Guide

MENORCA BY OUR HAND
HISTORICAL CIUTADELLA

Another wonderful sunny morning in Morvedra Nou. After a magnificent breakfast under the sun and a long walk through the countryside I decide to spend the day in Ciutadella. A good long stroll visiting the spots I like the most in old town. 

Only fifteen minutes by car from Morvedra, Ciutadella is one of the most beautiful cities of the island and you can't miss it if you come to Menorca. Until the British occupation it was the capital of Menorca and in 1714 the title was transferred to Maó. Its old walls and narrow streets have been witness to the island's long history, which I recommend you investigate in depth. It is as extensive as it is interesting! Today I will show you the route I will take through the places I consider necessary visiting in order to have a full day experiencing the city.

Long story

The perfect place The Morvedra concierge car drops me off at Avinguda de la Constitució next to the emblematic Molí des Comte grill, located in an old mill and grain warehouse in Plaza de Alfonso III el Conquistador, named after the king who expelled the Arabs from the island and had the city fortified. Also known as Plaça de les Palmeres, because of the many palm trees that surround it, it´s the perfect place to sit on one of its terraces and enjoy from an aperitif at noon to a drink at sunset.
Here, in this beautiful plaza, I will begin my route through the historic Ciutadella city.

Smell of fresh fish

Very lively atmosphere Wandering through the streets, I take carrer D'Alaior to the Mercat del Peix (Fish Market) on carrer de L'Hospital de Santa Magdalena. The smell of fresh fish fills the porticoed Plaça de la Llibertat. In the central part of the square are the fish stalls and in the arcades surrounding it are the fruit, vegetable, cheese and meat stands. Alongside them, bars and terraces invite you to have a glass of wine and a bite to eat before continuing your visit. If it is Saturday, the number of stands will be much greater and you will find a lively atmosphere. After a glass of wine and a few rock mussels, I continue my walk and take carrer Josep María Quadrado, better known as Ses Voltes, to get to the cathedral.

Emblematic buildings

Emblems of the city Ses Voltes, known for its arched promenade, is Ciutadella's main shopping street.
If it is your first time in the city, I would recommend entering the cathedral from the Plaza del Born through Calle Mayor, to find yourself facing the main façade. Santa María de Ciutadella, a Gothic temple built over a mosque by Alfonso III after the conquest of Menorca in 1287, is one of the emblems of the city and perhaps the most important religious monument on the island. In the bell tower we can still see the old shape of the minaret of the mosque.I walk along Plaça des Born, the city's main square. It is surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Torre-Saura Palace, built in exquisite Catalan Gothic style, the town hall and the Palau Salort.

Wonderful views

Port of Ciutadella In the centre a 22-metre obelisk stands tall. It was built in the 19th century to commemorate the fatal Ottoman attack on the city in 1558.The town hall stands on the site of the former Royal Alcazar built on the site of a Moorish castle. Until 1865 it was the Governor's Palace.I walk behind the town hall to reach the Mirador des Ports before going down to the port for lunch. From here, you have wonderful views of the entire port of Ciutadella.

MY TOUR THROUGH CIUTADELLA
AND THE RETURN TO MORVEDRA

The sun is shining strong and it's time for lunch. I seek refuge under the white canopy of S'Amarador restaurant, right in the harbour by the sea. Quality seafood and excellent service. Clams, prawns, fish croquettes or rice with lobster, everything is exquisite.

From here I head to the last stop on my tour of Ciutadella, the Castle of San Nicolau. A military tower built to defend the city in 1682. It is a must to visit, especially when the sun goes down. Magical!

Now it's time to continue enjoying and return to Morvedra. A quiet afternoon at the swimming pool next to the beautiful gardens. See you soon!