Ciutadella Holidays

Ciutadella is set on the western edge of Menorca, with its cobbled streets clustered around a smart, yacht-filled harbour. It was the Balearic Island’s capital until the early 18th-century, and the city is crammed full of stately buildings and grand summer mansions built in its heyday.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the harbour’s edge are swanky restaurants, al fresco cafés, and tapas bars. After dark, you’ll find Menorca’s beautiful people packed in to the upmarket wine bars or strolling along the waterfront.

Leading back from the harbour is the city’s old quarter. At its entrance is the charming square of Placa des Born, bordered by elegant palaces and shaded outdoor cafés. Heading away from the square, the narrow lanes are filled with Medieval, Gothic and Moorish architecture. The city’s 13th-century cathedral is a must-see – built on the site of an old mosque, it has a Neo-Classic façade and a huge, marble altar.

When it comes to beaches, you’ve got plenty within easy reach. Cala des Degollador, a small patch of sand that’s popular with locals, is 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. And a 10-minute drive will bring you to Cala’n Blanes, a good-looking, white-sand cove that’s hugged by pine-covered cliffs.