CIUTADELLA DE MENORCA
Ciutadella, the former capital of Menorca, sits above a picturesque harbour. It is a pretty port town situated on the west coast of Menorca. It was the island’s capital for most of its history until the first British occupation, where it was transferred to Maó. It is a mix of Italian, Spanish and Moorish architecture with narrow cobbled streets, old palaces and Gothic churches (eg the Cathedral).
The main town square is Placa de Born with the strange obelisk in its centre and surrounded by a few palaces (eg 19th century Palau Torresaura), the harbour walls and the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). There are a lot grand aristocratic mansions, but most privately owned and off limits to visitors.
The harbour, full of yachts & fishing boats, is lined with nice seafood restaurants and it’s a beautiful place for a stroll.
Best things to do at Ciutadella
- Enjoy the view of Ciutadella harbour from the de Bastio des Governador
- Visit Placa de Born with its obelisc in the centre and surrounded by palaces and the Ayutamiento
- Stroll at the narrow alleys
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria
- Enjoy a meal at the seafood restaurants of the harbour
- Walk around the Castell de Sant Nicolau
- Visit the Municipal Museum of Ciutadella
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MAHON (MAO)
Mahon (or Maó) is located to the east of the island and very close to the airport. It is the capital of Menorca and one of the biggest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. The main town is built at the top of the cliff overlooking the harbour.
Due to the British rule, Mao is full of 18th century Georgian mansions and old townhouses lining the streets, but also Spanish apartment blocks. It has some good museums, and some nice bars and restaurants. Wandering the streets of Mao is one of the best things to do in Menorca.
Mao is considered as the birthplace of the mayonnaise (mahonesa) and based on various legends it is invented either by a French chef or locals cooking for the French generals during the occupation of Mao.
Best things to do at Mao
- Take the steps (Costa de Ses Voltes) from the ferry terminal up to the old town
- Have a stroll at the old town to admire the Georgian mansions
- Take a boat tour of the harbour
- Enjoy an evening meal or a drink at some of the restaurants or bars
- Visit the Xoriguer Distillery to try the local gin
- Visit the Museo de Menorca
- Check the fish market (Mercat des Peix) at Placa d’ Espanya
- Visit the Mola Fortress
- Visit the Ca n’Oliver arts centre.
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ES CASTELL
It is a pretty harbour with some nice bars and restaurants very close to the island’s capital Mao. A stroll on the promenade which is lined with seaside restaurants is a pleasant way of enjoying the evening.
You can also visit the Museo Militar de Menorca, which tells the military story of Menorca from the Eneolithic to the present day (entry fee: 4 euros).
The two nearby military forts of Fort Marlborough and Castillo de San Felipe are also worth visiting.
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FORNELLS PORT
A traditional fishing village lined with fishing boats and with some great seafood restaurants. This is the best place to try Menorca’s signature dish: caldereta de langosta (lobster stew).
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BINIBECA VELL
A small fishermen’s village, reconstructed in the early 1970s, famous for its white houses, narrow streets and small natural harbour. It is a very picturesque place to spend an hour or so.
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ALAIOR
An authentic Menorcan town, home to the local cheese and shoe industries.
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ES MERCADAL
A town in the centre of the island, close to the highest point on the island El Toro, and home to a bustling open-air market.
FERRERIES
A town nestled within some rolling hills, home to lots of local industry.
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SANT LUIS
Sant Luis is a cute little village for a quick stop to see the nice windmill (Moli de Dalt) and before a visit to the Bodegas Binifadet winery.
TOURIST MAP
I have created a map that shows the best town and villages plus all the sights to visit on the island and other useful information.
FURTHER READING
You can check the following posts:
TRAVEL RESOURCES
- Flights: I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Momondo is another very good search engine as well as Google Flights.
- Accommodation: I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. TripAdvisor and Kayak are the best search engines to check deals from different websites; however not as good for checking the actual properties & rooms. Airbnb is a great alternative to find out homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
- Ferries: Ferryhopper is one of the best websites to check ferry schedules and buy the cheapest ferry tickets while in Greece.
- Car Rental: I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options.
- Public Transport: There is no booking site to check bus timetables and book buses online in Samos.
- Day Trips & Tours: Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. TripAdvisor is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.