Ciutadella is located on the west coast of Menorca, which is the largest island of Spain. Menorca is a part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, close to the Spanish mainland. The beautiful port city of Ciutadella was the old capital of Menorca. The historic quarter of this city is surrounded by medieval cobbled streets lined with grand palaces, wonderful churches, baroque and gothic architecture, pavement cafes, noble houses, small squares and majestic fortresses.
The lovely little harbor works as a fishing port and a leisure quayside. There are also excellent beaches and coves to be discovered.
The highlight of the city is its delicious traditional cuisine based on seafood and fish, which are served in its tapas restaurants and taverns.
A Little Bit of History
The View of Ciutadella, Menorca
Ciutadella was found by the Carthaginians and in the fourth century it became the bishop’s seat. The Moors ruled over the city for several centuries and they called it Medina el Jezira and Medina Menurqa.
However, it was recaptured by the men of Alfonso II and the town became a part of Aragon’s Crown.
Old Town of Ciutadella, Menorca
The city developed into a major trading center in the Middle Ages.
In 1558, the Turks laid siege of the town for eight days and finally captured it.
The surviving inhabitants were taken and sold as slaves in the markets of Istanbul.
Ciutadella is full of all types of shops that sell designer clothes, jewelry, perfumes, local artifacts and souvenirs.
The Festival of Sant Joan is the major festival of Ciutadella, which is celebrated with parades, fireworks, bonfires and traditional food.
Other festivals are El Diada of Sant Ntoni, St. James Festival and St. Bartholomew Festival.
Where is Ciutadella?
- 29.9 miles/ 47 km from Mahon, Spain
- 197.5 miles/ 318 km from Porto Cristo, Spain
- 138.5 miles/ 223 km from Barcelona, Spain
- 154.1 miles/ 248 km from Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- 29.3 miles/ 47.2 km from Mahon Airport, Spain
- 159 miles/ 256 km from Palma de Mallorca Airport, Spain
- 143.5 miles/ 231 km from Barcelona Airport, Spain
Things to See
Port of Ciutadella, Menorca
- Cathedral
- Lithicia
- Municipal Museum
- Placa des Born
- Talati de Dalt
- Museo Diocesa de Menorca
- Town Hall
- Water Parks
Beaches
- Playa Grande Beach
- Cala Blanca Beach
- Cala Morell
- Cala’n Blanes Beach
- Cala Es Talaier, Xoriguer, Cala Santandria and Sa Caleta are some of the other popular beaches
Excursions
- Boat Trip
- Coast to Coast
- Mahon
Visiting this charming city will fill you with a sense of what old Menorca was truly about.
Ciutadella is an impressive place with lots of great seafood restaurants, plenty of shopping and some stunning old architecture, however, many of the visitors are also attracted by Ciutadella’s lively nightlife and fiestas.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!