Although it is a small island, Menorca has a very interesting and varied history. According to archaeological remains, it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and, due to its strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean, it has always been highly coveted by other civilizations.
During the Phoenician and later Roman domination, the capital of the island was Mahón, named after the Carthaginian General Mago, who conquered Menorca in 205 BC. However, in 903, the Arabs conquered the island and annexed it to the Caliphate of Córdoba. They turned Jamma, the current Ciutadella, into the capital of Menorca.
Ciutadella was the capital for several centuries until the British conquered the island in the 18th century and decided that Mahón, with its large natural harbor, was perfect to become a military base and therefore the island’s capital.
Today, in the old town of Ciutadella, you can still see old aristocratic palaces, remnants of its time as the capital of Menorca.
Ciutadella is 45km from the capital, Mahón. The two cities are connected by the main road of the island, the Me-1, which you can travel by car in about 45 minutes.
If you arrive on the island by plane, you should know that the airport is near Mahón, so if you don’t have a private vehicle, you will need to take a bus to the city’s central station and from there, another bus that will take you directly to Ciutadella. For more information, you can check our article on how to get around by public transport in Menorca.
If, on the other hand, your plan is to travel to Menorca by ferry, the company Balearia offers ferries that arrive directly at the port of Ciutadella from cities such as Alcudia or Barcelona. You can check ferry schedules and prices on Directferries.es.
If you are looking for central accommodation with all the services of bars and restaurants within reach for your stay on the island, Ciutadella is the ideal place for you. Don’t miss the sections of our website on hotels and apartments in Menorca to find the solution that best suits your needs.
With its stately air, Ciutadella knows how to captivate anyone who decides to visit it and, for many, it is considered the most beautiful city on the island. Its streets full of history and various tourist attractions make it one of the must-visit places in Menorca.
In the old town of Ciutadella, declared a site of cultural interest, you will find the most interesting things to see in the city:
If you don’t want to miss any details, you can book a guided tour of Ciutadella.
And if you thought it was a beautiful city during the day, at night, with its illuminated streets, it will seem completely incredible. The best plan, once the sun sets, is to stroll through the historic center, dine in one of the restaurants in the center or the port, and end the night in one of the city’s venues.
Near Ciutadella, you will also find various attractions that you cannot miss during your visit to Menorca.
If you are lovers of Menorca’s lighthouses, you will find two just a few minutes’ drive away: the Punta Nati Lighthouse and the Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse. From the latter, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset.
The Naveta des Tudons, a unique prehistoric funerary construction in Menorca, is just over 10 minutes by car from Ciutadella and can be an ideal plan to do with children.
Ciutadella is also a good starting point to visit the best beaches in Menorca: incredible coves such as Algaiarens (La Vall) or Cala n’Turqueta are just a 20-minute drive away.
