From the airport to the city centre Minorca
Once you've arrived at Menorca airport, you can reach Maó town center in about 15 minutes by cab (cost €15/20) or rental car (there are several rental car agencies in the airport lobby). If you don't have a car and don't want to take a cab, the other option is to use public transport to reach Maó. In this case, you'll need to take the L10 municipal bus line, which stops directly on your left as you leave the airport. It takes 40 minutes to reach the bus station in downtown Maó. If you wish to reach Ciutadella by public transport, you'll first need to get to the Maó bus station, then take the L1 or L14 bus, which will take around 1 hour to cross the island.
Arrival by boat Minorca
If you arrive in Menorca by water and ferry, you'll arrive in either Maó or Ciutadella. In either case, if you've rented a car in advance, it's usually possible to ask the agency to deliver it to you at the port - a very common procedure. If you don't have a rental car, cabs are still an option: allow 10 minutes and around €10 to get to Maó from the port, and the same to get to Ciutadella from the port. A few municipal buses occasionally make the journey, but we advise you not to rely on them too much.
Public transport Minorca
Buses are everywhere, very economical, but not very comfortable in the middle of August. Some buses don't have air-conditioning and are often overcrowded at the height of the season. Tourist offices can give you all the information you need on routes, timetables, frequency and advantageous conditions of use (maps). Leaflets are also available at the main stops. Be careful if you're returning from the beach: drivers don't accept shirtless tourists..
Minorca mobility. With the aim of making it easier to visit Menorca by public transport, the island's government has recently increased the number of bus connections between towns/sites of tourist interest and facilitated direct access to the beaches. To find out more, visit the mou-tmenorca.com portal, where you can obtain your Mou-T ticket.
Bike, scooters & co Minorca
Scooters can be a good option for getting from beach to beach and town to town. Cycling may also be an option, but only on the scale of a town and its immediate surroundings. You'll need a mountain bike to explore the Camí de Cavalls.
With a driver Minorca
Cab fares are lower than in France, but beware of the various surcharges that can quickly drive up the price.
By car Minorca
Driving. Your French driving license is sufficient. The speed limit is 80 km/h on the road and 50 km/h in town. Seatbelts and helmets are compulsory for motorcycles and mopeds. Fines are high.
Parking. No parking on sidewalks or at bus stops. Police are particularly strict in some places. There are blue zones (pay zones) in all towns, as well as green zones reserved for residents. Under no circumstances should you park in these green spaces, as you risk having your vehicle impounded. The white ones are free (check that there are no timetables).
Roads. The general condition of the roads is good, although the smaller roads ( camins, for "paths") can sometimes be deadly: humidity falls at night and the roads, covered with dirt and dust, become a perfect slippery terrain. Some roads, which have become too narrow for the number of cars on them, are truly dangerous.
Some advice you can't ignore: the authorized blood alcohol level is 0.5 g per liter. This corresponds to two beers or two glasses of wine. It's also forbidden to drive under the effects of drugs, narcotics or other substances, and even after taking medication that may impair the physical or mental ability required to drive motor vehicles. So it's just like being at home, except that here the police aren't always very understanding with tourists.
Service stations. Generally speaking, you'll only find petrol in towns or at crossroads. So be careful how much you fill up, and don't hesitate to go to the pump early.
