Balear

About Balear

Balear suits travellers who want a straightforward, no-frills place to sleep within walking distance of Ciutadella's old town. The hotel is rated 4.1 out of 5 from 410 reviews, which suggests that guests find it clean and functional for the price. It works well for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the island rather than staying on site.

This is a one-star hotel with a bar or snack area, free WiFi and free car parking. The guest score indicates that the basics are done reliably. Breakfast is available, and the hotel provides luggage storage, a safe in the room and a concierge service. It is a budget option in a central location, not a resort with extensive facilities.

Location: Ciutadella

Balear is on Camí de Maó, about 0.6 km straight line from Ciutadella's old town. Ciutadella is the old capital of Menorca, with a cathedral, noble palaces and a narrow port known for its sunsets. The hotel is not on the beachfront; the nearest coves such as Cala Turqueta are about 9.4 km away by car. In high summer, the old town is busy with visitors, but the hotel's side street offers some quiet. In the shoulder months of May, June and September, Ciutadella is calmer and the streets are easier to walk.

From the hotel, you can walk to the port, the cathedral and the main squares in under 15 minutes. A hire car is useful for reaching the southern beaches and the Camí de Cavalls. The hotel has free on-site parking, which is an advantage in a town where street parking can be tight. For trips further afield, a taxi or a bus from Ciutadella's station covers the rest of the island.

Rooms and facilities

Rooms at Balear are listed with a fan, a TV, a refrigerator, a safe and a hairdryer. Toiletries and an iron and board are provided. The hotel does not list air conditioning, so guests travelling in July and August should confirm the cooling arrangements with the property directly. The rooms are non-smoking, and the hotel has a lounge area and a desk for those who need to work.

For families, the listed facilities include a refrigerator and a safe, which are useful for storing snacks and valuables. The hotel offers a laundry service and dry cleaning, which helps on longer stays. Late arrivals are possible with the express check-in option, but it is wise to inform the hotel of your expected arrival time. The property has a first aid kit and smoke detectors.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is about 35.3 km straight line from Balear. A taxi takes roughly 35-40 minutes by road. A hire car collected at the airport gives flexibility for the whole stay; the hotel has free parking. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and from Maó to Ciutadella, with more services in summer. In winter, flights and buses are fewer, so check the island bus operator for current timetables.

The ferry port at Ciutadella is about 0.6 km straight line from the hotel, so you can walk to the port in under 15 minutes. Maó port is 37.7 km straight line away, about a 40-minute drive. Ferries from Ciutadella go to Alcúdia on Mallorca and to Barcelona (overnight crossings). For those arriving by ferry from Barcelona or Mallorca, the hotel is a short walk from the port.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Ciutadella old town is 0.6 km straight line from Balear. You can walk to the cathedral, the port and the evening sunset views in a few minutes. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is 3.9 km straight line away, a short drive or a cycle ride. Cala Turqueta, a white-sand cove on the south coast, is 9.4 km straight line from the hotel; arrive early in summer as the car park fills quickly.

Cala Galdana, a larger sandy bay, is 12 km straight line away. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, are 21 km straight line from the hotel. The island's food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese with a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) from Fornells. You can find these in the restaurants of Ciutadella.

A day from Balear

Start the morning at Balear with the hotel's breakfast. Walk 0.6 km into Ciutadella old town to see the cathedral and the narrow streets around the port. From there, drive 3.9 km to the Naveta des Tudons, the prehistoric tomb that is one of Menorca's most recognisable monuments. The site is open to the public and takes about 30 minutes to visit.

In the afternoon, drive 9.4 km to Cala Turqueta for a swim. The cove is backed by pine trees and has fine white sand. Bring water and snacks, as there are no permanent facilities. Return to Ciutadella in the evening for a walk along the port at sunset. The hotel is a short walk back from the port, so you can leave the car parked.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check Balear's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with higher temperatures and more crowds at the coves. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of accommodation, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Balear