16 best things to do in Ciutadella, Menorca (2024)

The ancient capital of Menorca and island’s second city of Ciutadella lives up to its nickname of Vella i Bella, the old and beautiful. Here are my tips for the best things to do in Ciutadella, the places I enjoyed most from a couple of different visits.

Layers of history seem baked into the honey stone buildings. Pedestrianised streets in the old town are lined with charming shops, bars and restaurants, making this an easy place fall in love with.

Ciutadella deserves at least a day’s visit if you are holidaying on Menorca. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re looking for more than a beach holiday, making a perfect weekend break destination. We loved meandering through the old town, soaking up the sunshine and peeking behind the inscrutable golden stone facades.

If you’re hiking the Cami de Cavalls, the coastal path that meanders past rocky coves and sheltered sandy beaches, consider basing yourself in Ciutadella de Menorca.

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Best things to do in Ciutadella

Here’s a quick overview of the top things to do in Ciutadella.

• The Port de Ciutadella, lined with bars and restaurants, comes alive on summer evenings.

• Placa d’es Born, the main square with historic buildings and craft markets.

• Historic mansions, like Palacio Salort or Casa Olivar, give a glimpse of how wealthy families lived.

• Visit the Ciutadella Cathedral with its single nave and Baroque facade.

• Wander through the cool cloisters of Convent de Sant Agustí with its 17th century church.

• Soak up the atmosphere of the old town of Ciutadella looking out for the Ses Voltes arcades.

• Have lunch around the fish market with its green and white tiles.

• Take an evening stroll by the harbour to the octagonal tower of picturesque Castell de Sant Nicolau.

• Walk along the Cami de Cavalls to one of Menorca’s many pretty coves and beaches.

1. Port of Ciutadella – the old harbour lined with restaurants

The sheltered inlet of the Port of Ciutadella is the reason that the city was for centuries the capital of Menorca. From the fortress perched on the rock above, trade could be controlled and the town protected. In the shadow of the cliff, the broad quayside is lined with former boat houses carved into the rock that are now bars and restaurants.

Ciutadella’s old hub of commerce has become a marina lined with swanky motor yachts. The port comes alive in the evening, as a place to promenade and dine in one of the many seafood restaurants. From the square above, a couple of sloping roads lead down to the harbour, lined with craft markets. On summer evenings the town hall and fortress are floodlit, creating a holiday atmosphere.

If you want to see more of Menorca, check out this guided full day island tour that takes you to Ciutadella and other sites around the island.

2. Plaça d’es Born – the main square of Ciutadella

At the heart of the town is the main square of Placa d’es Born, surrounded by honey stone mansions that glow in the late afternoon sunshine. The square is set above the stone cliff that overlooks the port, with narrow streets radiating through the oldest parts of Ciutadella.

You’ll probably notice the imposing Ajuntament or Town Hall owned by the City Council, which houses the Tourist office. It’s good place to pick up information or relax under the shady arcades of the building.

Although the decorative facade was added in the 20th century, this building sits on the site of the old Muslim fortress. It was the palace of the Arab governor and later the British until they moved Menorca’s capital to Mahon in 1722.

Bastió des Governador

If you walk up the steps behind the building, you’ll get a stunning view over the port from the Bastió des Governador. On the battlements with a flag flying, you get a better sense of how the castle dating back to the 14th century could dominate the port and the trade coming in and out of Ciutadella.

The Born Obelisk

A popular meeting point in the middle of the square is the Born obelisk, which was built in the 19th century. It commemorates the heroic resistance of the people of Ciutadella against the Turks, who attacked and captured the city in 1558.

There’s a regular street market around the obelisk on Friday and Saturday mornings, selling clothes and general goods. An evening craft market is also held during the summer high season.

Crossing the square brings you to the beautiful twin mansions on either side of the pedestrianised Carrer Major de Born, which leads you shortly to the Cathedral square.

3. Palacio Salort – a gracious 19th century mansion

One of the two lovely 19th century Palazzos you pass as you leave the square is Palau Salort or Palacio Salort, which was built in 1813 and is well worth a visit. It’s slightly incongruous to walk through the Moriarty bar, which is set in the lobby of the palace. In the evening the popular bar serves tapas and drinks, especially cocktails made with the local Xoriguer gin.

There’s a small charge to visit the Salort Palace. Head up the imposing staircase with its delicate wrought iron balustrades, until you reach the light and airy landing, from which the main rooms lead off. The red salon is hung with family portraits from this leading family on Menorca.

One is of the owner Don Carlos de Salort y Olives, who is dressed in costume for the feast of Sant Joan – St John the Baptist, the patron saint of Ciutadella. The reception rooms overlooking the square are elegantly furnished for the noble family who lived here. A spacious kitchen uses the colourful local tiles and is laid out as if for a meal for the servants.

Also facing Plaza des Born is the Torre Saura Palace which is equally beautiful, but in private ownership and not open to the public.

4. The Cathedral of Ciutadella de Menorca

A little further on this pedestrian street, the vista opens up in the historic centre as you reach Plaça la Catedral around the Cathedral in Ciutadella. It was built in the 14th century, on the site of an earlier mosque, with a single nave using Catalan Gothic style. A baroque facade was added later in the 19th century.

Inside the cathedral we admired the delicate vaulted stonework of the ceiling and the ornate and colourful side chapels. The doll-like statues of the Madonna are dressed in fine clothes of brocade and gold lace. In the area behind the altar, there’s a small museum showing the cathedral’s beautiful vestments and other religious artefacts.

Top Tip: When you’ve finished your visit to the cathedral, enjoy an ice cream at the Sa Gelateria shop right opposite. Here they serve endless flavours of artisan ice cream and have a few seats outside to sit and watch the world go by, with other shops around town.

Consell Insular de Menorca

Opposite the cathedral in the heart of the city, is the impressive building of the Consell Insular de Menorca. It’s used by the members of parliament for the different constituencies of Menorca, part of the self-governing Balearic Islands region within Spain.

5. The Bishop’s Palace courtyard in Ciutadella

Don’t leave the cathedral square without popping into the peaceful Bishop’s Palace courtyard next to the cathedral building. Work to build the Bishop’s residence began in 1795, when the church of Our Lady was promoted to become a cathedral.

You can walk into the pretty courtyard of the palace and climb part of the way up the open staircase that leads into the upper floors of the Bishop’s Palace. While you can’t visit the palace itself, the courtyard makes a nice photo and is free to visit.

6. Casa Olivar – a noble house in Ciutadella

Also in the Plaça la Catedral is Casa Olivar, which if anything is even more grand than Palacio Salort and was built and enlarged between the 16th and 18th centuries. The noble Olivar family that lived here had an enviable view over the cathedral and square from the window seats in their salons, filled with gilded mirrors and family portraits.

A table in the dining room is set with the finest cut glass and silver and the romantic bedroom is hung with yellow silk damask curtains. It has a bow window or Boínder, a common feature of Menorcan town houses, allowing a good view over what was happening in the street.

Festival of Sant Joan

The biggest occasion in Ciutadella is the festival of Sant Joan (St John the Baptist), when cavallers ride the black horses of Menorca through the medieval streets and make them rear on their hind legs. Each noble family holds parties during the festivities. You’ll see in one of the final rooms the rider’s costume and intricately tooled saddle and embroidered hangings, used during the festival together with family photos from past fiestas.

The ground floor lobby of the house was traditionally more of a public area and leading off this you can see some small stables and storerooms, as well as an underground cistern used to store rainwater to supply the house. The house has English information boards for each room and a guide book to borrow, tickets cost €5. More information on the website.

7. The cloisters of the Convent de Sant Agustí and Església dels Socors

If you visit Ciutadella in summer, you’ll find the whitewashed cloisters of the Convent de Sant Agustí a cool respite from the heat of the sun. The central courtyard is planted with a fresh green garden around the central well that was used by the nuns.

While the ground floor rooms and adjoining church can be visited at any time, the convent’s upper rooms can only be seen in a guided tour at noon daily.

The rooms off the cloister display archaeological finds from around the island and one of them houses a small natural history collection of stuffed animals. Also on display is the striking artworks of two of Ciutadella best known artists. Pere Daura i Garcia was inspired by Cezanne and José Roberto Torrent with many colourful, abstract paintings of Menorca.

Also off the cloisters is the baroque style church of Església dels Socors which was built in the 17th century, with a richly coloured tiled floor and painted walls. The cloisters and church are open May – Oct, Mon-Sat 10am – 3.30pm and a joint ticket may be purchased together with the cathedral.

8. Ses Voltes – the arcades of the old town in Ciutadella

If you continue a little further beyond the cathedral you’ll reach the heart of medieval Ciutadella. The streets here are narrow and each side is bordered by arcades with interesting shops, bars and restaurants. Ses Voltes (the arches) make a pleasant place to walk to stay cool and avoid the sun, or even to shelter from the rain in spring and autumn.

Festivals in Ciutadella

In this area look out for the pole topped with a sculpture by Matias Quetglas, of a ram holding the flag of John the Baptist, locally known as Sant Joan, who is the patron saint of Ciutadella. The festival of St John the Baptist on 24 June is a big celebration in the town.

A lamb, signifying Christ the Lamb of God, plays a part in the festivities that date back to medieval times, when a carefully washed and groomed ram is carried through the streets in the parade. Nearby we saw a similarly themed sheep mural on one of the pillars in the arches of Sas Voltes.

9. Wander the old streets of Ciutadella

I’ve picked out quite a few of the notable buildings within the old town area of Ciutadella. However one of the fun things to do is just wander around and enjoy the gorgeous honey stone buildings. If you peep through a door or window you may catch a glimpse of the hidden courtyards beyond.

There are plenty of payment cafes and upscale boutiques in the old city, so stop for a drink, browse for locally made souvenirs. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere of Ciutadella’s ancient streets.

10. The Mercat de Peix fish market in Ciutadella

A short walk from The Cloisters on Plaça de la Llibertat you’ll find the Fishmarket of Ciutadella. Fresh fish is on sale Tuesday-Saturday from 7am to around 1pm. You’ll need to come in the morning to see the market at its best.

The market hall of wrought iron with green and white tiles is a good place to see the local fresh fish and there are additional stalls across the road that are only open in the morning.

As with all good food markets, you’ll find some of the best restaurants around the market hall, taking advantage of easy access to the freshest of produce. We had our eye on the stylish and popular Bar Ulisses near the market, serving fresh fish and tapas, where the menu is small and gourmet in flavour.

11. Ciutadella Markets – craft and street markets

While we’re on the subject of markets, Ciutadella hosts quite a few different street markets, especially in the summer season from May to September. They typically take place in the mornings and finish by lunchtime. Or they appear in the evenings when people are out and about for drinks and dinner.

I’ve already mentioned the market that we saw in Placa d’es Born which is a general market of clothing, footwear and other local products. It is held on Fridays and Saturdays from 8am – 2.30pm. There’s also a smaller evening market in the square at weekends in summer which sells crafts, gifts and jewellery from local artisans.

In summer there are craft stalls in the evening down Carer de Pere Capllonch, the shallow steps that lead down to the harbour. An evening flea market is held on Carrer Portal de la Mar. This pedestrian street behind the Town Hall also leads down to the harbour.

We also heard that there’s a craft market held in the square around the cathedral, every Monday evening in August and September, if you’d like to see some of the local artisan crafts.

12. Castell de Sant Nicolau in Ciutadella

If you fancy a little wander from the old centre of Ciutadella, follow the street that runs parallel to the old port away from the centre. A 10 minute walk brings you to the mouth of the harbour and the picturesque Castell de Sant Nicolau.

The octagonal tower was built at the end of the 18th century by the Spaniards as a defence against attacks from the sea. It also served as a watch tower over the mouth of the port.

From this rocky piece of shore you can watch the ships entering the harbour. It makes a very pleasant walk along the harbour side in the evening.

13. Naveta d’es Tudons – the ancient Talayotic site

Just 15 minutes from Ciutadella by car lies the Naveta d’es Tudons, one of Menorca’s best known archaeological sites. This burial chamber dates back to around 1000 years BC, built by the people we know as the Talayotic culture.

The structure is named after the upturned boat that it resembles. Excavations in the 1960s found the remains of hundreds of men, women and children. They were laid to rest here at different times in a mass tomb, some with personal possessions such as hair ornaments or spear heads.

You can’t go inside the Naveta d’es Tudons. However, there are other similar tombs around Menorca that are empty and left open to walk inside.

Unfortunately the bus to Mahon does not stop here so your best bet is to get there by hire car or taxi. The archaeological remains are set in a stone wall enclosure in the middle of a field and there’s a small charge to visit.

Read my article about this fascinating monument: Discovering Menorca’s prehistoric past – the Talayotic culture

14. Beaches near Ciutadella

Some of the most beautiful beaches on Menorca are on the southern coast of the island. They can be easily reached by bus from Ciutadella, with easy walking on the Camí de Cavalls coastal path to get from one beach to another.

The closest beach to the north of Ciutadella, is Cala n’Blanes, which you can walk to in around 40 minutes or take bus 61. Around the next cove is Cala en Brut, where you can jump off the rocks into crystal water. A little further is the striking Pont d’en Gil rock arch which has a parking area nearby and is popular for sunset photos.

To the south of Ciutadella, the closest swimming place is Cala Santandria, with a small sandy beach in a rocky cove.

There’s a whole string of idyllic beaches that are accessible by bus if you take the No 52 to Cala Galdana via Ferreries. Walking east from Cala Galdana you reach Cala Mitjana. Walking west on the Camí de Cavalls you can reach Cala Macarella, Cala Macarelleta and Cala Turqueta.

They are all lovely sandy beaches in rocky coves, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling. There’s minimal development or facilities, except for the beach bar at Cala Macarella.

Getting to the beaches in Ciutadella

We found the best way to visit the beaches was a combination of bus and taxi. You can get information on bus routes and timetables of the buses from Ciutadella here and here. The bus station in Ciutadella at Plaça dels Pins is quite small with no ticket office, so you pay on the bus.

Change is given but you need to have notes or coins smaller than €20. Fares are normally €2-4 depending on the length of the journey. Be careful to check the bus timetable as there are often long gaps between buses and you don’t want to miss the last one back.

15. Hiking on the Camí de Cavalls near Ciutadella

If you enjoy walking, you can do as we did and start at Cala Galdana. Have a full day’s walking along the Cami de Cavalls stopping at all the beaches. You’ll reach Cala en Bosc, where we rang for a taxi back to Ciutadella.

On another day we walked in the other direction, heading east past several lovely beaches. Soon we arrived at Santo Tomas where we caught a bus back.

We found the buses reliable and efficient although they are not always frequent. You can combine these with taxis (there is one central number to ring) to get around the island. Read my article about our walks on the Cami de Cavalls. 

If you prefer to visit the beaches by boat you can take this coves and beaches sailing trip to visit many of the beaches mentioned.

16. Enjoy the food and drink in Ciutadella

While tourism is an important part of the economy in Menorca, there’s also a strong farming tradition in the centre of the island.

Specialties include the famous Menorca cheese which is made from local cow’s milk and matured on the island of Menorca. You’ll see it on sale in many artisan produce shops in Ciutadella.

Also look for dried pork sausages like the sobrasada that contain paprika, giving them a red colour.

Gin and Pomada in Ciutadella

The cocktail of choice in Menorca is called Pomada, a mixture of gin and lemonade, which I found myself ordering at every opportunity. The gin is a legacy of the British Naval presence on Menorca in the 18th century. During this time they used its deepwater ports to maintain their interests in the Mediterranean.

A favourite local brand is Xoriguer which you’ll see in every bar. In summer it’s sometimes served with so much crushed ice that it becomes like an alcoholic slush puppie.

Dinner at Faustino Gran in Ciutadella

On one of the evenings we dined at the lovely restaurant in the courtyard of boutique hotel Faustino Gran. This restored 16th century Palazzo is down a side street close to the cathedral in Ciutadella.

We shared a starter of beef carpaccio with Menorcan cheese and truffle followed by fish of the day with cauliflower cream and sabayon. All was lovely and even better for sitting drinking pomada among the olive trees on the elegant restaurant terrace.

Seafood in the Port of Ciutadella

We found the old port area a great place to eat, with a wide range of restaurants overlooking the marina. S’Amarador is one of the nicest, with a prime position at the end of the harbour and a busy outdoor terrace.

I’d eaten here before on a previous visit and knew that the seafood is exceptional. However, this is restaurant where the prices especially for fish dishes are high. You’re paying a premium for the best view of the port.

The dishes we ordered were simply presented but very good. My dish of monkfish with clams and potatoes was delicious.

I’d recommend eating in the port area if the weather’s warm and you’re not on a tight budget. The atmosphere is such fun and there are lots of restaurants to try by the water.

Where to stay in Ciutadella

Mid range hotel in Ciutadella – Hotel Menorca Patricia

When I visited Ciutadella for a walking holiday with a friend, we were looking for accommodation that was convenient, comfortable and modern.

We were very happy with our choice of 3 star Hotel Menorca Patricia. The hotel is in a great location close to the port, but just outside the old town. It is surrounded by a neighbourhood with more modern buildings.

Being 5 minutes walk to the port and 10 minutes to Placa d’en Born, we could easily walk everywhere. However, we had the benefit of a quiet location away from all the bars and restaurants.

My bedroom was fresh and contemporary in style with a lovely modern shower room. This is perfect for a short stay where you plan to be out for most of the day.

There was no restaurant in the hotel but the breakfast buffet on the lower ground floor was exceptional in the quality and variety of options. There was a pool which we didn’t use, but it wasn’t a large one. If you’re looking for more of a resort experience, this hotel probably wouldn’t be right for you.

The reception team at the Hotel Menorca Patricia were very friendly and helpful. I’d recommend it if you need a hotel that’s a base for sightseeing and getting out and about on the island.

Luxury hotel in Ciutadella – Faustino Gran

If I was looking for a super deluxe stay in Ciutadella I’d loved to have stayed at Faustino Gran, which had boutique style and an intimate feel. In the lovely hidden courtyard at the back they’ve even managed to squeeze in a swimming pool. I didn’t stay here but we loved the style of the place when we went there for dinner.

Boutique hotels in Ciutadella

Here are a few boutique hotels in Ciutadella that we recommend, where you can enjoy a stylish stay in a heritage building. If these don’t suit you check out some of the other hotels in Ciutadella.

Read next

More articles about Menorca

Map of Menorca

Use my map of the best things to do in Ciutadella, Menorca to plan your holiday.

Visitor information for Menorca

Looking for boat trips and activities on Menorca? Check out these guided tours and excursions.

If you need a tour guide to take you out and about in Menorca for group or individual tours, we can recommend Luis Amella of Menorca Guides who accompanied us on one of our trips.

You can find more information to plan your visit to Ciutadella and Menorca on the websites of Menorca Tourism.

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Disclosure: My trip to Menorca was self funded, however this article was sponsored* by the Balearic and Canary Islands.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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