Every summer Menorca is filled by tourists, millions and millions of tourists who decide to spend their holidays on the quieter island of the Balearics. Mahon and Ciutadella are the most popular destinations for those who choose to go to the discovery of the various beaches of Menorca. Both port cities on the island offer tourists plenty of choices in hotels and restaurants. Today we’re going to discover Mahón and Ciutadella, are you ready?
MAHÓN
The capital of the island, only 10km from the airport, easily reachable by bus line 10 or 15min by car. To park I suggest you look for one of the various public parking, such as the Sa Sinia des Cuc (0.20€ per hour) or the parking de la Esplanada. Normally hotels offer to park at € 12 / day, it isn’t necessary. To sleep I recommend the Hostal Jume, comfortable and central, € 230/3 nights (good breakfast at 6€).
The city is easy to visit in a couple of hours, but it’s worth it, take a trip to the Cathedral, Fortaleza de la Mola and the Menorca Museum located in an old convent. The Municipality, the Bastión de Sant Roc and the Iglesia de Santa María famous for the International Organ Festival. Mahón in summer also offers the International Opera Week, with events organized throughout the city.
Eating well in Menorca is easy, but you always have to find the right place and I can recommend the Fish Market. It is located in the Plaza del Principe, where you can find meats and cheeses from the area with sea “pinchos” and finally paella. Another place I recommend is the Es Musclet, products of the area at a good price.
CIUTADELLA
Ciutadella is located on the other side of the island (in the north-west part) 50km from Mahon. It can be reached from the capital by bus, prices, and departures. The city exceeds Mahon by the number of inhabitants, and the municipality includes most of the island’s most famous beaches (such as Cala Turqueta, or Son Saura). Ciutadella is a small but beautiful city to visit, some of the most touristic points are, the Town hall and its square, Can Saura, the Torresaura Palace, the Olivar palace, the port, and the Cathedral. If you can go around the arcades full of shops with typical products (the most famous sobrasada of Menorca). Ciutadella de Menorca Day Trip, book here!
BINIBECA
Binibeca is located on the southeast coast of the island, was a small fishing village created in 1972. Now famous for its white labyrinth that goes around the ancient area. Visiting it is a matter of an hour if you do not have a car you can get there from Mahón by bus (€ 1.70).
If you want to spend a night here I suggest you choose one of the hotels or Airbnb that there are in Binibeca Vell (Vell = old). Another necessary stop is the Bodega Binifadet, if you are a wine lover like me you will love it. It is a very nice restaurant (in the middle of a vineyard) good cuisine, typical and fresh products.
Hi.
I am preparing a free talk on Mahon in August and was wondering whether you would allow me to use your photo of inside the Fish Market. I did have loads of photos on Mahon but lost them all when my computor died as I had not backed up.
Kind Regards
Suzanne