BEACHES AND NATURAL WONDERS
Local beach can be reached within a 10 minutes walk from our doorstep. Because of the proximity and its shape that gives it a protection from direct open sea and private boats, we recommend it for an early morning swim, if this is your thing.
There is plenty of other beaches in a close proximity of Ciutadella which are reachable within 15 minutes by the public or private transport. Some of them cater for those in search of an active holiday, offering equipment for diving, peddle surfing and other activities, while other provide peace and tranquility for those who are craving for a good afternoon nap next to the sea.
Although Minorcan geological richness highly reflects itself in vast variety of beaches, there is so much more here for you to admire. Minorcan flora and fauna are definitely one well worth mentioning, especially if you’re coming here in the Spring.
We highly recommend Cami De Cavalls, GR 223 long-distance route that rounds the island and can be reachable by foot, bike or a horse, either in sections or, for those more adventurous, in its entire length. It is a fabulous way to discover a beautiful landscape with countless paths along the coast or in the interior that will lead you to rocky beaches, chapels, castles and llocs. Perfectly signposted with wooden piles and information panels it would lead you also to farms, where typical Menorcean cheese will be offered together with other produce for you to replenish.
There is plenty of other beaches in a close proximity of Ciutadella which are reachable within 15 minutes by the public or private transport. Some of them cater for those in search of an active holiday, offering equipment for diving, peddle surfing and other activities, while other provide peace and tranquility for those who are craving for a good afternoon nap next to the sea.
Although Minorcan geological richness highly reflects itself in vast variety of beaches, there is so much more here for you to admire. Minorcan flora and fauna are definitely one well worth mentioning, especially if you’re coming here in the Spring.
We highly recommend Cami De Cavalls, GR 223 long-distance route that rounds the island and can be reachable by foot, bike or a horse, either in sections or, for those more adventurous, in its entire length. It is a fabulous way to discover a beautiful landscape with countless paths along the coast or in the interior that will lead you to rocky beaches, chapels, castles and llocs. Perfectly signposted with wooden piles and information panels it would lead you also to farms, where typical Menorcean cheese will be offered together with other produce for you to replenish.
FESTIVAL OF SANT JOAN
The Fiestas of Sant Joan de Ciutadella make up one of the most iconic, spectacular and participatory festivals in the Balearic Islands.
Main festivities centre at the summer solstice,- 23 and 24 June -, although the celebrations get underway on the previous Sunday, called Dia des Be. They are governed by a strict protocol, where the main social classes of Ciutadella’s bygone era - Church, aristocracy, craftsmen and farmers - are represented.
The most eagerly awaited spectacle is the Caragol del Born, when more than one hundred elegantly bedecked riders with their horses, beautifully festooned for the occasion, make their entry into the Plaça des Born, followed by the procession to the Hermitage of Sant Joan de Missa, and the traditional ‘war of hazelnuts’.
One of our hotel rooms, the Atmosphere, offers a premium spot to admire San Joan as it offers a view of one of the most important streets where horse processions pass several times during festival days.
Main festivities centre at the summer solstice,- 23 and 24 June -, although the celebrations get underway on the previous Sunday, called Dia des Be. They are governed by a strict protocol, where the main social classes of Ciutadella’s bygone era - Church, aristocracy, craftsmen and farmers - are represented.
The most eagerly awaited spectacle is the Caragol del Born, when more than one hundred elegantly bedecked riders with their horses, beautifully festooned for the occasion, make their entry into the Plaça des Born, followed by the procession to the Hermitage of Sant Joan de Missa, and the traditional ‘war of hazelnuts’.
One of our hotel rooms, the Atmosphere, offers a premium spot to admire San Joan as it offers a view of one of the most important streets where horse processions pass several times during festival days.
MARKET, SHOPS, RESTAURANTS
Visiting the Ciutadella Market, - or Mercat des Peix, as called by the locals -, is a must. It is located in the heart of the historic centre of the town, on Plaza de la Libertad, just a five minutes walk from our hotel. There is a small square with a central hall selling fresh fish, surrounded by arcades under which you will find small stands offering the best of gardens and countryside of Menorca.
Market is visited both by the locals and tourists and its flair and atmosphere will definitely inspire you yo try some of the local produce.
You could even choose your own fish or seafood from the market which then can be prepared by your wish in one of the surrounding restaurant. Should you prefer to leave that choice to the Chef, wander down little windy streets around the Market area where you will find lots of bars and restaurant.
There is plenty of shops and boutiques in this area too, offering wide variety of products from the local craftsmen, from shoes, handbags and other leather goods, to jewellery, pottery and art.
And for those more keen on established, renowned brands, there are some lovely boutiques offering collections from Spanish and international designers.
Market is visited both by the locals and tourists and its flair and atmosphere will definitely inspire you yo try some of the local produce.
You could even choose your own fish or seafood from the market which then can be prepared by your wish in one of the surrounding restaurant. Should you prefer to leave that choice to the Chef, wander down little windy streets around the Market area where you will find lots of bars and restaurant.
There is plenty of shops and boutiques in this area too, offering wide variety of products from the local craftsmen, from shoes, handbags and other leather goods, to jewellery, pottery and art.
And for those more keen on established, renowned brands, there are some lovely boutiques offering collections from Spanish and international designers.
CULTURE AND HISTORY
Just a stone-throw away from our hotel their is a Cathedral of Menorca, a gothic church founded in honour of Saint Mary by King Alfonso III following the conquest of Minorca by the Catalan-Aragonese troops in 1287.
In 1558, it had to be rebuilt after a Turkish raid and the subsequent collapse of part of the vault. It was again refurbished during the 19th century and a Neoclassical façade was built. The temple was turned into a cathedral in 1795, when Minorca obtained its own bishopric.
Just around the corner you will find a 17th-century Convent of Sant Agusti, second of the most iconic historical monuments of Ciutadella, who’s towers can be seen from some rooms and from the internal patio of our hotel. It is still used as a residence for a community of nuns while also being a cultural focal point for the public as it houses the Diocesan Museum, holding exhibitions of archaeological material, paintings and engravings from the 18th and 19th century and collections from the cabinet of Physics and Natural Sciences. There is also a library, meeting rooms and currently even its accommodations are available for public use. Furthermore, guided tours are available to visit the most relevant spaces of the building, such as the cloister. Concerts are held from time to time.
If history of Ciutadella is of your interest, then The Museum of de Sa Font Bastion, which houses an important permanent collection highlighting lifestyles, customs and rich cultural heritage of the city until the Moorish period, is a place to go.
It is located inside one of the bastions of the Renaissance city walls of Ciutadella, called the Bastió de sa Font, which was built (1677-1692) to protect one of the entrance gates of the impressive medieval walls surrounding the city.
In 1558, it had to be rebuilt after a Turkish raid and the subsequent collapse of part of the vault. It was again refurbished during the 19th century and a Neoclassical façade was built. The temple was turned into a cathedral in 1795, when Minorca obtained its own bishopric.
Just around the corner you will find a 17th-century Convent of Sant Agusti, second of the most iconic historical monuments of Ciutadella, who’s towers can be seen from some rooms and from the internal patio of our hotel. It is still used as a residence for a community of nuns while also being a cultural focal point for the public as it houses the Diocesan Museum, holding exhibitions of archaeological material, paintings and engravings from the 18th and 19th century and collections from the cabinet of Physics and Natural Sciences. There is also a library, meeting rooms and currently even its accommodations are available for public use. Furthermore, guided tours are available to visit the most relevant spaces of the building, such as the cloister. Concerts are held from time to time.
If history of Ciutadella is of your interest, then The Museum of de Sa Font Bastion, which houses an important permanent collection highlighting lifestyles, customs and rich cultural heritage of the city until the Moorish period, is a place to go.
It is located inside one of the bastions of the Renaissance city walls of Ciutadella, called the Bastió de sa Font, which was built (1677-1692) to protect one of the entrance gates of the impressive medieval walls surrounding the city.
PREHISTORIC MONUMENTS
Menorca is a true open-air archaeological museum with an exceptional heritage. Some of the most important prehistoric sites that can be visited on the island are in a close proximity of Ciutadella, like for example Necropolis of Cala Morel whose earliest graves record date back to around 1600 BCE. Thanks to the perfection and beauty of some of its façades and the plastic skill with which the tombs were dug, this is one of the most beautiful prehistoric cemeteries of Menorca.
The same goes for the Naveta d'es Tudons, type of funeral monuments from the Bronze Age, particular to the island of Menorca. Because of its beauty and good state of conservation, the Naveta d'es Tudons has become the most widely visited prehistoric monument on the island.
If an open space concert or theatre is your sort of thing than Quarries Pedreres de s’Hostal, located right on the outskirts of Ciutadella, should be on your list. Wander through a series of quarries of special ethnological interest, astounding natural labyrinths and parks and admire incredible shapes left by the manual carvers and mechanically carved geometric figures. During the summer months they hold all types of leisure and cultural activities.
The same goes for the Naveta d'es Tudons, type of funeral monuments from the Bronze Age, particular to the island of Menorca. Because of its beauty and good state of conservation, the Naveta d'es Tudons has become the most widely visited prehistoric monument on the island.
If an open space concert or theatre is your sort of thing than Quarries Pedreres de s’Hostal, located right on the outskirts of Ciutadella, should be on your list. Wander through a series of quarries of special ethnological interest, astounding natural labyrinths and parks and admire incredible shapes left by the manual carvers and mechanically carved geometric figures. During the summer months they hold all types of leisure and cultural activities.
