Ciutadella: Wake Up Steps from the Sea of Menorca

Pick your perfect booking option

Two ways to book this deal, the choice is yours:

• Option 1: book the deal with your selected board basis and accommodation.
• Option 2: book the deal with your selected board basis, accommodation, plus return ferry transport to Menorca.

Prefer to travel your own way or have everything sorted in one go, it’s up to you. If you choose the ferry option, you’ll find all the details below.

• Please note: if you book this deal without the ferry, transport to Menorca will need to be arranged independently.

Relax in the tranquillity of Menorca

Fancy a holiday where the sea and tranquillity surround you? Menorca is the perfect destination to unwind and experience the authentic Mediterranean. Its crystal-clear coves, natural landscapes and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal island for couples and families alike.

During your stay, you can alternate beach days in spectacular coves with strolls through charming towns or walks along the coast. And, of course, take the opportunity to discover the local cuisine, with traditional products that capture the essence of the island.

The perfect place to combine relaxation, nature and unforgettable experiences.

Apartaments Cales de Ponent: Menorca a short stroll from the cove

Towel over your shoulder, flip-flops on and, just a few minutes' walk later, you're on Santandria beach, a small cove of white sand and crystal-clear water on Menorca's west coast. That's how days begin at Apartaments Cales de Ponent, with no car and no rush.

Back from the sea, your renovated apartment is waiting, with a balcony or terrace to dry off in the sun. And if you fancy a change of scene, Cala Blanca and Sa Caleta beaches are close by too.

When the sun is at its peak, the pool with its sun terrace and children's area takes over, with the bar right beside it for a cocktail or an ice cream. As evening falls, the equipped kitchen in your apartment lets you dine at your own pace, or the bus takes you to Ciutadella's old town, just 2 km away.

Few places in the area combine a cove within walking distance, a pool and renovated apartments with your own kitchen. Book now and enjoy Menorca on your own terms.

Important Information About Your Ferry to Menorca

• Departures are available from Barcelona. During the booking process, you’ll be able to check the approximate ferry schedules.
• Together with your travel documents, we’ll send you all the details regarding both the departure and arrival ports.
• Please note that all ferry crossings operate overnight, so you’ll arrive on the island the following morning.
• As a result, hotel check-in will be available from midday onwards. Until then, you won’t have access to your room or hotel facilities to rest, so we recommend planning your arrival in advance.

Information About the Ferry Company

• The ferry crossing is usually operated by Trasmed.
• However, for operational reasons, the route may also be operated by GNV, another company covering the same crossings.
• The final ferry operator will be confirmed directly at the port on the day of departure.
• This will not affect your booking or the services included. The ferry company may simply assign the vessel according to operational needs to ensure the crossing operates smoothly.

How Does the Board Basis Work?

• If you book Bed & Breakfast, your stay will begin with breakfast the following morning.
• If you book Half Board, your stay will begin with dinner on the first day.

Important information about port taxes

The ferry price does not include the mandatory port taxes, which must be paid separately.

Applicable fees from Barcelona to any of the three islands:

• Passengers (adults, children and babies): €1.17 per person
• Car: €4.50 per vehicle
• Van: €9 per vehicle
• Motorbike: €2.02 per vehicle

How to make your booking

• Reservation details

When completing your booking, enter the first and last names of every traveller exactly as they appear on the passport or other valid travel document (confirm with your embassy if needed). This step is essential to ensure your travel documents are issued correctly and without delays.

• What documents are required to travel?

Contact your embassy and the embassy of the destination country to confirm which travel documents are required.

Start this process early, as certain procedures may take time.

• How will you receive your travel documents?

Your final travel documents will be sent by email up to 48 hours before departure, printing them is mandatory.

At the port, present the printed documents together with the Travel Document of all passengers, without these documents boarding will not be permitted.

Bring your car and travel with total freedom

Want to explore the island at your own pace? You can easily add your vehicle to the ferry during the booking process.

• Start your booking: choose your preferred dates, number of nights and room type.
• Personalise your trip in the “Add-ons” section: after the first step, you’ll reach the extras page where you can select “Vehicle boarding” and check the price.
• Ready to go: add it to your booking and secure your car’s place on board the ferry.

More freedom, more comfort and no limits during your holiday.

Ciutadella de Menorca: the former aristocratic capital of palaces, horses and pirate legends

The capital of Menorca until the arrival of the British in the 18th century, Ciutadella retains an intimate, aristocratic atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the island. Its cobbled marès stone streets, noble palaces and narrow natural harbour reveal centuries of resistance, ancient rituals and prehistoric heritage:

• The "Year of the Disaster" and its obelisk: In July 1558, an Ottoman fleet carrying 15,000 men, led by the corsair Pialí Bajá, besieged the city for eight days, devastating it and enslaving almost its entire population of around 4,000. The imposing obelisk in Plaça des Born commemorates that heroic resistance.

• The capital moved for military reasons: Ciutadella was the island's historic capital from medieval times until 1722, when the British governor Richard Kane moved it to Maó to take advantage of its vast, deep natural harbour, which offered greater military value than Ciutadella's narrow port.

• Europe's oldest intact building: A few kilometres from the city centre stands Naveta des Tudons, a collective tomb from the Talayotic culture, shaped like an upturned boat and dating from 1200 BC. It is considered the oldest surviving building on the European continent.

• The rissaga weather phenomenon: The city's long, extremely narrow harbour occasionally experiences sudden changes in sea level caused by abrupt shifts in atmospheric pressure. Within minutes, the water can drain from the harbour, leaving boats stranded, then rush back in and flood the quays.

• The medieval ritual of Sant Joan: Every 23 and 24 June, the city returns to the 14th century for celebrations in which purebred Menorcan horses take centre stage, performing the bot, or rearing up on their hind legs, amid the crowds. They are guided by the caixers, who represent the historic social estates of nobility, clergy, artisans and farmers.

Our recommendation:

• A dawn stroll through Ses Voltes: Wander beneath the limestone arcades of Josep Maria Quadrado before the shops open. It's the perfect time to admire the façades of former noble palaces such as Can Saura and Palacio Salort in peace.

• Sunset at Punta Nati: Visit this lighthouse in a rocky, lunar landscape north of Ciutadella. It's one of the most spectacular places in the Mediterranean to watch the sun set, with views of Mallorca on clear days.

• Lobster stew by the harbour: Walk down the Sa Muradeta slope to the old harbour and try authentic Menorcan lobster stew at one of its historic restaurants overlooking the boats.

Menorca is the calmest of the Balearic Islands, a place of turquoise coves, pine forests that run right down to the sea and whitewashed villages that still feel wonderfully unhurried. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island has kept its natural beauty and its authentic character, far from the crowds of its busier neighbours.

It's the perfect choice for families and couples who want to slow down: lazy mornings on the beach, long walks along the coast and sunset dinners by the harbour.

Make sure you visit:

Start in Ciutadella, the former capital, where arcaded streets lead to a Gothic cathedral and a pretty harbour that comes alive in the evening. From there, cross the island to Maó, the current capital, set on one of the largest natural harbours in the world; the drive takes around 45 minutes.

On the way, stop at the Naveta des Tudons, a prehistoric burial monument more than 3,000 years old, and climb up to Monte Toro, the island's highest point, for views over the whole of Menorca.

Beaches we think you'll like:

The south coast is famous for its postcard coves. Cala Macarella and its little sister Macarelleta have white sand and turquoise water framed by cliffs and pine trees, while Cala Mitjana is a peaceful spot for a day surrounded by nature.

If you're travelling with children, Cala Galdana has calm, shallow water and everything you need close by. In the north, Cala Pregonda surprises with its reddish-golden sand and crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling.

Family-friendly activities:

Some stretches of the Camí de Cavalls, the old path that circles the island, are short and easy enough for little legs, with a new cove waiting at every bend. A boat trip along the south coast is another favourite: you'll see caves and beaches you can't reach on foot.

Near Ciutadella, the old sandstone quarries of Lithica have been turned into gardens and labyrinths that children love to explore. And in the calm bay of Fornells, kayaking is easy even for beginners.

Local delicacies you have to try:

Menorca's signature dish is caldereta de langosta, a rich lobster stew best enjoyed in a harbourside restaurant in Fornells. For something simpler, order a plate of Mahón-Menorca cheese drizzled with olive oil, or try oliaigua, a traditional vegetable soup.

As the sun goes down, do as the locals do and order a pomada, a refreshing mix of Menorcan gin and lemonade.

Make the most of your visit:

Menorca is small enough to explore from end to end, so it's worth hiring a car for a few days. These are our favourite trips from Maó:

• Binibeca Vell (15 minutes): a picturesque fishing village of white houses and narrow lanes by the sea.
• Fornells (30 minutes): a charming harbour famous for its lobster stew.
• Es Grau and S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park (15 minutes): protected wetlands for birdwatching and easy walks.
• Ciutadella (45 minutes): the island's elegant former capital, perfect for an evening stroll.