Líthica Menorca: how to Visit the Pedreres de s’Hostal
Lithica (also spelled Líthica) is a former marés quarry on the outskirts of Ciutadella that has been converted into a garden, mazes, and an outdoor cultural space.
Las Pedreres de s'Hostal are located on Camí Vell, km 1, just a few minutes from the historic center, and are a great way to spend a morning exploring local heritage before a relaxing afternoon at Cala Santandria.
Below, we’ll provide you with the most up-to-date information so you can plan your visit.
Lithica at a Glance
Fact | Information 2026 | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
Location | Camí Vell, km 1, 07760 Ciutadella (Pedreres de s'Hostal) | It’s just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Ciutadella |
General admission | 10 € (reduced rate 7 €; children under 15, free with family admission) | Free admission for children |
Duration | About 90 minutes | Ideal for a morning or late afternoon |
Hours from April through October | Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until closing (between 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., depending on the month); Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | In the summer, you can go first thing in the morning or as the light fades |
Hours from November through March | From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily; closed in January | In winter, visits are in the morning |
Tickets | Only at tickets.lithica.es (official sales) | From April through October, online purchases are required for morning visits |
Pets | Allowed, on a leash | You can bring your dog |
Parking | On-site, limited capacity | Best to avoid peak hours |
What is Lithica and why is it worth visiting?
Lithica is the cultural project; the Pedreres de s’Hostal are the quarries where it is located. During the 19th and 20th centuries, marés stone, the calcareous sandstone used to build much of Menorca’s traditional architecture, was quarried here—first by hand and later with machinery. The quarry ceased operations in 1994.
After it closed, a group of stone enthusiasts and the sculptor Laetitia Sauleau founded the Lithica Cultural Society to preserve the site and put it to artistic use. The name comes from the Greek lithos, meaning “stone.” In 2017, it was designated a Site of Ethnological Interest, and today it is one of the island’s most popular cultural attractions: in 2023, it welcomed a record 54,071 visitors, according to Menorca.info, and advance online ticket sales were introduced precisely to spread out visitor numbers and prevent the parking lot from becoming overcrowded.
It’s well worth the visit because it combines several unusual features in a single tour: towering carved stone walls, three mazes, gardens with local flora, and occasional views of the coast. It’s a very different experience from visiting a cove, and that’s why it works well as a complement to days at the beach.
Lithica Tickets and Prices for 2026
General admission costs €10. These are the rates published on the official website for the 2026 season:
Rate | Price | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
General | 10 € | Adults |
Reduced | 7 € | People 65 and older, residents of Menorca, people with disabilities (with proof of disability upon entry), and groups of 12 or more people |
Children under 15 | Free | For families only |
Friends of Lithica | Free | Association members |
Annual pass | 20 € | Nominally priced; worth it if you plan to visit again |
If you’ve seen prices of 6, 7, 8, or 9 € in other guides, those are from previous seasons. It’s always a good idea to check the price on the official website.
Where to buy tickets
Official tickets are sold exclusively at https://lithica.es/es/visita/. Lithica’s own website warns that there are fraudulent sites posing as the official one, including in search engines and AI assistants, so always verify the address before paying.
From April through October, morning admission (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) is available only with an online ticket. In the afternoon, according to the official website, tickets are available both online and at the box office, although capacity is limited and booking in advance helps avoid wait times.
Lithica’s Hours by Season
Hours vary by month, and from April through October, closing times depend on natural light.
Period | Days | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
January | — | Closed |
February and March | Every day | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
April through October | Monday through Saturday | From 9:00 a.m. until closing: april and September, around 8:30 p.m.; from May through August, around 9:00 p.m.; October, around 7:30 p.m. |
April through October | Sunday | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
November and December | Every day | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
Closed on December 25. If you visit in October, closing time is moved up to approximately 7:30 p.m., and starting in November, visits are limited to mornings only. To plan the rest of your getaway, check out our guide at Menorca in October.
How to get to Lithica from Ciutadella
The easiest way to get there is by car, following the signs for “Pedreres de s’Hostal.” The address is Camí Vell, km 1, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca.
By car
From the main highway (Me-1): take the roundabout at km 42.5, which connects to the North (RC-1) and South (RC-2) ring roads, and follow the signs.
From the South Ring Road (RC-2): at the roundabout with the “Porta al Cel” sculpture, take Camí Vell.
From the Cala Santandria area: the usual route is to merge onto the South Ring Road and follow the same route.
Travel guides estimate the journey takes between 10 and 15 minutes from downtown Ciutadella. The venue has its own parking lot, but capacity is limited—another reason to buy tickets in advance and avoid peak hours.
By bus
Several travel guides indicate that TIB Menorca’s Line 60 provides access from Ciutadella, with a nearby stop (Poici–Sabaters) and a subsequent 15- to 20-minute walk. Service frequencies vary by season, so check the schedules on the TIB Menorca website before planning your visit.
What to see at Lithica: mazes, gardens, and quarries
The route is marked and is explored on foot, at your own pace. These are the main areas.
The three mazes
Lithica features the Laberint dels Vergers, the Mineral Labyrinth, and the Vegetal Labyrinth. The Mineral Labyrinth is a land art installation built with over 3,000 blocks of marés stone, and it’s usually a favorite among families.
Medieval Garden and Botanical Trail
The Medieval Garden and the Botanical Trail feature aromatic plants and local species along a path with informational panels designed to help visitors understand Menorca’s ecosystems. This is the most peaceful part of the visit.
Quarries, “trencadors,” and amphitheater
In the quarries, you can see the marks left by manual and mechanical extraction on vertical walls several meters high. The area known as S’hostal, a large theater functions as a natural amphitheater and, since 2019, has hosted outdoor performances. If you’re interested in seeing hand-carved stone, the trencadors explain the stonemason’s craft.
How much time to allow and when to go
The estimated duration provided by Lithica is 90 minutes.
In summer: first thing in the morning or late afternoon. There is little shade, and at midday the heat can be intense.
In spring and fall: any time of day usually works; the low afternoon light is ideal for photographing the walls.
From November to March: the site is open only in the morning, so it’s best to arrive around 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.
On weekdays: there are usually fewer visitors than on weekends.
Rules and practical tips
Footwear and water: wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes, and in the summer, a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Dogs: they’re welcome, as long as they’re on a leash.
Drones: they’re not allowed without prior permission from Lithica.
Walls and mazes: do not climb the walls or the maze, and stay on the marked paths. There are dangerous elevation changes.
Children: Minors must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
Accessibility: the official website does not provide details on the physical accessibility of the grounds, and the guidebooks mention trails, slopes, and stairs. If you have limited mobility, it’s best to call 971 48 15 78 in advance to find out which areas are accessible.
Food: don’t count on finding a restaurant on the grounds; if you’re traveling with children, bring water and a snack.
A half-day itinerary: Lithica, Ciutadella, and a cove
Lithica pairs well with the rest of the island’s western region. A simple suggestion:
9:00 a.m. Lithica. Enter with your online ticket and spend about 90 minutes on the tour, when it’s cooler and less crowded.
11:00 a.m. Ciutadella’s historic center. Seeing the sea-carved facades and the cathedral is a great way to wrap up your visit. You can find the complete itinerary at What to See in Ciutadella in One Day.
1:30 p.m. Lunch in Ciutadella. To choose a restaurant, check out where to eat in Ciutadella.
4:00 p.m. Visit a cove. Cala Santandria is a good option if you’re looking for calm waters; Cala Blanca is another nearby alternative.
Optional. If you’re interested in heritage, the Naveta des Tudons is just a few kilometers away and rounds out the route with Talayotic prehistory.
Where to stay near Lithica
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay that combines cultural heritage, coves, and fine dining, Rivelian Grand Menorca is located near Cala Santandria, in Ciutadella, and allows you to plan your getaway without worrying about rush hour. You can check out the rooms and suites to choose the one that best suits your trip.
A helpful clarification: don’t confuse Lithica, the cultural space at the quarries, with Lithica Wellness, the spa at Rivelian Grand Menorca, featuring water areas, personalized massages, and an ice bath. The spa is not part of the quarry tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lithica Menorca
How much does it cost to enter Lithica in 2026?
General admission costs €10 and reduced-rate admission costs €7. Children under 15 get in free when accompanied by family, and the annual pass costs 20 €.
Do I need to reserve a ticket for Lithica?
Yes, it’s best to do so. From April through October, morning entry is only available with an online ticket, and the only official sales channel is https://lithica.es/es/visita/.
How long does it take to visit Lithica?
According to Lithica, the visit lasts about 90 minutes. With stops in the gardens, it can take up to two hours.
What time does Lithica open and close?
It opens at 9:00 a.m. From April through October, it closes depending on daylight (between 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) Monday through Saturday, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. From November through March, it closes at 2:00 p.m., and it is closed in January.
Can I bring my dog to Lithica?
Yes, pets are welcome, as long as they are kept on a leash throughout the visit.
How do I get to Lithica without a car?
According to several guidebooks, bus line 60 takes you from Ciutadella, with a short walk at the end. It’s also possible to go by taxi or bicycle. Check the schedules in advance at TIB Menorca.
Is Lithica a good place to visit with children?
Yes. Children under 15 get in free, and the mazes are usually enjoyed by all ages, but there are uneven surfaces and walls, so children must be supervised at all times.
Can you visit Lithica in the winter?
Yes, except in January, when it’s closed. From February through March and from November through December, it’s open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Are Lithica and the Pedreres de s’Hostal the same thing?
Essentially, yes. Pedreres de s’Hostal is the name of the marés quarries; Lithica is the name of the cultural project and the association that manages them and has transformed them into a garden and an artistic space.