The old capital of Menorca is one of the most beautiful cities on the island, if you are looking for what to see in Ciutadella you are in the right place. Foreign influences due to the complex history of Menorca are not only reflected in the culture and gastronomy but also in the architecture that to this day is preserved and is one of the most representative of Ciutadella.
During the day you can enjoy its history, medieval streets in which to lose yourself, its port, the cathedral, churches, convents, squares, and historical monuments that will make you fall in love at first sight. And at night you can enjoy the Mediterranean air at its best, whether it is walking through the port, having a beer in a bar, or simply walking around the city in a different light.
Next, we tell you which are the places in Ciutadella that you cannot miss on your next trip to Menorca.
Menorca Cathedral
Located in the historic center, the Cathedral of Santa María de Ciutadella dates from 1362 and was built on a Mosque and is one of the most emblematic tourist attractions in Ciutadella, preserving the Gothic façade, the original moldings and the 14th century organ.
Being located in the center of the city, parking can be difficult. Anyway, you have two options: park on the street and pay for parking through an app, in which hours and prices vary depending on the season or, park in a parking lot on the outskirts of the historic center and enjoy a wonderful hike.
Municipal Museum of Ciutadella
Located in the historic building of the Bastió de Sa Font, in the remains of what were the city walls, is the Municipal Museum of Ciutadella. In its permanent exhibition you can see the history of the island, from the prehistoric era, through the Roman era, the beginning of Christianity and the Muslim era of Menorca. In addition, it also has very interesting temporary exhibitions.
The museum depends on the City Council of Menorca, and can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., being one of the most visited museums on the island. Finding parking in the area can be complicated, but you can walk there without problem if you are staying in the historic center area or leave the parking on the outskirts of Ciutadella.
Port of Ciutadella
The Port of Ciutadella is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Menorca, not only because of its history, but also because of how picturesque it is and because of its atmosphere. Going down the stairs from Plaça Es Born, you can enjoy a beautiful market where you can find infinities of handicrafts, local products and souvenirs.
During the day you can appreciate the tranquility of the area, with wonderful postcards of the sea and luxury yachts that contrast with the fishing boats. There you will also find a great gastronomic offer, which you can enjoy on the different terraces of the port.
Instead, at night the tranquility turns into bustle, as the port has a great nightlife, animated by both tourists and locals who enjoy the many bars and terraces while marveling at the night landscape.
We recommend that you explore this area on foot, leave your car parked in the old town or in the hotel where you are staying, and enjoy the landscapes of the port.
Get lost in its medieval streets
Without a doubt, the best way to enjoy Ciutadella is on foot, especially in the old town area. Like many other cities in Spain, Ciutadella had a wall around it, and once it was demolished, a delimitation was maintained that separates the old from the modern.
In its streets you can see and also feel the mixture of cultures and architecture of medieval and Arabic style that give it a special magic and make you transport yourself in time while you explore the city.
Ciutadella was always recognized for being an important religious nucleus and this is reflected in the streets, where you will find numerous churches and convents with their original facades and impress with their cloisters and frescoes on the walls that to this day are conserve.
Molí des Comte
Here we recommend a gastronomic stop with great history, so you can enjoy lunch in the city. The mill was built in the seventeenth century and worked to store the cereals that were collected from the area to supply the entire city. It has 18 vaults and is built of marés stone, which is not only used to moderate temperature and humidity, but is also a highly valuable decorative element.
Perhaps the most curious thing about Molí des Comte is that the top of the mill is where the miller’s home used to be. In 1905 it fell into disuse and after almost 90 years the City Council proposed to give it a new function: it began as an art gallery, and until today it has mutated into a restaurant where you can not only enjoy excellent cuisine, but also the inner beauty of this construction.
Mercat des Peix
Another option to eat in Ciutadella, and also get to know one of its most emblematic places. In the center of the old town, around Plaça la Llibertat where the Mercat des Peix or Municipal Market is located. It is the only iron structure that the city conserves and is one of the most visited sites by locals and tourists. In the summer season, it is a great place to sit and enjoy a good coffee.
Inside the market, you can find a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from the gardens of Menorca, but it certainly stands out, as its name suggests, for the large quantity and variety of fresh fish.
The best way to get to the market is by walking. If you go by car, it is advisable to leave it in Plaça des Born, although there you have to pay a parking ticket.