern: outside the main towns, Menorca's tourism businesses often shut between roughly November and April, while Maó and Ciutadella stay open, so confirm the season with the hostal before booking. High summer is the fullest stretch on the south coast. A sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the amount for Hostal Xuroy depends on its category and the month, falls in low season and on longer stays, and under-16s are exempt. Check the Govern de les Illes Balears for current rates.

Questions about Hostal Xuroy