Heading to Ciutadella in western Menorca? Our travel guide has got you covered.
Updated November 2023
It's the British who are to blame for the demotion of Ciutadella.
Founded by the Carthaginians, annexed by the Caliphate of Cordoba, and fought over by those who sailed the seas of the Mediterranean in search of footholds and fortune, this citadel on the westernmost point of Menorca was a strategic crossroads for centuries.
For the incoming Royal Navy though, who had captured the island from Spain, it simply wouldn’t do; the island’s administrative and political capital was moved eastward to the harbour of Mahón in 1714.
Perhaps influenced by the decision of our ancestors, we earmarked Ciutadella as simply a place to go for a day trip when we were originally planning for our month in Menorca. The rationale was that one doesn’t come to a Balearic island like this to spend too much time in its cities, no matter how small or charming, and we were already starting out the trip with a few days over in the new capital.
Thankfully, as with most of our best laid plans and any pre-plotted itinerary, that notion eventually went out the window. After a quiet week on the lesser visited north of the island, we were craving a bit of life and buzz, and decided that a couple of nights in Menorca’s old capital would probably be the best bet.
That last-minute decision was vindicated the moment we stepped out into the gorgeous streets of the historic quarter, lit up by the afternoon sun.
Best viewed as a city break destination in and of itself, or a practical base for day trips to beaches and other highlights of the island, you’ll be equally drawn in by Ciutadella’s understated grandeur and character, its pockets of street art and culture, the gentle buzz of its evenings streets, and the sprinkling of nightlife (though nothing wild) by the waterfront. And when you crave the sea or sand, simply head out on a popular boat trip from the little, historic harbour.
In this destination guide, we've shared everything you do need to know before you visit, including our favourite things to do in Ciutadella, recommendations on where to eat & drink, unmissable day trips to take, and the best beaches nearby.
We also included information on transport connections to the city from elsewhere on the island (including the airport), plus surprisingly important insights on where to park in a city where you can’t drive down most streets.
Looking for accommodation? Find our pick of the best options at - for every travel style and budget - at the end of this article.
Ciutadella essentials
Wander / Get lost in the beautiful historic centre
Port / Dinner at Café Balear & drinks at Alla de Sempre Vermuteria
Visit / The Cathedral, the Cloisters of Saint Augustine, the Bishop’s Palace Courtyard and Casa Olivar
Market / Explore & eat at Mercat Municipal de Ciutadella
End / Spend sunset at Pont d'en Gil
Sea / Swim, snorkel and sail on a boat tour like this one
Sand / Hit up some of Menorca’s best beaches
Hotels / Splurge at Faustino Gran Relais, enjoy mid-priced contemporary design at Sodium Boutique or good value Port Antic Ciutadella.
Airbnbs / This Charming Studio is ideal for couples, whereas the stunning Menorca Sa Font is a wonderful choice for families.
Things to Do in Ciutadella
Get lost in the pretty streets
When arriving in a new town or city, it can be tempting to leap immediately to ticking off the big destinations, the ‘must-dos’, the sights and views that you have read about in anticipation of your arrival. However, in Ciutadella, as with elsewhere, should you have the time we’d first recommend casting the itinerary to the side and simply roaming the pastel and ocre-hued streets in search of nothing at all.
On an island of breathtaking vistas, white-washed villages and beautiful scenes, Ciutadella remains one of the prettiest places we visited during our month on Menorca.
The colour palette and architecture reminded us of several Italian cities and Cartagena in Colombia, with Ciutadella having a grander, more imposing aesthetic than Mahon in the west. Indeed, its relative grandeur is in stark contract to the understated whitewash architecture typical of Menorcan coastal retreats and the handful of interior towns.
The historical centre is small and centralised, so you don’t have to keep an eye on the clock or worry about going too far afield. Instead, go left instead of right, don’t follow a blue dot, take a chance on a place you haven’t read about, and wander freely with eyes wide open.
It is worth bearing in mind though that the siesta - where everything shuts for a few hours after lunch - is pretty sacred here, so expect quiet streets and plenty of shuttered doorways from about 2 pm - 5 pm. For visitors who haven’t yet adjusted their body clock, it can be tempting to push on through this with cold beers and an increasingly sweaty brow, but do bear in mind that the summer heat can become stifling and there’s a reason why some tactical shade for a few hours is engrained in the local psyche.
Crucially, the narrow back alleys of Ciutadella’s historic centre have retained a sense of community and local residence, rather than bearing witness to wholesale conversion into Airbnbs. This is a bit of a rarity these days in popular European destinations, and in the cooler early evening, you’ll see several generations with their doors open and seats out in the street.
Top tip // We'd recommend making your way over to Plaça Nova (maps) during your wanderings for a drink stop. Arrive via Carrer Josep Maria Quadrado which is home to several little delis stocking and showcasing local produce, where you can enjoy free samples as well as buy to take home.
Alternatively, you could join a walking tour of Ciutadella. We are unable to source a group tour, but this private tour option has good reviews, and works out to be reasonably priced if there is a few of you.
Spend some time in the Port
Whether you choose to hire a boat and a skipper (more on that later), savour a seafood lunch or dinner overlooking the water or drink vermut until the wee small hours, many of you will begin or end your day in Ciutadella's pretty little harbour.
Home to million-euro boats as well as more humble vessels, its marina is lined by several cafes and restaurants offering up affordable fare and fancier eats. Recognised as one of Menorca’s best restaurants, Restaurant Café Balear (maps) has a wonderful setting (inside and out), and exceptional reviews. It’s also super popular, and we saw queues out the door on three separate occasions over the course of two hours on a Friday evening, so if you want a table for a certain time be sure to reserve. Restaurant S´Amarador is another popular alternative.
As we mention in our post ‘23 Things to Know Before You Visit Menorca’, this is not the Balearic island you head to for nightlife. With that said however, it’s generally accepted that if you do want a few drinks in the evening or the night to carry on after dinner, the port of Ciutadella is your best bet.
Truth be told, this nightlife extends only to a handful of late night venues by the dusty car park and bars tend to shut around 2 am, but there is one small club (Discoteca Sakova) with later hours.
Be sure to check out some of our favourites below:
Alla de Sempre Vermuteria* | Whilst not from Menorca, vermut is as an essential tipple whilst on the island as gin. In Ciutadella, we recommend heading to this little spot on the opposite of the harbour to the restaurants. They have a few tables out at the water’s edge as well as a good sized terrace. They also do have small snacky tapas plates.
*Unfortuantely this lovely little spot seems to have closed down. If you visit and can confirm, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Jazzbah | A solid nightime favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, this rooftop bar venue also hosts live music (often jazz - hence their excellent name).
L’herba | If you’ve spent time in South America and miss those Latin vibes (as we do, every day), make a beeline for this small Colombian bar where you can salsa the night away! Definitely not a tourist spot, but that just made us love it all the more.
Note that the port is on a level below the historic centre, so you have to go to down a set of stairs here, here. or here to access.
Top Tip // We’ve shared lots more detail below, but heading out on a boat trip from Ciutadella harbour is a great way to spend the day and easily explore more of the coastline. This full-day boat tour with lunch is very popular, whilst a more unique, intimate experience can be enjoyed on this highly-rated but affordable swimming + snorkelling day on a 10-metre wooden sail boat. Find our more or book here.
Visit Ciutadella Cathedral
Considered one of the best preserved Catalan Gothic buildings on the entire island, the 14th century Catedral de Santa Maria de Ciutadella (to give it its full name) is an architectural highlight and an absolute must-visit whilst in the city.
Built atop an old mosque - Menorca was ruled by Arab forces from the 10th to the 13th century, with Ciutadella called Madînat al Jazîra or al Manûrqa - the cathedral is much prettier than many churches on the island, with more light, decorative elements and a number of beautiful stained glass windows, with those at the high altar being particularly stunning (especially when the sun streams through and creates colourful patterns upon the stone).
This relative beauty is almost certainly due - at least in some small part - to the number of times that the Cathedral has been attacked, plundered and partially destroyed over its 700 years, leading to various remodellings, extensions and creation of chapels.
The Essentials
Where | The Cathedral is located in Plaça de Catedral - find it here on Google Maps.
Entry Fees | Entry to the cathedral is purchased as a combined ticket, and includes access to Claustre de l'antic Convent de sant Agusti. It’s €7 per adult (over 60s pay €5.50 and children under 12 enter for free). Retain your ticket as you will also need to show this to enter the cloisters.
Opening times | Monday to Saturday 10 am to 2.30 pm
Additional Info | As always, dress and act appropriately as this is an active and important place of worship. Should you wish to join a service, you are able to enter the cathedral for free; note that services are in Spanish or Catalan depending upon the time of day.
The convent and cloisters of Saint Augustine
Until we visited personally, it was unclear what to actually expect here but it made sense to stop by as it was twinned with the Cathedral ticket.
It transpired that the whitewash arches and tranquil courtyard of this 17th century Augustine convent, as well as the Socors Church to which it is attached, are quite breathtaking. Throw in that the cloisters also house the artefacts of Diocesan Museum of Menorca, and it’s worth of an hour of your time.
The groundfloor rooms have been transformed to display collections of religious art as well as archaeological finds from the Talayotic era and various palaeontology, malacology (the study of molluscs), entomology, and natural science exhibits. That may not float your boat necessarily, but the little Roman figurines are remarkable, there are some fascinating old maps, whilst the curios in Room 8 are pretty cool.
For us however, beyond the photogenic white arches of the cloisters, the real highlight was the captivating Baroque Socors Church, a cavernous space that enchants and unsettles in equal measures. We still don’t know if it’s decaying in a natural state, or has been artfully rendered so, but either way it has the look of an in-demand location for fashion shoots.
The Essentials
Where | The cloisters and museum are located a short walk from the Cathedral on Carrer des Seminari - find them here.
Entry Fees | As we mentioned above, entry is part of the combined ticket with the Cathedral; it can be bought here at the cloisters or at the Cathedral, dependent upon which one you visit first.
Opening times | Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 2.30 pm
Additional Info | If you’re looking for a reasonably priced accommodation in a great location, somewhat surprisingly, you can actually stay in the cloisters! Find out more here.
Tip // Though you don’t need a car to enjoy Ciutadella, and can get around to several popular coastal destinations with public transport, those of you hoping to explore much more of Menorca on day trips should consider renting your own wheels. It’s cheapest to collect at the airport, and we recommend looking + booking via Rentalcars.com as it has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, and often has discounts and deals.
For more advice, read this post: 7 Things To Know Before You Hire A Car In Menorca
Mercat Municipal de Ciutadella
In this little square of green and white check tiles, butchers in red and white aprons serve up slabs of meat between the arches, whilst female fishmongers in white gesticulate, gossip, and gut. Matriarchs of the local community gather to share stories and half-truths as flesh and fish is sliced open, old boys sip espresso as they watch old girls go by, and the soundtrack is constant chatter and chopping and cutting.
The famous fish market of Mahon takes more plaudits and sees more day-trippers, in large part due to the excellent afternoon pintxos and tapas, but the vibe of Ciutadella’s is a lot more local and quite a bit more atmospheric.
This is the beating heart of the old city.
We made our way here at various junctures during our stay, out of curiosity to see how the character changed as the day wore on, and also in expectation: this felt like a place which would transform itself into a hip, lively place to be come sundown.
During the morning until the early afternoon, the fish market housed in the small 19th century building and the butchers in the arches are busiest, and the visitor should peer, smell, wander around, people watch, and grab a coffee or lunch in one of the surrounding institutions. If staying at an apartment or aparthotel in the city, then you should also buy some of your ingredients here.
In the evening (from about 8 pm onward), especially on weekends, this is also a great spot to go and eat, and home to three of our foodie recommendations in Ciutadalla:
C’an Rafa | A firm favourite with locas and tourists alike, this casual eatery offers a small menu of seafood dishes in an unfussy environment. Prices are reasonable but expect queues if visiting during peak lunch or dinner times.
Can Padet | Ciutadella’s fanciest ice cream shop, they also offer delightful pastries and decent coffee to be enjoyed in their outdoor terrace.
New Wave | If you’ve had your fill of seafood and tapas, or are veggie in search of something other than patatas bravas, we can highly recommend this place. Each item on the menu is inspired by a different country and what we tasted was exceptionally good - if they still have the falafel, order it!
Whilst the market is open, you can also buy your fish and take it to the restaurant S’Aguait who will cook it up for you. We’re not 100% sure of the arrangement or pricing, so do let us know in the comments if you give this a go!
Where | The market is in Plaça de la Llibertat, here on Google Maps.
When | Open 7.30 am - 1.30 pm, then 5 - 8 pm, but we recommend going for the morning / afternoon slot for the market itself. The cafes and restaurants surrounding are open until late.
Travel Tip // If you’re not renting a car, but using Ciutadella as a base, then take a look at this cool jeep tour around the island. They collect you in Ciutadella in their customised 4WD Land Rover Defender, and take you out on a customised itinerary into rural Menorca and along the coast for swimming stops, amazing landscapes, and photo opportunities - with a driver-guide able to share much more about Menorcan culture and history. Find out more here.
Seek solace in the Bishop’s Palace Courtyard
When the British moved power from Ciutadella to Mahon, the Bishop of Menorca stuck his heels in: the city of the east would become the political capital, but the west would remain the Ecclesiastical centre.
If our courtyard looked like this, we’d be equally keen not to move.
The Bishop’s residence isn’t open to visitors, but you are permitted to enter this gorgeous little courtyard, which one would be able to blink and miss if they didn’t know about it.
The Essentials
Where | Through the little door in the large wooden door at number 8, here on the map.
Entry Fees | Whilst you will be directed here upon leaving the Cathedral (which is why we had initially assumed it was part of the combined ticket), it is actually free to enter the courtyard of the Bishop’s Castle whether you have a ticket for the Cathedral or not.
Opening Times | As far as we’re aware, it’s open from 9 am to 2.30 pm daily, but this may be different on the weekends; you only need about five or ten minutes in the intimate courtyard.
Boutiques & Antiques // A few of our favourite places to browse in Ciutadella were:
Antiguitatas Menorquines | Oh what we could have bought from this antique store if we had more space in our suitcases… We’ll probably always regret leaving the 1950s street signs and a vintage siphon! A really well curated collection of antique pieces from furniture, to art, the curious to the unique. You can find it here on maps.
Carrer des Seminani | Just around the corner from the picturesque Ses Voltes, this little avenue (maps) has a handful of charming boutique stores, art galleries and the odd bistro. If you’re in the market for some new, one-of-a-kind jewellery, be sure to pop in. The little Iglesia del Sant Crist also had a very special atmosphere to it, and its statue of Jesus is revered locally.
Menorquinas | There are better places to get a handmade pair of avarcas, the fashionable sandals of the island, but you will find lots of shops selling them all over the city. Note that there is quite a marked difference in price and quality between cheap factory-made ones that’ll perhaps last the holiday, and crafted ones.
Step Back in Time at Casa Olivar
For a glimpse into how the Menorcan upper classes used to live and insight into various traditions and influences of incoming British and French tastes, consider visiting Casa Olivar, a grand palace just opposite the Cathedral.
Dating back to the 15th century and preserved by the wealthy Olivar family for generations (it is actually still their private residence), it’s considered to be one of Menorca’s finest - and best preserved - examples of a manor-type residence, filled with antiques, tapestries, subterranean stables, frescoes and moments stopped forever in time.
A highlight for us were all the remarkable black and white photos.
The Essentials
Where | You can find Casa Olivar here on Google Maps.
Entry Fees | €5 per adult with concessions available, with income supporting the conservation of the house. We think only need about 45 minutes for a visit.
Opening Times | Monday to Friday 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, then 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, 10.30 am - 2 pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. There are also special guided tours on occasion.
Top tip // Whilst we chose to prioritise Casa Olivar, should you be so inclined, there is actually another beautiful stately home that opens its doors for visitors - the early 19th century Palau Salort. Entrance costs €3 per adult and €1.80 per child and is open 10 am - 2 pm Monday to Saturday. Gin lovers should consider visiting in the evenings when its lobby transforms into Moriarty, a stylish tapas and gin bar.
Plan | Where To Stay in Menorca
A Break at Cafeteria Ànima
Our morning rambles across the various pretty towns and villages of Menorca were always punctuated with a couple of small cups of black coffee; a much needed shot of caffeine as the sun got higher and our energy lower
Located just around the corner from our little hotel, we spotted Cafeteria Ànima on our first afternoon in Ciutadella, its cosy interior looking perfect for the next morning’s first cup of coffee - and, as it turns out, an indulgent breakfast of exceptionally good cake.
Ran by a delightful woman who has successfully created a stylish space that balances old tea shop with traditional Menorcan features, alongside contemporary design. Her cakes (all made by her each day) are also exquisite, especially the lemon cake.
Tea lovers will rejoice at the veritable selection on offer, whilst the coffee was about average for Menorca (that is, we were never really blown away by anything we were served during our month on the island).
The Essentials
Where | It’s worth noting that this cafe is actually within the walls of a rather lovely boutique hotel, Tres Sants, which the owner was kind enough to give us a wee look around - definitely one to consider for your stay in Ciutadella!
Opening Times | 10 am - 1.30 pm and 6 pm - 9.30 pm daily, but closed Wednesdays.
Top tip // Just a few doors down from Anima, you'll find Nopales, a really excellent little Mexican restaurant. Perhaps a tad pricier than you’d be expecting if you’re used to popping out for tacos in the UK, but really rather excellent nonetheless with an emphasis on quality and authenticity. We really enjoyed it, and it’s a good chance for the tastebuds to take an exciting break from the more traditional flavour offerings on the island.
Another option nearby for a good coffee and pastry, and to grab fresh bread, is Herbera Bakery (map)
watch Sunset at Pont d'en Gil
With Ciutadella located firmly on the west coast of the island, it should be of little surprise that several of Menorca's best sunset spots are relatively close to the city.
The most popular by far is Pont d'en Gil.
It’s important to be aware in advance though that this is a well-known spot and as such it becomes incredibly busy - perhaps unenjoyably so for some people. Large groups of friends bring drinks and snacks, couples snuggle up, Instagrammers instagram etc etc - quiet and romantic it ain’t.
The Essentials
Where | The main viewing point for Pont d’en Gil, which looks out onto the natural rock arch, is here on Google Maps. Note that reaching it involves a 5-minute walk along a dusty, flat defined trail from the parking; this trail is actually part of the Camí de Cavalls, and the startpoint is here
Parking | If you’ve got a hire car in Menorca, then it’s just a 10-minute drive to the roadside parking nearby (maps); from there you’re a around 5-minute walk along the clear dusty trail to the viewpoint. If it’s full, there are a bunch of other options to park up at nearby.
If going by bus from Ciutadella, then take the Torres Route 61 from (25-30 minutes) and walk from the stop - find out route and timetables here.
If you’re wanting to get into a good position to take photographs, you will need to arrive at least an hour before the sun sets.
Plan | 19 Wonderful Things To Do in Menorca
Travel Tip // If you speak Spanish and want to learn a little more about the sky after the sun has set, consider joining this incredible sounding stargazing night tour that happens just outside of Ciutadella (we really hope they start running it in English soon).
Hit Up the Local Beaches
Ciutadella does not have a beach of its own of note, but one of the many excellent reasons to base yourself in the city is its proximity to many of the Menorca’s best beaches.
If you’ve got a rental car for your whole holiday, or just renting one for a couple of days of dedicated exploration, then you’ll only be 30 minutes north or south from white sands and gorgeous water. The public bus network from Ciutadella to many of these beaches is also excellent, with regular departures, connections, and clear routes to the coast from the stops at Plaça dels Pins (maps) and the Via Peripheral.
The closest, most convenient options are Cala Santandria, Cala en Bosc, Cala Blanca, Cala Son Xoriguer, and Cala Morell - but do note that the first three of these are more ‘tourist zone’ beaches and towns rather than the rugged, remote calas and platjas for which the Menorca is famous.
If you’re dreaming of difficult to reach paradise places like Cala Macarelleta, Son Saura, Turqueta, or Cala Pilar, it’s worth bearing in mind that we highly recommend factoring in a full day for them as a day trip, and you do need to put in a bit of advance planning.
We’ve shared all the information and inspiration you need to know to make your choice, including transport information from Ciutadella, in this article: The 19 Best Beaches in Menorca.
If you don’t have much time, then this full-day beach + calas boat tour from Ciutadella may be your best option!
Top Tip // Just a few minutes drive from the city is the holiday resort of Los Delfines. Whilst we don't like to be unduly harsh to places we visit, we also know that those of you who read our blog posts regularly rely on our honest opinions. So, honestly, don't even consider staying there.
It's terribly run down, and one of the island's very worst examples of 'Brits in Spain' culture - the natural platforms and swimming holes of Cala en Brut (maps) are however fantastic fun and worth at least a few hours.
For advice on where you should be staying and our pick of the best accommodations for all travel styles, read our guide: Where To Stay in Menorca.
Experience Prehistoric Menorca at Naveta d’es Tudon
As we mention in ‘23 Things To Know Before You Visit Menorca’, there are countless examples of prehistoric Menorca dotted all across the island, however only the most dedicated archaeologist is likely to possess the desire to seek them all out.
For the majority of travellers, visiting one or two is more than adequate to capture a glimpse into the past, and should you be staying in Ciutadella - or visiting on a day trip - we'd recommend making a beeline for Naveta d'es Tudons (maps)
Dating back to between 1200 and 750 BC, this remarkably well preserved pre-Talaiotic funeral building is considered to be the most emblematic monument in Menorca.
A visit here takes less than 30 minutes (the only thing to see is in the above photo, but there is a decent displaying explaining the period and the importance), and it’s ideally located to be enjoyed on the way to or from the Lithaca Quarry. There is a large, free car park.
When | All day Monday, 9 am - 7.45 pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 9 am to 3.15 pm Sunday and Tuesday.
Cost | Free entry on Monday, €2 per adult, €1.20 concessions and free for children under 8.
Explore the Lithaca Quarry
Located just outside Ciutadella is an incredible example of man-made 'negative architecture', the Lithica Quarry of Pederes de s'Hostal.
Providing the limestone building blocks for many of the island's old buildings, its closure in 1994 left a structurally beautifully, carved void which was at risk of simply being filled and forgotten forever. Laetitia Sauleau Lara however had alternative plans and instead created the Lithica Foundation, restoring the 200-year old quarry, developing its gardens, and creating a unique cultural and artistic space for future generations of Menorcans and tourists alike.
This is one of our best things to do in Menorca.
The Essentials
Where | You can find the quarry here on the map. It has free parking on site, and is 10-minute drive from Ciutadella. Unfortunately there are no bus connections that we’re aware of, but that full-day jeep tour does can include a stop here in your customised itinerary.
Alternatively, read our advice on car hire in Menorca.
Entry | €7 for adults, €4 for 65+, free for children under 12 years old. It is now recommended to buy your ticket online, in advance.
They also offer a 90 minute guided tour on specific days for €10 per person, and you can find full details on the official website.
Opening times | Open daily, 9.30 am – 2. 30 pm, then 4.30 pm until sunset in high season, only the morning / early afternoon slot on Sundays and from November to March. Note that the closing time will change during the seasons, so it’s always worth double-checking before your own visit. We recommend having at least 90 minutes for this activity though, so don’t leave your arrival too close to sunset as your time will be limited.
Good To Know | The Quarry is a sometime venue for events and live performances, which make the most of the unique acoustics and setting, so it’s worth taking a look at their website for your dates to see if tickets are available for something interesting.
Top Tip // If you’re a couple looking for a cool (and very Insta-worthy) memory of your time in Menorca, then this photographer offers underwater photography sessions in Ciutadella - find out more here.
Take A Boat Trip
One of the most popular things to do in Ciutadella is to head out on the water for a day to swim, snorkel, visit beaches, and live the good life; exactly how to do this though comes down to your budget and your travel style!
The first option is to join a full-day group sailing trip, which departs from Ciutadella at 10 am and returns you (sunkissed and a little more squiffy) at 5 pm. A popular option to see the beautiful virgin beaches of the south coast is this full-day boat tour with paella lunch. It includes swimming & snorkelling in the blue waters of Cala Turqueta, a paella lunch, a sangria, free time at two of our favourites beaches as well as lots of swimming. Find out more or book here.
Two highly-rated alternatives are:
Menorca By Sea | A more intimate, small-group sailing experience, captain Robert departs Ciutadella on his beautiful 10-metre wooden sail boat to explore the west coast of Menorca and enjoy lots of secluded swimming and snorkelling. This reviews for this experience are amazing across the board and it’s well-priced too - find out more here.
Natural Coves + Beaches | Starting out in the morning from Ciutadella, this boat trip includes lunch and stops at several of the most beautiful beaches in southern Menorca, as well as plenty time for swimming - find out more here.
Alternatively, you can go it on your own and hire a self-drive boat for the day! These don’t require a licence or experience (seriously!), and so it’s understandably something that appeals…but the price of it can be prohibitive in high season if you’re just a couple. You can find the boat hire companies at the harbour, on the opposite side to all the restaurants.
However, do note that Ciutadella isn’t the only place in Menorca where you can hire a self-drive boat - and it does have disadvantages relative to somewhere like Cala Galdana. Before making your mind up, check out this article: ‘How To Rent a Boat in Menorca Without A Licence’.
Where To Eat & Drink in Ciutadella
We’ve sprinkled our main recommendations above, but a few additional ones to add to your list are:
Restaurante Vegetariano Fang I Aram | One of the best spots for vegetarians in CIutadella, their daily lunch menus (menu del día) are fixed at €16.90 and offer up a lot of choice. Open 1 - 4 pm, then 7.45 - 11 pm, with no evening service on Sundays and closed Wednesdays.
Pez Limon | On the pricier side for Menorca, but this cool hidden-away and deceptively foodie place offers up modern twists on traditional plates. The emphasis is very much on seafood, so veggies may leave hungry. Booking 100% necessary for the evening.
La Margarete | Just next door and open until 2 am most evenings, this is one of the cooler late-night hangouts in Ciutadella. Serves up cocktails, music, and a good vibe with a massive garden to enjoy it all in.
Restaurante Es Tast de na Silvia | We didn’t eat here as the menu was quite pig and pork heavy, but we are actually recommending because of the values which put those on the menu in the first place. The emphasis is on KM 0 ingredients (i.e. produced on the island) and slow food, served in a more formal, fine dining indoors setting that most of our recommendations. Carnviorous foodies in Menorca should probably put it high up their list.
La Lola | Cute little hipster place in Plaça del Pins offering up sandwiches and traditional sharing plates with a twist or two, and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm.
Puspaayu | A younger, modern vibe than most in Ciutadalla, it’s a few doors down from La Lola and specialises in burgers.
El Tapeo | Small, buzzy local tapas place just off Plaça Nova, which has a very authentic menu and atmosphere - particularly when the tables spill out on to the pavement for dinner (we do note that this restaurant is down as closed on Google, but if you visit and discover otherwise, please do let us know in the comments).
Where to Stay in Ciutadella
There are lots of nice hotels in historic townhouses, as well as some gorgeous boutique options. Airbnbs are thin on the ground due to regulations in Menorca, but there are some available if you’re able to get in early. There are also quite a few hotels in townhouses which are run like an Airbnb (i.e. no staff, self check-in).
All accommodations are in the historical centre unless stated otherwise.
Hotels & Guest houses
Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux | If money is no object, then this stunning boutique hotel should go right to the top of your list! Housed in a 17th century chateau in the centre of the historic district, they offer a variety of luxurious suites and elegant rooms, all with exquisite decor. They also have an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as gardens. Find out more here.
At a similar price-point, you could also consider Hotel Ca S'Arader Turismo de Interior, Calma Boutique Hotel or La Cayena Hotel Boutique - Solo Adultos
Sodium Boutique Hotel | An excellent choice for anybody that appreciates contemporary design, the real plus point with this excellent hotel is that every room has a good sized balcony or private terrace. Find out more here.
Port Antic Ciutadella | This is where we stayed. Located in the historic centre, it is a collection of rooms in a traditional townhouse, all decorated in a contemporary style. Quiet and excellent value (less than £100 a night), but do note there are no staff on-site, instead all entry codes / check-in is done online. Find out more here.
HoMe Menorca | This is one we had our eye on, but alas was snapped up for our dates. Operating in a similar way to Port Antic, HoMe has bigger rooms, better communal space (including an outdoor area) and cool styling, as well as including a simple breakfast. Excellent location. Find out more here.
Hotel Nou Sant Antoni | Remarkably well-priced for such a beautiful hotel (rooms from around £110 a night), Hotel Nou Sant Antoni reminds us somewhat of the accommodations you can stay at in Puglia. Charming communal areas and guests speak highly of the breakfast. Find out more here.
Airbnbs
Charming Studio | A gorgeous little studio apartment (one of several in the same building), combining traditional Menorcan features, like white-washed walls - with unique decoration collected on the owner’s travels. A real gem - and very highly rated. Find out more here.
If quirky and interesting sounds right up your street, be sure to check out this vintage-filled, super popular one bedroom apartment also in the old town.
Menorca Sa Font | A beautiful three bedroom townhouse that has recently been refurbished to a high standard. Light and bright with clean lines and contemporary decor. In the historic centre, it also has a wonderful private outdoor area. Find out more here.
Casa Centro | This central, five bedroom townhouse is remarkably well priced (from just £86 a night). Set over multiple floors it feels traditional and homely in its design. Includes small private outdoor area. Find out more here.
Ciutadella Traditional House | This lovely little two bedroom house in the historic centre reminds us a lot of the properties we’ve stayed in in Puglia - full of traditional features, it has been sensitively refurbished to maintain its original architectural features. A very popular choice! Find out more here.
Town House With Pool | Located a short walk from the old town, this modern three-bed property with would really suit a family who have hired a car and wish to explore the island. Large kitchen with all mod cons, excellent bedrooms and - best of all - a private pool! Find out more here.
Designer Loft | The most expensive Airbnb on the list, but this funky one-bedroom loft definitely deserves a mention - especially for its large plant-filled terrace. Note that the loft is within a boutique hotel, and is adults only. This Airbnb is currently unavailable on the website, but because it’s so lovely we’ll keep an eye on the listing and let you know when it’s back online!
Ubicación privilegiada en Ciutadella | Simple, modern and large one-bedroom apartment ideal for a couple. Good value (from £85 a night), the real highlight is the huge terrace that overlooks the historic centre - an ideal spot to watch the sun set! Unfortunately, this is also currently unavailable.
If you really do have your heart set on a terrace, be sure to take a look at this beautiful three-bed with wonderful views over the old town.
Hostels
Hostal Ciutadella | A new, modern hostel in the old town. They have a variety of clean, light and bright multi-occupancy rooms (no dorms) and excellent reviews. On-site bar and restaurant. Find out more here.
Also consider Hostal Menurka (not a hotel, despite the name, but cheap enough to be one!
If you’re still not sure where should be your base in Menorca, then you absolutely should read this post: Where To Stay in Menorca.
Ciutadella Transport Connections
As we mentioned above, the bus network to and from Ciutadella is exceptionally good, with regular buses to Mahón (Maó) as well as many of the popular beach towns, remote calas, as well as holiday resort towns.
The Torres Bus company departs from Plaça dels Pins (maps), which has a staffed-kiosk from which you can buy tickets and get clear information. They also have departures from the Via Peripheral / Avinguda de Josep Mascaró Pasarius (maps), which is not terribly central.
This company is the best option for journeys in the western half of Menorca - see schedules and routes on their website.
The other bus company, TMSA, is best for journeys further afield to Mahón, Son Bou, Cala Galdana, or Sant Tomàs. It departs from Plaça de la Pau (maps), which is a bit more of a walk from the centre and the port. Visit their website to see schedules, stops, and routes.
Ciutadella is also the most convenient place to access the famous beaches of the south west coast by public transport, but note that some services will only run to the beaches or coastal resorts during the tourist season (May to October). We’ve written two shorts posts with all the information you’ll need to go from Ciutadella to Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana.
To travel from the airport to the city you have three options, and we’ve shared everything you need to know in this post: How to get from Menorca Airport to Ciutadella.
Parking in Ciutadella
If you're staying in Ciutadella old town and arriving by rental car, you'll almost certainly have to park in one of the designated car parks and walk with your luggage to the accommodation. Most streets are simply too narrow for cars, and those wide enough are only accessible to residents. Apparently a lot of visitors get really confused at this situation, but it’s pretty standard and straightforward
The good news is that, as with most car parks across the island, those in Ciutadella are completely free, irrespective of how long you park up.
We parked in Parking Es Pla (map), a large dusty lot right by the port for the duration of our stay. It felt safe to leave the car there overnight, but do note that it fills up quickly on weekend evenings due to people arriving for dinner and drinks in the city. From here, the most challenging part is to walk / drag the suitcases up the ramp, but then you’re golden.
Alternatively, you could consider the public parking here or here - if still uncertain, just contact your accommodation in advance to confirm their suggestion.
To find the best overview of prices + availability, check out Rentalcars.com.
