CIUDADELA
Area: Minorca
Country: Spain


Location:
On W coast, 28 miles W of Mahon and the airport, by good main road.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www.menorca.net

Position:
Set around long sea inlet, spreading outwards to dry rolling plains inland. Flanked by lively urbanised coastal areas to S and relatively deserted coastline to N.

Description:
A small historic town and former capital of the island, Ciudadela is steeped in reminders of the Middle Ages and 400 years of Arab occupation. A long narrow harbour leads right to the doorstep of the delightful historic old town, which is compact (only 500 yds across) and easy to wander around; in addition, many of the narrow, winding streets in the centre and near the waterfront are almost traffic free. The small square and alleyways near the cathedral have shops and bars, some of them beneath the arches of ancient vaults, and the road encircling the centre _ built where a city wall once stood _ has many shops as well as several fine buildings. The large Born Square (Pla?a d'es Born) contains some grand palaces, a theatre and the town hall. Look down from the balustrade along the N side and you have a view of the harbour, with a continuous row of terraced restaurants running the length of the near side. The rest of the town is made up of uninteresting modern developments, sprawling for over 1­ miles and ending in industrial anonymity.

Suitability:
Those with an interest in culture, history and the charms of old towns. Also good for shoppers. Flat terrain and pedestrianisation make it accessible for those with poor mobility or young children.

Accommodation:
Few options in town: mainly small, modest hotels. Most accommodation is in resorts to NW and S.

Shopping:
Many good, small shops in centre; several factory shops on the road out of town towards Mahon. Local leather and footwear, jewellery and ceramics are the main specialities.

Beach:
One small beach (36 yards across) in town, at end of very long cove; sandy, gently shelving, safe for young children and surprisingly quiet. Nearest outside town is much busier _ but not much bigger _ Sa Caleta Beach, just over 1 mile away; also a cove, sandy, gently sloping and only 40 yards long.

Entertainments:
Daytime: exploring historic centre including 14th-century cathedral, bishop's palace, history museum and convent. Local gallery. Daily market. Weekly trotting races. Fiesta of San Juan, a colourful and lively event, on 21st June. Nightlife: two seasonal discos; profusion of local bars on cathedral "ring road"; several late-night bars; cinema.

Eating:
Many restaurants line the harbour, with the focus on fish; there are also fast-food outlets and several pavement cafes serving light meals. Small restaurants are secreted in the narrow alleys around the cathedral, serving traditional Minorcan food.

Public-transport:
Six buses a day to Mahon; similar service to local beaches and resorts. As with all public transport in Minorca, it is reliable from June to September only; last bus is usually in the early evening. All buses leave from central square with distinct lack of bus stops elsewhere in town. A number of car-hire shops can be found on main road around old town.

Local-excursions:
Half day: town tours; boat trips to beaches; tour of prehistoric monuments; walking and bird-watching trips. Full day: whitewashed inland towns of Es Mercadal, Alaior and Ferreries; fishing village/windsurfing centre of Fornells; hilltop sanctuary of El Toro; golf at Son Parc; trips to isolated coves and beaches by hire car or bike.