Menorca, the unspoilt gem of the Balearic islands

Menorca has some beautiful places to see and one its most charming of places to visit is the historic and rather grandiose Ciudadela, which at one point in history was the capital of Menorca, is a small city with a depth of history and culture, Ciudadela is a mixture of romanticism and medieval fortress making it a unique place in Menorca. The city has a rather stately air about it probably left over from the days when it was Menorca’s most important city but it is part of its charm and attraction, stroll along the port up to the castle or fortress of San Nicolas, relax on the terraces of the Plaza del Born or Ses Voltes and watch the sunset from one of the many Faros (lighthouses) are some of the things that if you're on holiday in Ciudadela, you really should do.

In Ciudadela there are all sorts of places to see from archaeological sites and historic streets to white sandy beaches and virgin coves. This small city of Menorca offers endless opportunities to enjoy the history, culture and a taste of the Menorcan life, the atmosphere and the beauty of the old part of the city is very different from the capital of the island, Mahón.

The narrow streets of Ciudadela

The well-known Plaza del Born is the centre piece of modern day Ciudadela is full of stately historic buildings, the town hall is a former royal palace, and it is one of the best plazas in Spain. The square is at the centre of a labyrinth of narrow streets with endless charm which have to be seen to be able to appreciate the beauty of the buildings. The Plaza del born is the gateway to the historic Ciudadela, here it is worthwhile stopping to have a drink at one of the many lively and trendy terraces on this wonderful Menorcan square.

If you decide to stroll on and wander around then go to the attractive arcaded Ses Voltes it is one of the most emblematic areas of old city, with its streets filled with smart shops, bars and restaurants. La Calle mayor des   Born is the most frequented and famous of the streets of Ciuidadela, which goes from the Plaza del born up to the Plaza de la Cathedral.

Santa María de Ciutadella, is the Cathedral of Cuidadela

Rebuilt in the gothic style and it is worth visiting just to appreciate its sleek style, the inside is beautiful with towered ceilings and amazing coloured stain windows. It was built on the site of a mosque and you can still see the original archways in the base of the bell, the cathedral is a hidden gem not to be missed! Another thing to do in Ciudadela is visit the Castle or tower of San Nicolas, designed originally for military purposes for defence and surveillance. This octagonal base tower was built at the end of the 17^th century and it is the most modern of the defence towers dotted along the Menorcan coastline, it differs from the rest with its elegance and detail. The treasure of Ciudadela is its beaches Ciudadela has four tourist areas in which offers tourists to Ciudadela different sun and beach environments. Ciudadela has in fact 21 beaches along its coastline, one of the main attraction of the area is the range of possibilities offered by this little piece of paradise. Here you can find beaches in urban areas with all kinds of services and amenities, virgin beaches located in natural areas, coves with  bays of turquoise water and other bathing areas with transparent and crystal-clear waters.

From Zafiro Hotels we would like to suggest a visit to Cala Morell, a small natural bay located in Ciudadela, it has a small beach of sand and rock platforms for sunbathing and accessing the sea. From the stunning cliffs that surround the Cove, through the deep cobalt water the seabed is clearly visible. Cala Morell is a great example of the wonderful Menorcan coves. The one  thing you must do if you visit Cala Morell, is the explore the edges of the cove and discover its underwater wonders at one end of the cove you'll find an underwater cave, a source of fresh water, which can be accessed by diving. In the Valley that ends at the beach, is a set of fourteen prehistoric caves dug into the ravine. These caves are the Necropolis of Cala Morell ,one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Menorca.

The prehistoric history of Ciudadela lives on

In Ciudadela in Menorca there are the remains of  three prehistoric villages: Torrellafuda, Son Catlar and Torre Trencada.  So, if you are still wondering what to do during a visit to Cuidadela, then a visit to these three prehistoric sites is more than recommended. The three villages each have their own talaiots and monolithic monuments. However, if you are short for time then we recommend you visit Son Catlar, since it the only whose wall which surrounded the village still exists in its entirely. Another of the most important prehistoric villages of Menorca is the Talatí de Dalt, located only four kilometres from Mahon. Other well worth seeing site is La naveta des Tudons, a funerary monument where collective burials were performed.

Watch the sun as it sets on the Mediterranean The Punta Nati Faro is one of the best places in Menorca to see the sunset

This lighthouse was built in 1912 to avoid the constant shipwrecks that occurred on the northern coast of Ciudadela. You can reach the Punta Nati Lighthouse by car or bike, via a very pretty road.  The route along the road is worth doing even if you never reach the lighthouse or even if you arrive late and miss the sunset the stars are also worth gazing at as there is no light pollution at Punta Nati the stars are wonderfully clear in the dark Menorcan sky. After a day full of activities and excursions, relax and recharge your  batteries at the Zafiro Menorca, a family complex just 8 kilometres from Ciudadela. We look forward to seeing you in paradise!