Ciutadella holidays

Ciutadella holidays are ideal for a relaxed Balearic city break in Menorca. This place promises chic harbourside bars, a smart Mediterranean restaurant scene and a historic old quarter. Plus, there are lots of nearby sandy beaches, where you can cool off during the 29°C summer highs. It’s only 45 minutes from Mahon Airport, too.

Why is Ciutadella considered upmarket?

The way Ciutadella’s distinctively Spanish-sounding name rolls off the tongue isn’t the only reason why people tend to think of this place as somewhere rather fancy. Its coastline is dominated by a big yacht-filled harbour, while the Casco Antiguo or old town is filled with cobbled streets. They lead to 18th-century stately buildings and grand summer mansions, which hint at this place’s past as a former Balearic Island capital (fun fact – Ciutadella was the capital of Menorca before Mahon took its place in 1713). No wonder the city centre’s renowned for its old-school glamour…

Waterfront bars and restaurants in Ciutadella

In Ciutadella, the harbour’s edge is the place to be at cocktail o’clock. It’s lined with all sorts of watering holes, like al fresco cafés and upmarket wine bars, which you’ll no doubt pass on waterfront evening strolls. Lots of places in the Pla de Sant Joan area, meanwhile, offer pints for 4 to 5 euros, and pomada – a slushy-style mix of gin and lemonade. There's a sprinkling of swanky restaurants and Spanish tapas bars, too, so you can keep tummy rumbles at bay ahead of an evening out.

Historic landmarks in Ciutadella Old Town

You’ll want to save some room in your camera roll for a visit to Ciutadella’s old quarter. Ogle at the elegant palaces in the Placa des Born square, before snapping pics of the mix of Medieval and Gothic architecture just off the main drag. Eventually, you’ll find your way to the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria – you can’t miss its neoclassical facade. Inside, sky-high ceilings look down on a huge marble altar. The Ses Voltes Arcade is nearby, too, and has distinctive arches that lead the way to shops and eateries.

Which beaches are near Ciutadella?

You don’t need to look far for somewhere to lay out your towel in Ciutadella. Local beaches include Cala des Degollador, a small patch of sand around a 15-minute stroll from the city centre, and Cala’n Blanes pairs a white-sand cove with pine-covered cliffs around a 10-minute drive away. The big city beach of Platja Gran is another option, while secluded coves to pick from range from rocky Cala en Brut, picturesque Cala en Turqueta and remote Cala des Talaier.