The island of Menorca is a great destination for those looking for a sun-drenched, seaside holiday while also hoping to enrich their knowledge of the Balearic Islands’ culture and history. Full of colourful traditions with a fascinating past, it is a great destination for those looking for an engaging cultural break.
A wonderful way to explore the island is by taking short, one-day trips to specific cities or towns, and visiting them thoroughly before heading back. This is ideal especially for older travellers, who can explore these relatively small areas at their own pace, including as many or as few activities in the schedule as they please. Ciutadella de Menorca is a small town on the western end of Menorca that is without a doubt worthy of a whole day of exploration: here is a simple breakdown of how to go about it.
Morning: What to See Before Lunchtime
Ciutadella de Menorca has a lot of culturally-significant sites and it is easy to get lost while wandering the town’s cobbled streets and admiring its architecture and atmosphere. Therefore, it can be helpful to write down a number of locations you want to visit before setting off, so you don’t find yourself tired and ready for a late-morning beer or coffee before you’ve reached the two things you wanted to see the most! Here are our suggestions for a short and sweet morning in Ciutadella.
Naveta de Tudons
A short drive from Ciutadella’s town centre, this megalithic chamber tomb dates so far back in history that it is hard to say precisely when it was built, but archaeologists know that, at least between 1200 and 750 BC, it was being used as a collective ossuary. It is one of the island’s main cultural icons and a must-see for those looking to learn more about who inhabited Menorca all those years ago.
Entrance fee after Easter is 1’50€ for pensioners and 2€ adults.
Catedral de Santa Maria de Ciutadella
An amazing example of Catalan Gothic-style architecture, this cathedral is beautiful inside too. Spacious and magnificently illuminated by the stunning stained-glass windows, it contains an episcopal throne made with Roman marble that was blessed by Pope Pius XII, commending the cathedral’s devotion to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Museu Diocesa de Menorca
Back in Ciutadella’s town centre, this small museum exhibits a wide range of materials, from archaeological artefacts to 18th century paintings, contemporary art and religious art. It also has a quaint interior court where you can sit down and breathe in some tranquillity.
Due to its central location, you are only minutes away from an array of enticing restaurants where you can recharge your batteries before an exciting afternoon.
If you follow this itinerary, it is a good idea to get a combined ticket for the Catedral and the Museu, costing only 5€.
Afternoon: A Guided Tour of the Town
If you are looking for a personalised tour of Ciutadella, Talaia Cultura’s tours are the best available. With lively and knowledgeable guides who make the town’s history come alive before your eyes, there are five different tours you can choose from, with different durations, routes, and some that include entrance to various buildings.
The duration of the tours varies between 90 minutes and 4 hours and there are various difficulty levels available, making it easy for older visitors to pick one that will provide a tailor-made itinerary to reflect their specific requirements.
Prices
Prices vary widely, from 18€ to 59€. Talaia Cultura also offers tailor-made tours for which you can negotiate prices directly with the company.
Sunset: Breath-Taking Views to End the Day
What a better way to end the way thany watching the sun go down over Ciutadella’s incredible coastline. If you have a last surge of energy towards the end of the day, head to Faro Cap d’Artrutx along the town’s coastal path with its gentle, refreshing sea breeze. Once you reach the lighthouse, there is a cliff from where you can see Majorca on a clear day.
At the base of the lighthouse there’s a restaurant where you can have some food and a drink while looking out onto the sea, but we recommend walking back to Passage Portixol, which is really close to the lighthouse and has a lot of restaurants to choose from, allowing you to pick the specific cuisine with which you would like to finish your day.
How to Get to Ciutadella de Menorca from Menorca Airport
The only way to reach Ciutadella from the island’s airport is by car, so hiring a private Menorca airport transfer is great to ensure hassle-free, reliable transport to your destination. The journey usually takes 45 minutes on a non-busy day, so you will be enjoying and discovering Ciutadella in almost no time!
