Want to visit Menorca? Excellent idea, but here’s the question: Port Mahon or Ciutadella?
These 2 towns have a lot to offer: beaches, restaurants, markets, historical sites and ruins, nature…
Here’s my comparison with photos to help you decide: landscapes, conditions, beaches, activities…
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Menorca:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Menorca: DiscoverCars
My favourite sea activity: transparent kayak
My favourite excursion in Menorca: a half-day catamaran trip
My favorite places to stay:
- Cala’n Porter, close to the village of Alaior – my favourite hotel: Osprey Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
- Port Mahon, the most convenient for exploring – my favourite hotel: Catalonia Mirador or view top rated hotels
- Cala Galdana, the liveliest – my favourite hotel: Ilunion Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
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Port Mahon or Ciutadella? My quick answers
If you don’t want to read all the criteria and photos below in the article, here’s my general answer:
- If you want a wide variety of activities and plenty of charm, then head to Port Mahon
– See my tips to plan a wonderful trip - If you want beach vacations and cultural visits, go to Ciutadella
– See my tips to plan a great trip
I really enjoyed both, but my favorite is Port Mahon. Its natural harbor, typical restaurants, fish market, authentic craftsmen and boutiques, and the surrounding islands and coastal villages really won me over.
And here are my opinions on the various elements:
- The best beaches: Ciutadella
- The best landscapes: Port Mahon
- Top attractions: Ciutadella
- Climate: equivalent
- Culture: equivalent
- Gastronomy : Port Mahon
- Easy access: Port Mahon is closer to the airport, but ferries arrive directly at Ciuatadella from Barcelona and Mallorca.
Menorca’s 2 main towns are Ciutadella to the west and Port Mahon to the east. Here’s a map to help you find your way:
Best beaches – Ciutadella or Port Mahon?
Ciutadella definitely has a lot more sand and coves around than Port Mahon, so there’s a wider choice of beaches for you to choose from, even if they’re not in the town center.
Resort beaches
Port Mahon doesn’t have beaches in the city center either, but the nearest beaches aren’t exactly resorts. The best-known beaches near the capital are: Sa Mesquida and Cala Llonga less than 15min drive from the city. Otherwise, you’ll have to head for Cala’n Porter, Punta Prima, Binibeca or Son Bou, at least a 25-minute drive away, to enjoy some heavenly beaches.
Beaches close to Port Mahon are mainly on the northeast coast. Others are further south-east, with longer beaches and more space.
Ciutadella offers more beaches and coves (calas) to enjoy all the town’s porch tourist facilities (less than 15min by car) such as Cala Blanca, Cala en Bosch or Cala en Blanes. A little further afield, I enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Cala Galdana and its long sandy beach.
My favorite
My 2 favorite beaches in Menorca are Binibeca and Cala’n Porter in the south-east of Menorca, near Port Mahon. But if you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the big seaside resorts, their effervescence and the variety of water sports activities and attractions, whether you’re solo, a couple or a family, I’d advise you to head west to Ciutadella.
Need to rent a car in Menorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Which city has the best things to see?
The best things to see around Port Mahon
Port Mahon, Minorca’s capital since the 18th century, offers a wide variety of beautiful images to keep in mind:
- its natural harbour, the deepest in the world from the harbour lookouts,
- its surrounding islands, such as the sublime Illa del Rei or King’s Island, where epochs meet,
- its location on a 30m-high cliff and the view across to the other side of S’Altra Banda,
- an undeniable historical, cultural and architectural heritage,
- colorful buildings,
- its Main Theatre, the oldest opera house in Spain, designed in 1829 by an Italian architect,
- picturesque coastal villages just a 2-minute drive away, such as Es Castell,
- the charming inland postcard village of Alaior,
- hikes along the Cami de Cavalls to wild landscapes,
- walks in the Natural Park of s’Albufera des Grau,
- and of course some of the sand beaches mentioned in the previous section…
Top things to see around Ciutadella
Ciutadella, 2nd main town of Menorca, named “historic-artistic ” which will amaze you with :
- majestic monuments that have stood the test of time and occupation,
- more religious places in this city, seat of the Diocese of Menorca,
- the Lithica Botanical Garden, where mineral labyrinths and verdant nature meet,
- numerous caves carved into the rock,
- beautiful calas (or coves) where sea and forest meet,
- some heights close to the island’s highest point the Monte Toro,
- fincas for agrotourism in a chic, country atmosphere,
- the astonishing Pont d’En Gil, naturally formed by the rock above the sea
- pretty turquoise beaches like Cala Blanca overlooking the coast of Mallorca.
Winner
Because of the variety of landscapes and iconic Menorcan images, the winner is Port Mahon.
But I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by Ciutadella. It was much more interesting than I’d expected just from seeing photos.
The best option if you have 2 weeks would be 8 days in Port Mahon and 6 days in Ciutadella or something like that.
My favourite activity in Menorca
I highly recommend the Binibeca: guided transparent kayak tour.
In just 2 hours, you’ll experience an unforgettable moment: a glimpse of the turquoise waters without diving, in the magical coves, caves and beach of Binibeca.
Cultural attractions – which city offers the most?
Cultural activities in Port Mahon
Port Mahon’s cultural offer is very interesting. Find out more about :
- The history of the island at the Minorca Museum.
- An almost magical crossroads of nature, art and culture on the Illa del Rei
- The world of gin making at the famous Xoriguer distillery in Mahon – Learn more
- The Mercat des Peix or fish market, an institution in Mahon near the port
- Artisanal soap-making at the charming Sensacions store in Menorca
- The city’s colorful and unique architecture, with its characterful portals and monuments
- The legacy of occupations at the Minorca Military Museum in a former barracks
- Local culture, crafts and terroir through markets (night markets, flea markets, antique markets).
- Traditional festivities featuring horses, an ancient breed on the island with a black coat and slender gait.
Cultural activities in Ciutadella
To the west of the island, on the Ciutadella side, you can admire :
- Ciutadella’s Episcopal Palace and its magnificent cloister
- Santa Maria de Ciutadella Cathedral in the heart of the old town
- The ethnographic and archaeological collection of the Palacio Can Saura Museum
- The imposing Plaça d’Es Born with its central obelisk and view of the medieval citadel
- Its fishing and commercial port has been the city’s nerve center since the 1st century AD.
- The Punta Nati lighthouse in a deserted spot with the allure of the end of the world
- The charming inland villages like Ferreries
- Menorca’s vineyards and the history of wine
- The island’s natural open-air museography with ruins and archaeological sites – Find out more.
Activities: sports, fun, thrills
Both cities offer excellent activities to keep you busy. Here are a few suggestions:
Activities I recommend in Port Mahon
Port Mahon offers several activities, most of which are suitable for families:
- You can take an excursion to Binibeca, its white village and turquoise-water beach, and Port Mahon with catamaran and pick-up – see program and availability
- Departing from Port Mahon, you can opt for a day cruise along Menorca’s north coast, passing through Sa Mesquida Bay and the S’Albufera d’Es Grau Nature Park – see program and availability
- Board a transparent kayak for an unforgettable sea cave experience – Reserve your spot
- Did you know that Mahon’s natural harbor is the deepest in the world? The opportunity to visit it on a cruise ship with underwater views – Book your place
- Just a 30min drive from Port Mahon, let yourself be tempted by a baptism diving on Fornells Bay in Menorca’s Marine Reserve, protected since 1999 to preserve the coastline, or treat yourself to a 3h boat tour – View options
- If you want to enjoy the slides and giant pools of family water parks 15min drive from Port Mahon, in the south-east of the island is Splash Sur Menorca – more info here.
Activities I recommend in Ciutadella
In Ciutadella, you’ll find :
- A private sailing excursion with mask, snorkel and kayak along the beaches and coves west of Menorca – View options
- Take a guided walking tour of Ciutadella with gastronomic discovery of Menorca’s terroir – Book your place
- Explore the celestial world and stargaze with a Spanish guide – See program and availability
- A little further along the southwest coast, discover the Cami de Cavalls on a horseback ride discovering the coves or on a horseback riding at Cala Fustam
- Enjoy the water parks on the west side of the island at Aquarock Menorca (more info here) and Aqua Center Menorca (more info here).
Climate
Let’s take a look at the travel conditions you can expect in the 2 cities.
Being very close to each other, there aren’t many differences, with the exception of accommodation.
- The climate is generally Mediterranean.
- The weather is hot and dry in summer and spring, milder and wetter in autumn and winter.
- The shortest day of the year still has 9 hours of sunshine.
- November is the rainiest month of the year.
- Both cities experience somewhat cloudy days, but the sun is always out.
- In winter, we can expect daytime temperatures of around 14°C to 20°C, and sea temperatures around 15°C.
- In summer, daytime temperatures rise to between 28°C and 35°C.
See my article on when to go to Menorca (coming soon).
Best hotels
Both towns have a very good range of hotels. But I prefer the hotels in Ciutadella. The buildings and the welcome are very warm in both towns, and some hotels are located in old buildings with character. You’ll also find some great resorts and, above all, fincas (former agricultural estates) transformed into agrotourism sites.
Best hotels in Port Mahon
See my selection of best hotels in Port Mahon.
Best hotels in Ciutadella
See my selection of best hotels in Ciutadella.
Where to stay in Menorca?
I recommend staying either close to one of the 2 main towns, Ciutadella or Port Mahon, or in one of the charming little villages all over the island. You’ll enjoy good restaurants, typical markets and their picturesque atmosphere. For example, you could opt for:
- Hotel Gran Melia Villa Le Blanc Hotel in Santo Tomas – View photos & availability
- Hotel Catalonia Mirador des Port, overlooking the natural harbour of Mahon – View photos & availabilities
- Hotel Smoix Hotel, in the old town of Ciutadella – View photos and availability
Gastronomic offer
Port Mahon and Ciutadella have a good choice of restaurants, reflecting Menorca’s authenticity and charm. Culinary discovery is an integral part of travel and the experience. And eating well, even on vacation, is essential in my opinion. It’s also how I discover the destination. And I was delighted that the terroir of this Baméares island is so rich and fine. Fish, seafood, wine, craft beer, olives, olive oil, traditional desserts such as “ensaimada” or “pastisets”, lobster soup, Menorca gin (IGP) or hand-crafted Xoriguer gin, Mahón-Menorca raw-milk cheese made with ancestral know-how… Don’t worry, you’ll be spoilt for choice wherever you are on the island.
In fact, I invite you to discover my article on the best tables in Menorca that I unearthed for you during my stay.
Driving in Port Mahon and Ciutadella (Menorca)
Driving in the 2 cities is not very difficult.
The roads are tarmac and in fairly good condition. You drive on the right.
See my photos on the driving in Menorca.
Nearby island: Majorca
From some spots near Ciutadella, I caught a glimpse of the coastline of Menorca’s big sister, Majorca.
From the port of Ciutadella on Menorca, you can reach the Port of Alcudia on Majorca with several crossings a day.
Feel free to consult ferry schedules.
If you’re already in Mallorca, you can also opt for a day trip to Menorca by boat, whose itinerary includes Ciutadella – see program and availability.
Combination – Port Mahon and Ciutadella
As I said earlier, a good idea is to combine Port Mahon and Ciutadella in a single trip to Menorca. You’ll then have an overview of the island’s wealth and gems. Alternatively, 1 week each or more than a week in each city is also an option if your stay is shorter.
It’s fairly easy to get from one town to the next via the main Me-1 highway:
- by bus
- by rental car
- by scooter
- by private transport
Other option: Day excursions
The other option is to book a day trip to the other city, just to get a snapshot and maybe come back on another trip. For example:
- Take a guided walking tour of Ciutadella with gastronomic discovery of Menorca’s terroir – Find out more
- Take an excursion to Binibeca, its white village and turquoise-water beach, and Port Mahon with catamaran and pick-up – Find out more
Plan your trip to Menorca:
Best-of:
- 35 best things to do in Menorca
- Menorca’s most beautiful landscapes
- Menorca’s most beautiful villages and towns
- Best beaches in Menorca
- Menorca hidden gems
- Best museums in Menorca
- Best caves
- Best calas
- Markets in Menorca
- Best restaurants
Useful tips:
- Where to stay in Menorca
- Best luxury hotels in Menorca
- Best family hotels in Menorca
- Best boutique hotels
- Tips for driving in Menorca
- Renting a car in Menorca
- My itineraries in Menorca – coming soon
- Road trip in Menorca – coming soon
Towns:
- Port Mahon: Things to do – Best hotels
- Ciutadella: Things to do – Best hotels
All my advice in this article was put into words with the help of Myriam.
