Mahon and Ciutadella are great cities in Menorca for a holiday without a car, as they have the best public transport options to explore the island. If you are looking for a more typical tourist destination, then Cala en Blanes and Cala en Bosch are the more complete holiday areas, with many restaurants, bars and things to see in the area.
Mahon
Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is great for budget travellers who want to visit Menorca without a car and also want a sunny city trip experience. This place is excellent if you want an authentic Spanish city trip experience with many tapas and history. Mahon is also pretty budget-friendly compared to other holiday destinations on the island. The only drawback here is that there is no real beach, but there are several rocky swimming options, and you can quickly reach beaches outside of the city by bus.
Mahon is a great place for couples and solo travellers to stay, but I would not advise it for families with young children as there is little to do here for them.
- Mahon has the biggest and best-connected bus terminus on the island, so you can easily explore by public transport.
- Lots of markets, culture, museums and history to explore in the city centre.
- Yellow Catamarans to explore the harbour of Mahon.
- Many direct buses from the local bus terminus to the most popular areas in Menorca.
- For the West of Menorca, you will have to transfer by bus in Ciutadella.
- The only area on the island with a direct connection to the airport bus public transport.
Sindic Hotel Boutique and Hotel Sant Roc are great hotels for adults, friends, and couples who want to be in a central location close to everything Mahon has to offer and the bus terminus to explore the rest of the island.
Ciutadella
Ciutadella used to be the capital but has now been replaced by Mahon. Like Mahon, it has plenty of culture and history, but unlike Mahon, it also has a beach. In the marina area, you find excellent seafood and tapas restaurants.
This area is excellent for couples, solo travellers, and adults, but I would not recommend it for families with young children.
- Most areas in the West of Menorca can easily be reached by bus.
- You will have to transfer by bus in Mahon for destinations in the North of the islands.
- Several beaches can easily be walked to or reached with a quick bus ride.
- Many boat trips along the coastline leave from here.
- To get here from the airport, booking a seat on the shuttle bus or a taxi in advance is best.
Cheap & Chic is a great budget-friendly hotel close to everything in Ciutadella. The bus terminus is only 100 meters away, so you can easily explore the rest of the island. If you also want a pool, Ferrer Skyline is a great option, or Seth Port de Ciutadella if you want to be close to the beach.
Cala en Blanes
Cala en Blanes, just like Cala en Bosch, is one o the more complete holiday destinations in Menorca, with lots of restaurants, bars, nightlife and entertainment.
Cala en Blanes is especially great for families and children.
- The area is not too big so 4 different beaches and the centre of town with lots of nightlife, restaurants, bars and entertainment are all within walking distance.
- Aqua Center Waterpark here is a great day out for younger children.
- The area is overall pretty walkable for most people.
- Gokart rental is available to explore the area.
- Boat trips to explore the coastline, go snorkelling and visit beaches can be joined in Ciutadella.
- Many bus tours to explore the island leave from here.
- Getting here from the airport is difficult by public transport. It is best to book a seat on the shuttle bus or a taxi in advance.
For a great hotel for families in an excellent location close to everything, choose the Globales Los Delfines.
Cala en Bosch
Cala en Bosch is one of the more complete holiday destinations in Menorca. So it has lots of restaurants, bars and different beaches. Also, this area comes to life in the evening with lots of live shows and performances.
Cala en Bosch is a great holiday destination for both couples and families.
- Aquarock Water Park and the karting track are located here.
- Several beaches are within walking and hiking distance.
- Most restaurants and bars are grouped together around the marina, making it easy to explore on foot.
- Kayak and paddle boat rental for exploring the coastline.
- Boat trips to Ciutadella and for exploring the coastline.
- Many bus tours to explore the island and attractions can be joined from here easily.
- The area is easily walkable.
- Getting here from the airport by taxi is expensive and by bus is difficult. It is best to book a seat on the shuttle bus or a taxi in advance.
For adults and couples, Lago Resort Menorca Casas del Lago is close to the marina and the beach. Carema Beach is ideal for those who want to be next to the beach. Marsenses Paradise Club is great for families with children and is a short walk away from everything.
