Ciutadella

Ciutadella an historic town that has held up well to the pressure of tourism in the twentieth century. It was originally named by the Carthaginians who called it Jamma, and was the original capital of Menorca until the British came along  and moved it to Mahon in the eighteen century. But Ciutadella still remains the religious capital of Menorca.

Most people will enter Ciutadella for the first time by road driving past the new statue, on the roundabout on the new city bypass. It is a magnificent statue of a rearing stallion and symbolizes the famous Ciutadella fiesta "Fiesta de San Juan". Usually celebrated at the end of June, not to be missed if your lucky enough to be here when it is on.

The harbour a narrow inlet is one of the smallest ports in the Mediterranean. Here, sitting in good company, at one of the hourbour side cafe's you can experience to me what Menorca is all about. Relaxed and bathed in sunshine watching the boats bob up and down and the people stroling by the wories of the world vanish. One of best places to view the harbour is from the main square, Plaza de's Born. The centre of the square is dominated by an obelisk which commemorates the defence of the city in 1558 when It was attacked by the Moors.

On one side of the square is the Town hall across from this is a Palace Torre Saura (open to the public) and to the side of this is an alley, which leads up into the old city. Most of the streets are narrow and typically Mediterranean. The arches of Ses Voltes provide welcome shade from the sun while shopping along the main street. The Cathedral in the Plaza de Pio XII, completed in 1362, took over 50 years to build. Without doubt, the best way to see Ciutadella is by foot. Forget the time and your map and just wander through narrow streets soaking up the atmosphere.

The public harbour, with modest facilities, is best avoided. The Sailing Club offers quiet moorings.

Facilities
Place	Contact	Address	Information
Lodging
Hotel Patricia
Eating
Pa amb'oil			good food great service comfortable good value but not cheep. You must try the country bread! Griddled bread on which you rub cloves of garlic and then tomato, sprinkle with olive oil and a little salt, it's yummy, easily the best garlic bread you will ever taste
The guitar restaurant		is to be found in the middle of town close to the cathedral (ask locals or shop assistants for directions). It is difficult to find as it is under ground	Evening menu more expensive many unusual dishes. Well worth a visit
Ca'n Nito		the main square, Plaza de's Born	serves good coffee, pastries and tapers in the bar. A large dining area is at the back of the bar. A wide choice of menu, with a menu of the day. Lunch with clams as a starter, filet of sole, creme caramel, wine and coffee for 1500 pesetas.
the Tapas bar		the main square, Plaza de's Born	It was excellent.  We had a selection of dishes for lunch, mainly fish, including the best anchovies I have ever tasted + 2 glasses of beer for £10.  Excellent value and service.
Es Raco des Ports		Ciutadella	Small and subtle, you could easily miss it amongst the more brash and bustling harbour side eateries.  The setting is fantastic, the food is of an excellent quality and the service is lively and upbeat.  Seafood features strongly, not surprisingly, but the menu also features more than its fair share of chicken, beef and pork dishes as well as some thoughtful vegetarian options (so hard to find elsewhere).  Booking is essential, but gives you time to wander around the harbour by night, or stop at the cocktail bar next door for Xoriguer fizzes.  Three course dinner, including wine, for two people around 9000 pesetas
Restaurante China Town			This Chinese is about 150 yards from the main square down Carrer Mallorca [south west]. The lunchtime special was 925pts for three courses and included wine. There was a fair choice on the special menu of Chinese and Spanish dishes. The service was good and the food excellent.
El Figuera			quite acceptable. Welcoming sherries and hot garlic bread were followed by the delights of squid, sole mauniere, and black, oily cuttlefish paella. A little expensive
Café Balear		in Ciutadella (on the seaside but away from the typical touristic places)	The starter is perfect (clams etc.) and the lobster with onion very, very good (at 8000 pesetas). The owner also have a Cafe Baleares in Cala'n Bosch. And it is said to be as good as the one in Ciutadella. This place opens for lunch at 1.00 pm and for dinner at around 8.00 pm and is full by 8.20 pm with people sitting outside waiting to get in for over an hour. We witnessed people going in at midnight and the place was still full. Unbelievable.
Other companies
Puerto de Ciutadella	39° 59 06 N - 03°3 49 4 W	Ciutadela, Menorca, Baleares. Tel +34-971-383918 Fax +34-971-385871