Hostal La Isla

About Hostal La Isla

Hostal La Isla suits travellers who want a simple, central base in Maó, Menorca's capital. The one-star guesthouse sits on a side street in the old town, within walking distance of the harbour and the main shopping streets. It works for solo visitors, couples on a budget or anyone arriving late by ferry or plane, given the 24-hour front desk.

This is a no-frills hostal (guesthouse) with a one-star rating. Rooms are listed with air conditioning, a TV and a desk. Free WiFi is available throughout. The property has a lift, luggage storage and a safe at reception. There is no pool or on-site restaurant, but the town centre is a short walk away.

Location: Maó (Mahón)

Hostal La Isla is on carrer Santa Catalina in Maó, 0.3 km straight line from the town centre and 0.4 km from the port. Maó sits above a natural harbour about 5 km long, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. The streets around the guesthouse are a mix of shops, cafés and Georgian-era buildings left from the 18th-century British period. The harbour front is a few minutes' walk downhill, with boat trips and ferry terminals.

In high summer (July and August) Maó is busy but less frantic than the coastal resorts. The guesthouse is on a quiet street, so noise is limited. In spring and autumn the town is calmer, and many restaurants and shops stay open year-round. A car is not needed for the centre, but a hire car helps to reach the coves on the south coast, which are 5-10 km away by road.

Rooms and facilities

The guesthouse lists rooms with air conditioning, a desk, a TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower. Toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Free WiFi is available in the rooms. The property has a lift, which helps with luggage on the upper floors. A cot can be requested for families with babies.

For late arrivals, the 24-hour front desk and luggage storage are useful. There is a safe at reception for valuables. Housekeeping is daily. The rooms are basic and functional, not designed for extended stays. Confirm with the property whether the room has a street view or a quieter interior aspect.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 5.2 km straight line from Hostal La Isla. A taxi takes about 10-15 minutes. The airport bus runs to Maó bus station, about 0.5 km from the guesthouse; in summer there are also direct buses to the resorts. A hire car collected at the airport is convenient for exploring the island, but parking in central Maó is limited and paid.

The port of Maó is 0.4 km straight line from the guesthouse, a walk of about 5 minutes. Ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive here. Es Castell is 2.2 km away, Sant Lluís 4.4 km. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer; check the schedules with the operators. The guesthouse is walkable from the bus station and the port.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beaches are on the south coast, about 5-8 km by road: Cala Macarella, Cala Galdana and Son Bou (the longest beach on the island, with dunes and a wetland). These coves have white sand and clear water, but car parks fill early in summer. A boat trip round Maó harbour (0.4 km straight line) is a good alternative to a beach day. La Mola fortress (3.8 km straight line) guards the harbour mouth and offers views.

S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park (6.9 km straight line) is the core of the Biosphere Reserve, with a lagoon, dunes and birdwatching. The Camí de Cavalls coastal path runs past it. In Maó itself, the main sights are the harbour, the 18th-century churches and the gin distilleries. Mahón-Menorca cheese (with protected designation of origin) is sold in local shops.

A day from Hostal La Isla

Start the morning with a walk down to Maó harbour, 0.4 km straight line from Hostal La Isla. The fish market and the portside cafés are open by 8.00. Take a boat trip round the harbour (departures from the main quay) to see the 5 km long inlet, the cliffs and the 19th-century La Mola fortress at the mouth. The trip lasts about an hour.

After lunch in town, drive or take a bus to S'Albufera des Grau (6.9 km straight line). Walk the trails around the lagoon and watch for herons and cormorants. In the late afternoon, head back to Maó for a stroll through the old streets around the guesthouse. Evening options include a harbour-side dinner or a drink at a portside bar. The 24-hour front desk means no rush to return.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check with Hostal La Isla for its opening dates. July and August are the peak months, with higher demand and more crowds at the coves. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; rates vary by season and category, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the Govern de les Illes Balears site for the current rate.

Questions about Hostal La Isla