Although Menorca seems all coves, the truth is that it hides some charming towns that have been taking care of their charm and traditions since the Middle Ages. This is the case of Ciutadella, to the west of the island, with its charming little port surrounded by old fishermen's houses and full of the coming and going of sailors' boats.
What to see in Ciutadella, Menorca
The epicenter of all life in Ciutadella takes place in its port, which maintains its medieval aesthetics despite the multiple expansions it has undergone. Today it is full of terraces and bars with sea views, colorful houses and charming alleys rooted in the past, full of craft shops.
Ciutadella City Council
The port is flanked by architectural jewels that appear on both banks, such as the Born Obelisk, a 22-meter monument that commemorates the liberation of the city from the Turks. Next to it, the impressive Ciutadella Town Hall, built on an old Muslim castle that can still be recognized in its façade and interior.
The town is located around a sea inlet, which is flanked by two iconic buildings: on one side the Castle of San Nicolás, a defensive fortress from the 18th century in very good condition. And on the other is the Ciutadella lighthouse, which marks the narrow entrance by sea to the port.
Saint Mary's Cathedral
The jewel in the crown in this town, despite its many visits, is the impressive Cathedral of Santa María, in Gothic style and with a Muslim minaret as the base of the bell tower, to remember the ancient mosque that is hidden under its foundations.
Cala Degollador
Of course, if we are in Menorca and we don't go to the beach it would be a real sin. In Ciutadella itself there are two coves where you can take a dip after walking through the historic center, both with almost Caribbean turquoise water. They are called Cala dels Frares and Cala Degollador and they are in the same town, so you don't even need to take the car. Both are small coves of white sand flanked by rock and rocky bottoms, with stairs and services.
Where to eat cheap and delicious in Ciutadella
Menorcan cuisine is too delicious to leave Ciutadella without trying it, especially when we can do it in an economical and pocket-friendly way. At Tast de na Silvia they have local products and a reduced menu, but all the dishes are exquisite: the wheat coca, the local rice or the lemon stripe will mark you forever.
Other exquisite places where you can enjoy good gastronomy is Bar Imperi and its longuets of sobrasada, cheese and honey; or Café Balear, which offers lobster stew for 60 euros and spectacular rice dishes for 50-60 euros. Our mouths are watering.
Where to see the eclipse in Ciutadella, Menorca
Menorca has one of the cleanest and most beautiful night skies in Spain, which is why it has been certified and protected since 2019. Therefore, the solar eclipse on August 12 will be seen on the island just as well as in León, Tarragona or Navarra. Especially in Ciutadella, because it is located on the west coast and has many kilometers of uninterrupted views of the sea, something essential to see this phenomenon, which will occur very low on the horizon at sea level.
Pont D'en Gil
Ciutadella is a large and busy town, so seeing the eclipse in the center becomes difficult due to light pollution. However, we can go to the tip of the Castillo de San Nicolás, where the sky is already clear and far from the lights of the town. Other nearby points (by car) are the Punta Nati Lighthouse or Pont D'en Gil, far from urban centers and with 100% visibility. Write it down, because in Ciutadella the world will go dark for one minute and 12 seconds, at exactly 8:30 p.m.
