Ciutadella or Mahón: a tale of Menorca's two leading cities
You might wonder how different two cities on an island as small as Menorca* could be. And, at first glance, Ciutadella and Mahón (aka Maó) can seem very similar, but look beneath the surface and you'll discover that each has a unique identity and characteristics.
Thanks to Menorca's storied history, including periods when the island was governed by the Spanish, British and French, the capital-city status has jumped about.
Influences from the different ruling cultures live on in the architecture and ambience of the streets of both cities. Our Spain* specialist takes a glance at what makes these two mini Menorcan metropolises in the Balearic Islands* so special.
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What's Ciutadella like?
For centuries, Ciutadella* on Menorca's west coast was the island's given capital. For almost 400 years from the year 903 CE, it was known as Jamma or Medina Minurka by the Muslim rulers of the island, only taking its current name in the 13th century.
You'll notice a hint of this in the narrow alleyways that make up the old part of the city. If the sun is out (more than likely), you'll be caught by the brightness of the buildings. This is because they are mostly made of locally quarried Marés sandstone.
It makes the city warm and light but also imbues it with a mystical quality; Ciutadella wouldn't look out of place in a film about a legendary battle of good and evil or a fanciful, romantic fairytale.
The centre is pretty compact and you can easily walk it as it's mostly flat apart from a small incline to the port. Most of the action can be found around the Plaça del Born and the main cathedral, just five minutes from each other.
Things to do in Ciutadella, Menorca
While you could easily spend hours ambling through the quiet maze of colourful streets with your camera in hand, there are plenty of major sights to tick off your list.
Start with Can Saura, the Ciutadella museum where you'll learn all about the city from its first inhabitants to more modern times. The basement houses the remains of an original Islamic burial place.
There's more history on show at Bastió de sa Font, a giant bastion fortress built in the 17th century that's about a 20-minute walk away.
If you want a spot of help finding your way around, try a GPS walking tour from local resident Víctor Seguí available through VoiceMap; just download it to your phone and Víctor's audio narration will guide you around.
If you're in the mood for food culture, stop by the old municipal market, where you can buy fresh fish, meat and other local delicacies from the beautifully preserved and restored marketplace.
Lunch is best had port-side, where many of the restaurants lay claim to the best caldereta de langosta, the lobster stew that's quintessentially Menorcan.
Before you rush off to check out Mahón, leave some time to explore this side of the island. Take the bus and then follow the famous Camí de Cavalls path to the beach of Macarelleta. This hidden cove has some of the clearest water you'll ever experience.
Camí d'en Kane
Menorca has been joined east to west by one main road since the start of the 1700s when British Lieutenant Governor Richard Kane decided it was advantageous to link the old capital of Ciutadella and the new British capital of Mahón* with a roadway.
These days, the road has been overtaken (pun intended) by the ME1 main road, but parts of the Camí d'en Kane still exist from Mahón to Mercadal via Alaior*.
As you make your way along the route, stop by Es Mercadel and Alaior to sample and buy local Mahón cheese and invest in some avarcas, Menorcan sandals.
You'll also pass close by many of the main pre-historic Talayotic remains including the expansive settlement of Torre d'en Galmés, where it's well worth booking onto one of the guided tours that costs a few euros.
What's Mahón like?
There's been some form of settlement around the natural harbour of Mahón for thousands of years, but it wasn't until the 1800s that it claimed, or rather was granted, capital status.
It's a city on two levels, the portside and the higher city. Thankfully they are linked, these days, by a handy lift near the cruise ship terminal and central markets.
Mahón has more of a 'capital' vibe than its predecessor, and it's obviously been touched by the British; think boastful but functional 18th-century architecture and fortifications.
But it also exudes a wonderfully Mediterranean Spanish soul. If Ciutadella could be the set for a fantasy, Mahón is the scene of a Bond villain's hideaway.
Things to do in Mahón, Menorca
While it's not particularly pleasing to the eye, the Plaça de s'Esplanada is a good place to start your tour of the city.
Head to its southwest corner and you'll be at the top of the main shopping street where you'll find plenty of brand names next to boutique shops and stores selling everything from books to souvenirs, traditional pastries to shoes.
You'll end up near both the viewpoint to overlook the
Speaking of gin, head down the nearby steps (or take the aforementioned lift) and idle along the portside to the Xoriguer gin distillery. While you can't tour the factory, there is an excellent tasting room and gift shop.
The main port promenade is fronted by restaurants and is the place to catch harbour tours and boats over to Illa del Rei, home of the beautifully restored former British naval hospital and the new Hauser and Wirth art gallery.
Compare weather
Use the graphs below to compare weather conditions in Ciutadella and Mahón. Find out more about the climate in Ciutadella and the climate in Mahón as well as conditions across the island in our complete guide to the climate in Menorca.
Ciutadella vs Mahon
- Maximum daytime temperature
- Hours of sunshine
- Days with some rainfall
- Monthly rainfall
- Sea temperature
Maximum daytime temperature (°C)
Hours of sunshine per day
Days with some rainfall
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Sea temperature (°C)
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