May 14, 2025

Ciutadella – Menorca

The tiny city of Ciutadella is located on the western edge of the island of Menorca, it oozes old school charm.

This was our first port of call during an eight day trip to the island.

I came to Menorca for the first time last year with Emma. We had a short break with friends on the east of the island and discovered a place rich with history, natural beauty and full of charm.

So this year we flew out early to do a little exploring ahead of meeting up with our friends again.

We booked a four night short stay in the old capital Ciutadella – it just blew us away. This used to be the island,s capital city, that was until the British moved it to Mahon.

This port city is incredibly quaint, and retains much of its historic charm. A fusion of cultural influences have left their fingerprints, from the Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, British, French and Spanish!

Here, a labyrinth of cobblestone roads and narrow alleyways criss cross the ‘old town’. There is also an abundance of boutique shops, selling high quality and unique merchandise at quite reasonable prices. Ciutadella appears to have escaped the scourge of global capitalism, with very few high street retailers in existence. Most, if not all, of the traders we saw appeared to be local! Wonderful!!!

There are also a huge selection of restaurants, bars and ancient buildings including many religious sites, old market buildings, monuments and art galleries.

It really is one of the nicest places you could wish to spend an evening. The vibe is welcoming, the streets are clean, and the restaurants amazing, and there are pubs a-plenty.

Under the control of the Moors for over 400 years when it was previously named Jammona, it is hard to believe that the entire city was completely wiped from the map during the wars that took place many centuries later between the Spanish and Ottoman Empire. In 1558 over 13,000 Turks paid an unwelcome visit in their warships to the renamed Ciutadella. It was shocking to learn that 100% of those Menorcans who didn’t perish in the fighting were taken to Constantinople, present day Istanbul and sold into slavery. Almost overnight, the entire population of Ciutadella had been wiped out or forcedly removed!

This fate had also met the inhabitants of Mahon on the opposite side of the island too – brutal times!

…and then came the British, Dutch and French!

In between what appears to have been decades of constant fighting (mainly between the Brits, French and Spanish), the past 350 years has seen Ciutadella rebuilt into one of the most charming places I’ve been to. Luckily for us, nowadays it is both peaceful and ideally located to explore the west coast of the island. From here it is easy to discover dozens of the island’s idyllic sandy coves, although many require a little bit of effort to find.

Cala en Turqueta & Macarella

We found the most amazing beach you could wish to visit at Cala en Turqueta. It was a short 30 minute drive south, and along a very narrow winding road leading to a small gravel car park. From here, it required a further 15 minute walk to the beach. No translation to English was needed, it really was turquoise!

We arrived early, ahead of the tourist boats, so the first hour or so on this beach was bliss!

At times we were the only people in the water, and had uninterrupted views in all directions.

As the crowds started to build we explored other beaches further along the coast… wow. The remote footpath led us through lush woodlands with steep ravines, ancient trees and even more turquoise coves!

We heard some unusual birds on the hike including: Eurasian Hoopoe and Common Firecrest in between many other more recognisable ones including a never ending chorus of nightingales. I have downloaded “Merlin” a bird sound app and always stick it on when I hear birdsong. Never know what’s about!

The beach at Macarella had a small restaurant so we grabbed lunch before heading back. Gorgeous views.

Cala Morell

Cala Morell, on the north coast was about 15 minute drive away, so very easy to find. We parked the car outside the town and walked in along the coastal footpath.

It’s geologically interesting, and a part of the island where two distinct rock formations meet, dark red sandstone on the one hand, and grey dolomites on the other.

Not being high season a few of the bars were closed, but the one that was open had great views across the bay.

Playa Binimel-la

Emma last came to this stunning northern marine park around thirty years ago and was overjoyed to see that it hadn’t changed very much in all that time.

The drive here was a tad interesting though; an unmade gravel road stretched for miles, meandering through the lush green hills of this region.

At the end of the road is a small car park, ahead of one small restaurant set back from the water. From here a series of footpaths and boardwalks lead down to the sea.

Wildflowers are everywhere. Including fields of poppies, which we had to walk through on the way down to the beach.

Ecology is important here, so the dunes are roped off, with signs urging tourists to be considerate of the dunes and wildlife, which was nice to see.

The beaches are as nature intended, not manicured, but rustic. I should imagine this place will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for us it was perfect.

The weather can change quickly here, so hearing thunder in the distance, I looked over my shoulder, time to go! By the time we reached the car the blue skies had disappeared and we were met by the most violent of storms. Given the lush nature of this part of the island, I’m guessing this happens a lot.

Hints and Tips

Flights – EasyJet (price to follow)

Car Hire – Menorca Cars £7.50 per person per day.

Accommodation – Low budget but great quality. Self Catering Apartments £34 per person per night. Ferrer Skyline Apartments.

This was just perfect! Only a short walk to the centre of the city and overlooking the sea. It has two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living area, and well equipped kitchen.