Ciutadella Menorca Best Guide

Ciutadella Beach

Sun Loungers Umbrella and 2 Loungers 19-21 Euro. Reductions (after 15:00). Facility closes around 19:00

Car Parking
Young Child and Baby friendly

Ciutadella location

Airport 28 miles / 45 km
Direct Transfer 0 Hrs. 50 mins.
All Transfer Options eg Shared Shuttle from 13 Eur pp or Taxi max. 4 pers. 57 Eur , Public Airport Bus - none!

Bus Services operate all year

Ciutadella Beach

Ciutadella's only beach is Plata Gran at the southern end of the City. Small sandy beach no facilities. There are better beaches just south of Ciutadella ( Santandria,Cala Blanca, Cala'n Bosch ).In addition you can catch buses to Virgin beaches.

Ciutadella Beach Guide

Is Ciutadella a good Holiday Beach Resort for you?

suited to couples or singles

A taste of the real Menorca. Good for spring breaks and base to discover the rest of the island

Ciutadella for families

  • Safe pedestrian shopping area
  • Boat Excursions
  • Shops And Cafe Bars for treats

Ciutadella for couples

  • Atmospheric and Cultured
  • Waterside and Streetside Bars and Cafes
  • Shopping & Nightlife
  • June 23,24 Sant Joan Fiesta

(updated Feb 2024)

Ciutadella is located on the west coast and was the original Capital of Menorca. Ciutadella, pronounced "thwi-te-della"

A superb contrast to the beach and holiday resort - a place very different to anywhere else on the island. Considered as one of Spains' most attractive city squares. The original capital of Menorca lies at the western edge of the island. Great clothes and footwear shopping and a place to just wander the pedestrianised old city with its many narrow streets with hidden sights, shops and cafe treats. The scene for the spectacular Sant Joan festival in June. Also competes with Mahon for the title of the best music bars and dance venues on the island. A taste of elegant former times with fine old 17-18th century palaces and a charming little harbour. Which is better to visit Mahon or Ciutadella? - simple, both!

Please note it is NOT allowed or respectfull to enter Ciutadella in swimwear tops or without a shirt - you maybe stopped by police!

Tourist Offices in Ciutadella

Provide free local and island maps, other tourist literatures and advice. Some island attraction tickets can only be purchased form tourist offices. Will have a printed sheet with what's on this week in several languages.

Opening Times - generally mornings only

Plaza de La Catedral 5. 07760 Ciutadella
( opposite Cathedral in old city pedestrian area. Follow pedestrian road from Plaça Born-main square)

Telephone: + 34 971 38 26 93

infomenorcaciutadella@cime.es

Plaza des Born (Plaça Born)
(in formal buildings in corner of square nearest the harbour)

Telephone: + 34 971 48 14 12

Ciutadella - Top See and Do

lots more what to see and do ideas

Old Harbour

The pretty old harbour ( Port Antigua on signposts ) lies below the fortified walls of the old city and offers a mixture of boutiques, shops, Bars and Restaurants of varying styles, prices and quality. Start here for a pleasant evening walk along the harbour quay, past the nautical club, up the steps to Cami de Baix and on down to Castell de Sant Nicolau at the waters edge. Every morning at around 10:00 there are a variety of day long boat trips along the west and south coast where you can experience the real beauty of this island coast complete with midday and bathing stops taken in some of the island's famous virgin beaches.

It is a working harbour with small fishing boats and smaller yachts which means there's always something to see as you chill with a drink, Tapas or enjoy a meal in the restaurants that line oneside.

Pedestrian Historical Centre

Ciutadella gets its name from 'Citadel' -a fortified city. Allthough most the defensive walls were knocked down to expand the city you can still see remnents of them today- most notabley the walls above the harbour under Placa des Born. Walk up the Carrer Major from Placa Born , through Placa de Catedral and into the city's famous Ses Voltes arcades. If your curious you'll also discover beautifull inner courtyards with fountains and flowers.

Placa des Born

Placa des Born, particularly in spring when the leaves on the square's trees don't obscure, can compete with squares in Europe's great cities. The town hall was formally a royal palace and the square is lined with elegant buildings built by weathly landowners. A 16th century spanish city seemingly 'frozen' in time. The Square is the centre piece of current day Ciutadella. From here you can enter the pedestrian area of charming old city through Calle Major d'es Born, which leads to Placa del la Catedral - Cathedral area. Take coffee at Es Quiosc on the square to soak up this square. Tourist Office is located by the town hall. Lots of charming cafes and clothing shops in the old cellars.

Ciutadella - Placa des Born
Cathedral
Ciutadella Palaces
Placa del Cathedrale

Favourite people watching spots

If you like to sit and watch the world Ciutadella has some great spots where the world walks by. Around Placa D'artrutx are local's favourite Cafe Bars, The squares at Place des Pins, Placa Des Ses Palmes and of course along the harbour - check maps below.

Shopping and Supermarkets

Ciutadella has a wide variety of simple souvenir through to very stylish boutique clothes , shoes and hand made jewellry shops. Plus there are lots of Cafes for those little stops. Don't forget that Siesta applies here so from 13:00 to 17:00 nothing will be open. Evenings are the best time for shopping, with a lovely atmosphere, taking in some Tapas aswell. The main market for summer clothes and shoes is on Friday and Saturday mornings during summer (see below).

Summer Clothes
Souvenirs
Boutiques
Menorca Holiday Tips

Just before the city begins entering from the ME-1 are a range of factory outlets for leather and ceramic goods. There are also large supermarkets ( Lidl,Diskont,Mercadona) on the Poligno ( industrial park ) offering very competitive prices for self caterers. Bus no. 60 will take you there.

Markets

A travelling market ( circa 40 stalls ) offering good value leatherwares,shoes and summer clothing along with costume jewellery sets up Fridays and Saturdays 09:00 - 14:00 on Ciutadella's main square ( Placa des Born )

In peak season, mid June to mid September there is a nightly handcrafts, jewellry market along the steps to the old port Evening Markets in Summer. 22:00-24:00

Markets

Sant Joan Festival

 A wonderful sight is to watch over 100 immaculately prepared horses and riders in their pristine costumes parade through Ciutadella's old city streets. The Menorcans love their festivals and especially the chance to show off their stunning native horses. The most eagerly awaited moments are the cargols, when riders circle specific points along the route and especially the "jaleos", where riders bring their horse onto their rear legs - "Jaleo"- The young brave hope for good luck by touching the horses heart as the horse dances above them. Much Pomada ( Gin and Bitter Lemon ) is drunk during the festival, but is very good natured. Note: The riders care too much about their horses for this to be stressing for the horses.

Fiesta de Sant Joan in Ciutadella is held annually 23-24 th June.

Caution: Small children should stay clear of the inner city areas where there will be large boysterous crowds and horses rearing in tight spaces. Placa Des Ses Palmes is a safer place to watch the horses parade. There is a big increase in vistors to Ciutadella during this period so accomodation is difficult to find.

Sant Joan and other summer Fiestas

Sant Joan Ciutadella
"Jaleo"
"Jaleo"
Sant Joan Ciutadella

Getting About

Buses

Buses are available to most parts of the island with changes, so is also a good way to see something of the other parts of the island. You will be surprised how different the landscape is to the area around Ciutadella. Direct buses to Mahon ( 45 min ) and also with stops ( 80 min ) at Ferreries, Es Mercadal and Alaior. There is a local city bus linea 60 that travels the circuit from ferry terminal, through city out to Poligno ( industrial/commercial area for leather outlet shops,Supermarkets etc ) and to Placa del Pins ( city centre ) see below for all connections

Taxis

The main taxi stand is at Placa des Born. Airport to Ciutadella city is about 55 Euro. ( Taxis and Fares )

Cycling

A good way to explore Ciutadella as it is small and you can reach other beaches and swimming coves easily - daily hire start at 10 Euro. Note the historic centre is pedestrianised but there are plenty of low traffic sidestreets. For options outside the city look at our complete See and Do guide including hire shops.

Nightlife

Ciutadella has a wide range of Cafes, Bars, Clubs and Restaurants to suite all tastes and budgets. The bigger chill out and dance clubs are located together down in the harbour area ( Pla de Sant Joan ) and some have open air roof terraces where you can relax under the stars. Be

Several Live Music Bars across the city, including La Magarete ( with lovely garden terrace )

TIP Want to visit a Club or Music bar? Don't forget you are on Menorcan time, nothing starts to happen until after 11 pm as people will have eaten 'late'. Go much later and then it will be buzzing.

Ciutadella Clubs, Bars and Nightlife

Parking in Ciutadella

There are several paid parking places as well as roadside parking meters ( blue bays ) Charges are very reasonable

Ciutadella - Beaches

Ciutadella has some small beaches beloved of the locals, so at weekends they will be a lot fuller. On the southern border of Ciutadella city is Playa Gran and just further south the sandy beaches at Sa Caleta and Playa Santandria.

There are larger resort beaches north at Cala en Blanes ( bus 61 ) and south at Cala Blanca,Cala en Bosch both of which can be reached on bus 65.

Playa Gran
Cala en Blanes
Playa Santandria
Cala Blanca

Virgin Beaches

Full Guide and Individual Beaches

There are some beautiful virgin beaches within reach of Ciutadella. North is the dreamy double bays of Algariens. To the south are Son Saura South , Cala en Turqueta/ Tailer and Cala Macarella ( no cars allowed during summer high season ) .

Buses to these beaches

Note that boat trips drop off passengers for 1-2 hours at these beaches, and that there is also a bus service and car parking all of which means these south west beaches can be the most crowded virgin beaches on the island. For car drivers there are helpful signs on the approach road roundabouts in Ciutadella so you can see if the car parks are already full.

Tip Choosing your time early or later in the day will make all the difference.

Out and About in Ciutadella

Buses - Ciutadella

Looking for Airport Shuttle / Transfers?

Good to know

Bus Network Map with Ciutadella Bus stops to download

TIP:Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, front of buses and signposts as Maó, it's local name. If you are staying longer than a week take a trip on this good network and see some of the other sights, resorts/towns and attractions.

Bus Timetables and destinations - Ciutadella

Bus Connection may require some planning: ( see our full bus guide ) Bus Network for Western Menorca is run via Torres. If you want to travel further East ( Mahon etc ) you have to make a changes at Old Cemetery ( Via Perimetal ) on the edge of town or Placa Europa - 10 min walk from Torre's main City centre Stop. See Bus Guide for details. Torres Bus run North and South to other Beach resorts. Buses available to area Virgin Beaches and resort beaches at Cala Galdana and Son Bou

Airport Bus

Bus Menorca Airport to Ciutadella

Taxis - Ciutadella

Airport to/from Airport one way 57 Eur

Good to know

Menorca has no private Cab firms , Uber or ....'Dodgy Touts!'

Taxis are licensed for a MAX. of 4 Passengers. (any Age child counts as 1 passenger)

Summer peak In recent years Taxis have been in short supply due to not enough drivers for licensed areas. Consider a private transfer to reach Airport in good time for flight home.

Comprehensive Guide Menorca Taxis - how to book

Taxi Airport to Ciutadella

Ciutadella - at a glance

Restaurants in Ciutadella

Ciutadella as the second largest city has wide range of restaurants. Some lovely hidden away delights in the medieval city centre and top quality fish restaurants at the old harbour....our curated Ciutadella Bar and Restaurants guide

Ciutadella Restaurants listings

Bars & Clubs in Ciutadella

Being a City the Bars cater for a wider set of tastes and are more authentic. Explore the side streets for some of the best

Being a City the Bars cater for a wider set of tastes and are more authentic. Explore the side streets for some of the best ...our curated Ciutadella Bar and Clubs guide

Ciutadella Bars Listings

Ciutadella See and Do

Ciutadella has a beautiful old city centre full of inviting bars and restaurants surrounded by cultural delightsSo much to see wandering the side streets with their charming alleys

At the old harbour there are several boat excursions and dive centres

Our what to do and see in Ciutadella inspirations

Ciutadella - maps

Ciutadella...All on a map

Villas & Apartments

Packaged Self Catering Villas and Aparthotels Holidays

From Jet2

Just £ 60 pp deposit
Holidays Ciutadella
Jet2 Villa Holidays in Ciutadella

Hotels

Ciutadella offers Hotels and Accommodation from simple to the luxurious. Many beautiful and characterfull individual Boutique hotels.

All Hotels in and around Ciutadella

All ApartHotels Ciutadella

Boutique Hotels Ciutadella

Rural Hotels Ciutadella

Holidays in Ciutadella

Hotel deals in Ciutadella

Ciutadella Where to stay

Pick of the Popular Hotels

Ciutadella Tips and Advice

What's the weather like in Ciutadella

Weather Now Partly cloudy

Ciutadella has a mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers. Menorca has pleasant cooling Summer breeze. The sea temperatures at Ciutadella   will be around 22-26 degrees in Summer. In October the water is still warm. Spring time ( early March to April ) will have sunny days with temperatures around 20 and above , ideal for sightseeing, walking, cycling and horseriding activities.

Weather and climate forecasts for the whole year

Ciutadella - beaches nearby

Ciutadella All beaches nearby on map

Ciutadella Beach

Villas in Ciutadella

Holiday answers about Ciutadella Beach Resort

Shared ~ 13 Euro p.P

Private Transfers from 72 Eur upto 3 to Ciutadella ideal for families and groups , as no waiting for other passengers ( delayed) arrival. Door to Door and child seats can be pre-booked.

VIP Transfers from 130 Eur upto 6 to Ciutadella No wait. Travel in style in premium vehicles

to Ciutadella Transfers

Aparthotels or Traditional Ciutadella ? - All Hotels in Ciutadella

Besides Ciutadella's Beach we have a more personal guide to Attractions and Sights in Ciutadella

Quick Answers about Ciutadella an Authentic Menorcan Town

Shared ~ 13 Euro p.P

Private Transfers from 72 Eur upto 3 to Ciutadella ideal for families and groups , as no waiting for other passengers ( delayed) arrival. Door to Door and child seats can be pre-booked.

VIP Transfers from 130 Eur upto 6 to Ciutadella No wait. Travel in style in premium vehicles

to Ciutadella Transfers

Hotels Boutique or Traditional Ciutadella ? - All Hotels in Ciutadella

No, but sandy beaches are close by. See our Ciutadella Guide with all the nearby Beaches and lot's more to discover