THE TWO SIDES OF MENORCA
Updated: Sep 15
Menorca has two cities worth getting properly lost in: Maó and Ciutadella.
They’re less than an hour apart, but they couldn’t feel more different.
Maó is bigger, more urban and slightly more British. Ciutadella is compact, historic and seriously cute. One has the harbour; the other has the old town. Both have excellent food, good architecture and enough bars to make you forget what time it is.
Start in Maó, Menorca’s eastern capital, where the harbour is basically the city’s heart. It’s one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and the best way to experience it is slowly: coffee first, exploring later.
The old town is a mix of British colonial influence, traditional Menorcan architecture and colourful façades, with little streets opening onto unexpected squares. Made for wandering, with small shops, cafés, bars and some seriously good-looking buildings. Don’t be in too much of a hurry. Maó rewards a bit of aimless walking.
Harbour life, good architecture & long lunches
And then there’s the food...
The Mercat de Pescados is a must stop for a browse & a snack. Think fresh seafood, local produce and the kind of casual grazing that can very easily turn into lunch.
Of course, you can’t come to Maó without trying mahón cheese. The island’s famous DOP cheese is slightly salty, wonderfully creamy and pretty much perfect with a glass of wine and some good bread. Menorca knows how to do simple things very, very well.
If Maó feels open and maritime, Ciutadella feels intimate. The old town is a maze of narrow streets, limestone buildings, little boutiques and hidden courtyards.
The historic centre is full of architectural details worth slowing down for — carved stone doorways, colourful shutters, elegant palaces and centuries-old buildings that somehow still feel completely relevant.
Old stone, secret courtyards & aperitivo energy
Ciutadella is also where you’ll find some of the island’s best interior-design eye candy. Traditional houses and restored buildings often mix rough stone walls with contemporary furniture, linen, ceramics and minimal lighting.
The look is rustic without being rustic-y, stylish and chic. Very Mediterranean, very relaxed.
And then there are the courtyards. Look through open doorways whenever you can — many of Ciutadella’s old houses hide gorgeous patios filled with plants, stone arches and quiet little corners. It’s one of the city’s best-kept visual pleasures.
Then get lost in the old town and find somewhere for dinner.
No itinerary required
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