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CIUTADELLA in Menorca

	Ciutadella in Menorca is an overlooked gem of the Balearic Isles. The old capital of Menorca is just as grand as in olden times but with the added modernism which most bustling cities enjoy. The old town is a delight of varied architecture which represents several epochs. The cathedral, ayuntamiento, placas, Voltes, and numerous ancient buildings, are packed within the compact old town. There is the most impressive collection of good restaurants to sample from the simple cafe to the elegant eatery. If you like shopping there is a wide selection of local shops selling an array of goods of all types. The port area is a favourite meeting point throughout the day but especially at night with excellent restaurants tempting you to try their menus.

		PLACA BORN In the heart of Ciutadella, this square is the vibrant centre of town. At one end near to the ayuntamiento you can look over the old ramparts to the port below. The excellent restaurant, Cas Consol provides superb views over the port and the town hall as in the two images above. There is a lively market here twice a week which always attracts a good following to search out those bargains.
OLD TOWN The old town can be approached from many points of entry. This image shows the entrance from on the the main squares, Placa Born. The streets are mostly pedestrianised and ideal for strolling at any time of day. There are lots of narrow side roads to explore, and on hot days plenty of shade to take advantage of. Shops and restaurants are plentiful so it is a good destination for eating, drinking and buying those special little purchases to take home.
		CATHEDRAL The basilica cathedral of Menorca, Santa Maria, is one of the few gothic examples on the island that survived the Turkish invasion in the XVI century. It was built by King Alonso III in 1287 on top of an old mosque. It only has one main central nave, but has several beautiful side altars.
Port Ciutadella hotel Well situated in a quiet residential area and overlooking a small inlet from the sea, this hotel is only about a 15 minute walk into the centre of town. The rooms are large with balconies and large fitted cupboards, en-suite and all the usual amenities. They have a nice hotel pool in a sheltered position in the centre of the hotel building itself. Its bar, Sa Galeria, served a good selection of impressive sandwiches and light lunches.
		RESTAURANTS The choice of restaurants in the city is impressive. This is an image of the Moli, a restaurant conversion of the town's old flour mill. Inside you can still see the old vaulted architecture of the old mill. The food is excellent too! Just across the square is another eatery worth visiting, Aurora, where you can eat overlooking the square watching the world go by. Another favourite, making your way back towards the cathedral, is Ses Voltes. this restaurant is adjacent to the cathedral an is on 3 levels. The ground level serves light lunches, the first floor serves the menu del dia and the top floor serves a la carte.
TRIATHLON Everyone is surely getting much fitter nowadays. In July 2013 the Menorcan Triathlon was organised from the Gran Platja in Ciutadella. The participants undertook the first stage swimming from the beach out along the inlet towards the sea and back again. It was exciting to watch them wading back out of the sea to quickly mount their bikes for the next leg of the race. The cycling was less of a distance test but rather cyclo-cross over rickety beach walkways and sand. The final running was two circuits along the paseo maritimo and back. It was very much a weekend family event where at the end of the race refreshments were prepared and enjoyed on the beach all together.