Es Cavall

About Es Cavall

Es Cavall is a 2-star hotel in Ciutadella, the old capital of Menorca. It suits travellers who want a straightforward, affordable base within walking distance of the town centre and its harbour. The hotel has lifts, under ten floors and self-parking, so it works for those arriving by hire car. The address is on Lleida 68-74, a short distance from the historic quarter.

This is a no-frills stay rather than a resort experience. There is no beachfront and no on-site pool or restaurant listed, so the focus is on exploring the island during the day and returning to a simple room in the evening. Ciutadella provides the setting: a cathedral, palaces and a narrow port known for sunsets. The hotel is a practical choice for couples and families who plan to spend most of their time out and about.

Location: Ciutadella

Es Cavall sits in the residential streets of Ciutadella, about 0.9 km straight line from the old town. The cathedral, the palaces and the port are within a short walk, so you can reach the main sights without a car. The area is quiet at night, which suits travellers who prefer to sleep away from the busiest lanes. The harbour is the place for evening strolls and sunset views, and the old town has a range of shops and cafés.

The hotel is not on the beach. The nearest sandy coves are on the south coast: Cala Turqueta is about 9.5 km straight line, and Cala Galdana about 12 km. These require a car, a taxi or the summer bus. In high season, the car parks at the popular coves fill early, so an early start helps. In the shoulder months, from spring to late autumn, the roads are quieter and the coves are less crowded. Much of the island's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check the hotel's opening dates before booking.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel is a 2-star property with under ten floors and lifts, so it is a reasonable choice for guests who prefer not to climb stairs. Rooms are listed with basic facilities; there is no mention of air conditioning, a pool or a restaurant on site. For families, the lift and the central location are practical, but confirm the room size and bedding arrangement directly with the property. Late arrivals should check the reception hours, as smaller hotels often close the desk in the evening.

Self-parking is listed, which is useful for those exploring the island by hire car. Ciutadella's old town has narrow streets, so parking near the hotel may be easier than in the centre. The rooms are likely to be simple and functional, in line with the 2-star rating. If you need specific facilities such as a kettle, a fridge or a cot, ask the hotel when booking. The property does not list a guest score, so there is no independent rating to rely on; the decision will depend on your expectations for a budget stay.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is about 35.3 km straight line from Es Cavall. A taxi is the most direct option and takes around 40 minutes by road, depending on traffic. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts, but a connection to Ciutadella may require a change in Maó. A hire car is the most flexible choice, especially if you plan to visit the southern coves. The airport is about 4-5 km south-west of Maó, so the drive to Ciutadella crosses the island.

If you arrive by ferry, Maó port is about 37.6 km straight line from the hotel. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma dock there, and some services also call at Ciutadella. From Ciutadella port, the hotel is about 0.9 km straight line, a short taxi ride or a walk. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, so check schedules with the operators. The hotel's self-parking is a bonus if you pick up a car at the airport or the port.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Ciutadella old town is the closest attraction, at 0.9 km straight line. The cathedral and the palaces are the main sights, and the port is lined with restaurants and bars. The Naveta des Tudons, a boat-shaped prehistoric tomb, is about 3.7 km straight line from the hotel, an easy drive or a longer walk. This is one of Menorca's most famous Talayotic sites, part of the island's World Heritage listing since 2023.

For beaches, Cala Turqueta is about 9.5 km straight line, a white-sand cove under pines on the south coast. Cala Galdana is about 12 km straight line, a larger bay with a beach and facilities. Both are within a 20-30 minute drive. Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, the island's highest point at about 358 m, are about 20.8 km straight line. Mahón-Menorca cheese has a protected designation of origin, so look for it in local shops. The Camí de Cavalls, the historic bridleway around the coast, passes near some of these sights.

A day from Es Cavall

Start the day with a walk into Ciutadella's old town, about 0.9 km from the hotel. Visit the cathedral and the palaces before the heat builds, then take a coffee in a square. In the morning, drive to the Naveta des Tudons, 3.7 km away, to see the prehistoric tomb. From there, continue to Cala Turqueta, 9.5 km straight line, and arrive early to find parking. Swim in the clear water and walk the pine-shaded paths around the cove.

In the afternoon, head to Cala Galdana, 12 km straight line, for a longer beach and a lunch at one of the seasonal beach bars. The bay is a wide curve of sand, popular in summer. Return to Ciutadella in the late afternoon, park at the hotel, and walk back to the port for sunset. The harbour is known for its evening light, with boats and the old town as a backdrop. End the day with a simple dinner in the old town or near the port, then walk back to Es Cavall.

Practical tips

The tourist season on Menorca runs mainly from late spring to early autumn; much of the island's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Es Cavall for its opening dates. July and August are the peak months, with more crowds and higher demand for car parking at the coves. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax, the ecotasa, is charged by the accommodation per person per night; the rate varies by season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Es Cavall