Places
Maó vs Ciutadella: Menorca Old Towns & Where to Stay
Short answerCiutadella has the prettier, more compact old town with medieval Gothic architecture and is the better base for beaches on the west coast, while Maó is the island capital with a huge natural harbour, a grittier working city feel and the best access to the airport. Travellers report preferring Ciutadella as a base and exploring from there, with Maó also worth a visit. Ideally stay in one and day-trip to the other.
Which old town should you visit?
Visit both if you can, but if you only have time for one, Ciutadella is the classic old town. It was the island's capital until 1708, when Britain moved the capital to the better natural harbour at Maó, and its centre is studded with medieval Gothic architecture. The old town has been spared unsightly modern developments because most hotels sit a few km out in smaller resorts.
Maó is the current capital and its harbour is the second largest natural deep water port in the world, after Pearl Harbour. It is a working city rather than a preserved showpiece, so come for the harbour, the museums and the food rather than for a picture-postcard medieval core.
Travellers report that Ciutadella is the preferred base, with Maó nice too but second choice. If you are arriving by ferry from Alcúdia or Barcelona, you land at Ciutadella Port, which makes the old town an easy first stop.
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A day in Ciutadella old town
Start at the Ciutadella Cathedral on Plaça de Catedral, built 1301-62 in Gothic style and twice wrecked and rebuilt, with a neoclassical facade added in 1813. The ticket includes the Diocesan Museum below, and the stained-glass windows are a highlight. Adult entry is €6, but confirm locally as prices change.
Facing the cathedral is Casa Olivar, a sumptuous 17th-century merchant mansion with 18th and 19th-century furnishings, adult €5 and child free. Then wander Plaça d'Alfons III, lined by old buildings converted into bars and restaurants, and Placa des Pins, the main square where the Torres local buses run from.
Finish at Castell de Sant Nicolau, a small 17th-century coastal turret with a tiny moat and drawbridge, and a nice place to watch the sunset. For dinner, the old town has plenty of options including Ses Voltes, S'Amarador, Café Balear, lavall, Pinzell and PUSPAAYU. If you want something outside the centre, Líthica (Pedreres de s'Hostal) is a sandstone quarry converted into gardens with a stone maze, adult €9, and Naveta d'Es Tudons is a megalithic ossuary built around 1200-750 BC, adult €2.
Local tipIf you are in Ciutadella, do not miss Líthica (Pedreres de s'Hostal), the old sandstone quarry turned into gardens with a stone maze, and Naveta d'Es Tudons, the megalithic ossuary shaped like an upturned boat where over 100 skeletons were found. Both are close to town and far less crowded than the cathedral.
A day in Maó
Maó's draw is its harbour, the second largest natural deep water port in the world. Walk the waterfront and then head into the city for the Museu de Menorca and the prehistoric site of Trepucó, one of the island's most significant Talaiotic settlements.
For food, Maó has a strong spread of restaurants including Bini Inn, Es Molí de Foc, Sa Musclera, El Txoco, Bambu Menorca, El Rais, La Paella, Itanou, S'Aturadeta, Taco Wey, PAPUT, Restaurant Ses Forquilles and BANDIDU. Travellers report that Jardí de ses Bruixes is a lovely boutique hotel in the centre of Mahón, pricey to stay at but very nice, and recommended for brunch.
Maó is also the practical hub: Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7 km southeast of the capital and is usually shown as "Mahon" on departure boards. If you are flying in or out, a night in Maó makes the transfer simple.
Where to stay: Ciutadella, Maó or the countryside
Travellers report that Ciutadella is the preferred base, with Maó nice too but second choice. Ciutadella is suggested as a good base for the first part of a trip, using a car or public transport to access beaches, and from Ciutadella you can easily reach the areas of Sa Caleta.
If you want a more authentic feel, travellers report considering the countryside around Ciutadella. Agroturismos and rural fincas are available for stays in Menorca, and staying in two different areas is recommended for variety: one city area with access to good beaches, and one more rural and quiet area near less popular beaches or in the interior.
A car is practically mandatory according to travellers report, and is recommended if staying a little further out of centre. Note that you cannot pay a car rental deposit with a debit card in Menorca; a credit card is required, which led to extra fees of €90 for one user. Take the cheapest rate that includes full coverage with no excess, and return the car completely full to avoid fuel charges.
What travellers report
From Ciutadella you can easily reach the areas of Sa Caleta.
Consider the countryside around Ciutadella for a more authentic feel.
Getting between the two
TMSA buses 1 and 14 run from Maó to Ciutadella every 30 minutes, taking an hour via Alaior, Es Mercadel and Ferreries. Some start from Punta Prima or Sant Lluís. In Ciutadella the bus station is on Plaça de la Pau, just an open square; to the town centre walk north a couple of short blocks along Rossinyol then turn left.
By road, ME-1 is the island's spine route from Maó to Ciutadella. For parking in Ciutadella, the best choice is Plaça de la Pau, just north of the bus station. Plaça des Born parking is by Town Hall, 100 m west of the cathedral; it is larger than Plaça de la Pau but fills up early.
Travellers report that in off season buses to beaches in tourism areas run on the hour every hour rather than every 20 minutes like in main season, and that buses are usually cheaper in off season compared to summer. Remote beaches may have only a couple of buses a day running near them, if any at all, so check timetables locally.
Questions people ask
Is Ciutadella or Maó better for a first visit to Menorca?
Ciutadella is the better first visit for the old town itself, with its medieval Gothic architecture and compact centre. Travellers report preferring Ciutadella as a base. Maó is worth a day for the harbour, museums and food.
How do you get from Maó to Ciutadella?
TMSA buses 1 and 14 run from Maó every 30 minutes, taking an hour via Alaior, Es Mercadel and Ferreries. By road, ME-1 is the island's spine route between them. Confirm current timetables locally.
Where should you stay in Menorca, Ciutadella or Maó?
Travellers report that Ciutadella is the preferred base, with Maó nice too but second choice. Ciutadella is suggested as a good base for the first part of a trip, using a car or public transport to access beaches.
Do you need a car in Menorca?
Travellers report that it is practically mandatory to rent a car in Menorca, and it is recommended if staying a little further out of centre. Note that you cannot pay a car rental deposit with a debit card; a credit card is required.
What is there to see in Ciutadella old town?
The Ciutadella Cathedral, Casa Olivar, Plaça d'Alfons III, Placa des Pins and Castell de Sant Nicolau are the core sights. Líthica (Pedreres de s'Hostal) and Naveta d'Es Tudons are nearby and worth the short trip.
Is Maó worth visiting if you are staying in Ciutadella?
Yes. Maó is the island capital with the second largest natural deep water port in the world, plus the Museu de Menorca and Trepucó. It is an easy day trip by bus or car.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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