Discover Menorca: A Self-Guided Journey

Discover Menorca: A Self-Guided Journey

By CloudGuide S.L

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
8h 30m
Mobile voucher
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Overview

Discover Menorca, the quieter Balearic gem, with our self-guided tour that lets you explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve island at your own pace. Begin in Ciudadella, the medieval former capital on the western coast, where Carthaginian, Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history unfold along stone streets and whitewashed facades. Explore the Plaça des Born, then enter the 13th-century Catalan Gothic cathedral built on a former mosque. Visit the Naveta des Tudons, Europe's oldest roofed building dating to 1200 BCE, and the extraordinary Talayotic archaeological sites recognised as UNESCO World Heritage in 2023. Walk the ancient Ses Voltes porticoed streets where artisan leather sandal makers (avarcas) have operated for generations. Descend to Ciudadella's intimate narrow-inlet harbour for fresh seafood and the famous caldereta de langosta lobster stew. Discover pristine turquoise beaches accessible only on foot, Cala Macarella, Cala Turqueta, and the red-sand Cala Pregonda on the north coast.

Activity location

Placa des Born
- Ciutadella, Spain

Meeting/Redemption Point

Plaça des Born
- Plaça des Born
- 07760, Ciutadella, Illes Balears, Spain

Check availability

Discover Menorca: A Self-Guided Journey

8h 30m
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

€6.99 x 1 Adult€6.99

Total

What's included, what's not

Self-guided walking tour (app)
Digital Map
Access to the audio guide for 54 Ciutadella and Menorca attractions and hidden spots.
Private transport
Entrance fees, in-person guide, headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals

Know before you book

Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transport options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Placa des Born

Ciudadella, called 'Vella i Bella' (Old and Beautiful), was Menorca's capital for centuries until the British transferred it to Mahón in 1713. The Plaça des Born is the ceremonial heart, dominated by a 15-meter obelisk erected in 1857 commemorating the catastrophic 1558 Ottoman Turkish attack when Piali Pasha's fleet killed 3,500 residents and enslaved 3,452 more. Surrounding 19th-century palatial buildings include Palau Torresaura, Can Salort, and Palau de Torre-Saura. The Town Hall incorporates elements of a former Moorish alcázar. The mirador offers views over the port. Every June 23-24, the Festes de Sant Joan transforms the plaza with the Jaleo procession.

Cathedral Basilica of Ciutadella de Menorca

The Cathedral of Santa Maria was built 1287-1362 in Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque, immediately after King Alfonso III of Aragon conquered Menorca from Islamic rulers. The single nave rises 23 metres to the vaulted ceiling. Damaged in the 1558 Ottoman attack and subsequently rebuilt over centuries. The nearby Roser Church displays the finest Baroque facade on Menorca, constructed from local sea stone. The cathedral remains the seat of the Diocese of Menorca.

Ses Voltes (The Arches)

The barrel-vaulted stone porticoes of Ses Voltes ('the vaults') form Ciudadella's main pedestrian artery, connecting Plaça des Born to Plaça Nova through cool, shaded passages. Traditional craft shops sell avarcas — the iconic Menorcan leather sandals dating to peasant farming tradition, now exported worldwide. Artisan jewellers work in silver and semiprecious stones. The medieval Catalan street layout features narrow defensive lanes, whitewashed walls, and wrought-iron balconies displaying Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements.

Puerto Antiguo de Ciutadella de Menorca

Ciudadella's narrow-inlet harbour presents a dramatically different character from Mahón's vast 5.5-kilometer harbour — this intimate medieval port is perhaps 200 metres wide with steep sides rising directly to the upper town. Stone steps connect the plaza level to waterfront restaurants built into the cliff face. The port serves as the departure point for boat excursions to south coast beaches including Cala Macarella and Cala Galdana. The sunset views facing west over the Mediterranean make this one of Menorca's most atmospheric evening destinations.

Naveta des Tudons (Pass by)

The most famous prehistoric monument on Menorca, this pre-Talayotic funerary building dates to 1200-750 BCE and is claimed as the oldest roofed building in Europe. The boat-shaped structure (naveta = 'small boat') measures 14 metres long, 6.4 metres wide, and 4.2 metres high. When excavated by archaeologist Maria Lluïsa Serra in 1959, over 100 skeletal remains were found with bronze bracelets, bone buttons, and ceramic vessels. Located 5 kilometres east of Ciudadella. Part of the Talayotic Menorca UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 2023.

Necropolis de Cala Morell

On the north coast near Ciudadella, 14 burial caves carved into the vertical limestone cliff face between 1600-800 BCE represent some of the most elaborate pre-Talayotic funerary architecture in the Mediterranean. Some caves contain carved interior pillars, windows, and niches. The cove below features distinctive rock formations including the famous 'elephant rock' and turquoise swimming waters accessible by kayak for underwater cave exploration.

Líthica, Pedreres de s'Hostal (Pass by)

Abandoned sandstone quarries outside Ciudadella transformed into a botanical garden and cultural venue by the Lithica non-profit foundation since 1994. The honey-colored marès stone quarried here built Ciudadella's historic buildings. Medieval sections show hand-tool marks while modern sections display geometric machine-cut walls up to 25 metres deep. A labyrinth garden of native Mediterranean plants fills the quarry floor. Summer concerts (July-September, €15-25) use the natural amphitheatre acoustics.

Cala Macarella

Menorca's most iconic beach pair on the south coast. Cala Macarella stretches 130 metres with turquoise water, white sand, and limestone cliffs rising 30 metres. Car access prohibited June-September since 2019 — take bus 69 from Ciudadella (20 minutes) or hike 50 minutes from Cala Galdana. A 10-minute cliff path east leads to Cala Macarelleta, its 40-meter 'little sister' beach that's more secluded and popular with naturists. The water clarity results from Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows.

Cala Turqueta

Named for its vivid turquoise waters, this 110-meter south coast beach surrounded by pine forest was the first on Menorca to implement formal visitor capacity limits. Free parking fills early in summer and the access road closes when full. A 15-minute walk through shaded pine forest reaches the beach. No facilities — bring everything you need. The shallow entry makes it family-friendly. Part of the Camí de Cavalls coastal trail network. Late afternoon provides the best light for the water's spectacular colour.

Pont d'en Gil

West of Ciudadella, the Pont d'en Gil natural limestone sea arch stands approximately 15 metres high, formed by millennia of wave erosion. Accessible by a 45-90 minute coastal path with swimming and snorkelling below in calm conditions. Continue south to Cap d'Artrutx lighthouse, built in 1858 at Menorca's southwestern tip, 45 metres above sea level. Watch the sun set directly into the Mediterranean from waterfront restaurants — the perfect conclusion to your Ciudadella exploration. On clear days, Mallorca's mountains are visible 35 kilometres across the channel.

Location

Activity location

Placa des Born
- Ciutadella, Spain

Meeting/Redemption Point

Plaça des Born
- Plaça des Born
- 07760, Ciutadella, Illes Balears, Spain

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