Ciutadella , Beach & Holiday Guide

(updated June 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!

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.

s. 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).

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.

Sant Joan Festival - 23-24 June

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

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 Where to stay

Pick of the Popular Hotels ( All Hotels @ Ciutadella)

Ciutadella - beaches nearby

Ciutadella All beaches nearby on map

Ciutadella Beach

Villas in Ciutadella