13 Things to Do in Ciutadella, Menorca

At one point in history, Ciutadella was the capital of Menorca, which is why many features from that period remain in the streets and buildings of this city. Its appearance, which captures the true Mediterranean spirit, is a gem that you cannot miss on your list of things to do in Menorca.

The old port of Ciutadella is where you will board your boat when you book an excursion to the southern coves of Menorca.

For seven hours, you will sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy some of the unique and unspoilt spots on the island of Menorca. Of course, you'll visit some coves, such as Cala es Talaier, Cala Turqueta, and the Artruix Lighthouse, and you'll have the opportunity to snorkel.

This excursion also includes lunch on board the boat and stops so you can dive into the island's clear, turquoise waters. Sounds good, right?

Ciutadella is a modern port divided into three sections: marina, commercial, passenger, and fishing. Its size and the variety of ships that arrive there make it the most important port on the island. With this in mind, it's no surprise that the atmosphere is vibrant and bustling.

Walking around the port, enjoying a refreshing drink, and sampling tapas in the different restaurants in the area are all must-do activities if you visit this area. Over time, the port has gone from being just a fishing port to becoming an important embarkation and disembarkation point.

From this port, you can visit Mallorca and Barcelona by boat, as well as take a trip to the southern coves. In fact, the port is considered a good connection point between different tourist destinations. If you want to take this tour, I recommend arriving at the port a little early so you can explore the area at your leisure.

This tourist attraction, which has been open since 1974, has been offering visitors a wide range of entertainment in the Menorcan town of Ciutadella for several decades. If you want to have a fun time doing different activities with your family, don't miss a visit to Menorca Castle:

• You can sample a wide range of culinary delights.
• You'll have the opportunity to admire or purchase a variety of porcelain figurines.
• You can test your driving skills on a go-kart track.
• You'll discover a large play area and a swimming pool for the whole family to enjoy, especially the little ones.

And to remember your visit to Menorca Castle, there is also a gift shop inside. Here you can buy everything from postcards of your visit to the island to figurines of the most interesting places. T-shirts and other items are also available in the shop, so you'll have no excuse not to take gifts home to your family.

The Punta Nati Lighthouse was built to prevent the large number of shipwrecks on that side of the island. It was finally inaugurated in 1912. Since then, the lighthouse has become an important tourist attraction on the island, making it a must-see that you can't afford to miss.

The sunsets at Punta Nati Lighthouse are some of the best you'll find on the island. The height of this lighthouse and the clear skies during the summer will help you see a truly beautiful sunset. It is the closest lighthouse to Ciutadella, so it won't take you long to get there.

You can reach the lighthouse in several ways: by bus, private car, on foot, or by bicycle. Whichever means of transport you choose, you'll enjoy a pleasant ride and it will only take a few minutes to reach your destination. If you go by car, there is free parking a few meters from the lighthouse. You can park your vehicle there and then follow the path on foot until you reach the lighthouse. Punta de Nati is also a great place to visit at night, as you can enjoy a starry sky like almost nowhere else on the island.

Traveler Tip

Bring a sweater even in summer because the wind blows strongly in this part of the island.

At one point in history, this cathedral was a mosque, which is why certain elements of Muslim architecture still remain today. The architectural design of this cathedral dates back to the Gothic period in Europe in the 14th century.

One of the things that will impress you most about this great architectural work is its interior. The incredible height of this temple, 22 meters, will leave you spellbound, especially when you discover the details of the interior decoration. The complex offers you the opportunity to visit a museum where many of the cathedral's treasures are kept and exhibited, from liturgical vestments to paintings, artifacts, and various objects of cultural interest.

This is a special place because it is a beautiful rock formation that resembles a natural bridge emerging from the sea. This natural bridge can be crossed by small and medium-sized boats without difficulty. You can reach it on foot, by car, or by sea.

The bridge is very close to the city of Ciutadella, so it is considered a must-see destination if you are visiting this city in Menorca. If you arrive by car, there is a car park very close to the bridge and it will take you just five minutes to get from your car to this spectacular place.

For a truly beautiful view from Pont D'en Gil, I recommend visiting at sunset or at night. A sunset at Pont D'en Gil is one of the best experiences you will have when visiting Ciutadella. It is also ideal to visit this spot on the island at night to see the starry sky with amazing clarity.

If you're someone who prefers dark tourism and likes to learn about the gruesome details of history, you'll love a trip to the Cala Morell Necropolis. It's a cave that has remained intact since pre-Talayotic times. Located just a few meters from Ciutadella, it's a must-see destination for learning about the history and culture of the city.

In ancient times, this cave was used as a cemetery. Keep in mind that the word "necropolis" comes from Greek and means "city of the dead." The best thing about visiting this monument, which has been preserved over the years, is that admission is completely free, so you can take a walk around without making a reservation.

To get to the Necropolis, you need to take a slight detour from Ciutadella and head towards the Cala Morell residential area. The road will guide you to the caves. It takes just over an hour to explore every corner of the caves. It's a short walk but very enriching in terms of culture and ancient history.

A visit to Ses Voltes Street in the center of Ciutadella is a must. It is the most important street in the historic center of the city. In the surrounding area , you can see the oldest buildings in the city. This street consists of two sections, the first of which was part of an old square.

In the second section, the number of arches decorating the avenue on both sides is remarkable. This very Mediterranean design is reminiscent of the splendor of this city in ancient times. If you go to Menorca and want to discover the most cultural and emblematic aspects of Ciutadella, you cannot miss Calle Ses Voltes.

In the middle of the street, you will find some places to eat or enjoy a good coffee or refreshing drinks. The cuisine of Ciutadella is typical Mediterranean and offers intense flavors that are common throughout the island of Menorca.

What makes the historic center of Ciutadella special is the stark contrast between the old buildings and the modernism of the new ones. Walking along the Contramurada, you will notice the clear imaginary line that defines the old town. In addition to important buildings, you can see what houses were like in ancient times.

In ancient times, Ciutadella used to be surrounded by a large wall that protected it from invading troops. Once the wall was demolished and the city began to expand into the surrounding area, the change in structures became noticeable. Taking photos on the Contramurada is one of the activities you cannot miss.

Around the old town, you can see different buildings that form part of the cultural appeal and interest of this Menorcan town. Before entering any of the monuments in this historic center, I invite you to lose yourself in the streets and see every little detail so you don't miss a thing.

Of course, this is a unique tour that is best done on foot rather than by car. If you walk through the area, you can imagine what it was like to live in this city in medieval times and even imagine what the wall surrounding the town looked like.

In ancient times, this was the main square of the town of Ciutadella. Now it serves as a venue for shows and large events that bring together locals and visitors to the island. This important square is located in the center of Ciutadella, and a stroll around it is a must.

The stately Placa Des Born has an obelisk in the center that has remained intact since its inauguration in the 19th century. The monument is 22 meters high, which is quite impressive for something located right in the center of the square. It was erected to commemorate the victory of the inhabitants of Ciutadella over the Turks in 1558.

All the streets, avenues, and alleys that wind through Ciutadella like a maze start here. So, this is a great place to feel free and far from the narrow streets. Inside is the Town Hall, a building with its own history, considering that it was built on top of an old Muslim castle.

The Mercat Municipal is one of the newest architectural works in Ciutadella. Its construction was completed in 1985 and since then it has been a meeting point for the island's inhabitants. It is also a tourist attraction par excellence for visitors to the area.

The freshest products from both the sea and the land can be found in the market. You can buy vegetables and fruits popular in Menorca to make special local dishes. You will fall in love with the diversity of colors and varieties of vegetables. The aromas of the market will give you an authentic Mediterranean experience.

In the charcuterie section, you can buy cheeses, hams, Iberian cured meats, and all kinds of charcuterie products for yourself or as gifts to take home after your trip to Menorca. The Iberian cured meats you'll find in this area are typical of the island of Menorca, as are the cheeses, whose production is part of Menorca's deep-rooted gastronomic pride.

The town hall is located within the Plaza Des Born complex and is an old building that was built on top of an ancient Muslim castle. The remains of that old castle are still intact today, even with the building that stands on top of them and represents the current seat of power.

After being a Muslim castle, this building became the Royal Alcazar, then the Military Governor's Palace, and finally the Town Hall. This space was given over to its current use around 1865. The architect who remodeled the interior of the building finished his work in 1925, when it was inaugurated as the Town Hall.

As a way of protecting the island from the constant attacks by sea that it suffered in ancient times, the castle was built to serve as a kind of fort from which cannons were fired to defend the entrance to the port of Ciutadella. Today, it is one of the most interesting attractions in the former capital of Menorca.

To visit this castle, simply walk to the end of the port of Ciutadella and enjoy the wonderful view of the open sea from this vantage point. It was built using stone from the island of Menorca, and several sculptures are positioned at the entrance to the castle as decoration.