This coastal town on Menorca's west coast has 13th-century Gothic churches, a medieval quarter with limestone mansions, and a natural harbor lined with seafood restaurants.
Ciutadella sits on Menorca's western coast, where you can explore medieval streets like Carrer de Sant Cristòfol and Carrer des Portal d'Artrutx. Stop at cafes in Es Born square, admire the Gothic architecture of the 14th-century cathedral, or walk to Cala des Degollador beach. The port area has waterfront restaurants where local fishermen bring their catch each morning.
Walking Through the Old Quarter
Es Born square forms the heart of Ciutadella's historic center, with an obelisk commemorating the Turkish invasion of 1558. The square connects to narrow limestone-paved streets lined with 19th-century mansions. You can visit the 14th-century Cathedral of Menorca, which has six Gothic chapels and intricate stone carvings throughout its interior. Walk behind the City Hall to reach the Mirador viewpoint for views of fishing boats in the port. The Sant Agustí cloisters maintain temperatures around 22°C (72°F) even in mid-summer.
Markets and Local Life
Visit the Mercat de Peix fish market (Tuesday-Saturday, 7 AM-1 PM) to see local fishermen selling sea bass, red mullet, and other Mediterranean fish. Es Born square hosts an open-air market (Friday-Saturday, 9 AM-2 PM) where you can buy Mahón cheese, local produce, and crafts. In July and August, walk along Carrer de Pere Caplloncan between 10 PM and midnight to browse artisan stalls selling jewelry, leather goods, and ceramics.
Port and Maritime Activities
The Port of Ciutadella buzzes with activity as fishing boats return with their morning catch around 7 AM. You can take boat trips to nearby coves like Cala Galdana and Macarella - boats depart every hour between 10 AM and 4 PM during summer. Walk to the Castell de Sant Nicolau, a 17th-century fortress at the harbor entrance, for Mediterranean views.
Beaches Near Ciutadella
Walk 15 minutes from the center to reach Cala des Degollador, a 100-meter beach with calm waters ideal for swimming. South of the city, Cala en Blanes and Son Xoriguer beaches have showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards from June to September. Follow the Camí de Cavalls coastal path past these beaches - look for the white and red trail markers every kilometer.
Getting Around
Catch hourly buses between Ciutadella and Mahon Airport (6 AM-10 PM, 55-minute journey). During summer, buses to beaches and nearby towns run every 30 minutes, switching to hourly service in winter. Find taxis at the 24-hour rank in Placa des Born. The old town is compact - you can walk between the cathedral and port in about 15 minutes.
