Santandria Beach & Holiday Guide

Cala Santandria - Location

Santandria is located on the west coast just south ( approx. 3km ) of Ciutadella. Approximately 40-50 mins., from the Airport.

Overview

The correct local location name is Cala Santandria. This area can be a little confusing as described by tour operators and the names used. This area was originally villages but the pretty inlet of Sa Caleta with it's sandy beach attracted the attentions of the hotel trade and so in addition to a lot of residential homes there are now several hotels ,apartments and a larger tourist development further south - Cala Blanca. The proximity to the Ciutadella means many locals will visit the beach at the weekends and evenings after work. The area is quiet , not commercially developed but with a larger collection of tourist bars in walking distance, south in the Cala blanca area. If booking a hotel or apartment you are strongly advised to double-check out it's location on a visual map.

The Playa Santandria Hotel is recommend as small, personable and friendly, right on the beach with above average restaurant.

Shopping

Cala Santandria shopping is limited to essential provisions, beach supplies as well as basic gifts and souvenirs. More is available in Cala Blanca's main centre. Nearby Ciutadella has a market on Friday and Saturday mornings. Remember markets open early in the morning and close around one o’clock in order to avoid the hottest part of the day

Beach

A pretty natural inlet ending in a sandy beach ( not over developed ). There is a beach bar and a couple of small friendly hotels offering bar and restaurants also.

Shopping

Ciutadella has a wide variety of simple through to very stylish boutique shops. Plus there are lots of Cafes for those little stops. Dont forget that Siesta applies here so from 13:00 to 17:00 nothing will be open. Evenings are the prefered time for shopping, taking in some Tapas aswell.

Menorca Tips

Just before the city begins entering from the ME-1 are a range of factory outlets for leather and ceramic goods. There is also a Lidl on the Poligno offering very competitive prices.

Cala Santandria - Must See and Do

The inlet is ideal for snorkelling and there is a high regarded diving centre just on the beach fringe at Sa Caleta(The

Ciutadella Pedestrian Historical Centre

Ciutadella gets its name from 'Citadel' -a fortified city. Allthough most the defensive walls were knocked down to expand the city you can still see remnents of them today- most notabley the walls above the harbour under Placa des Born. Walk up the Carrer Major from Place Born , through Placa de Catedral and into the city's famous Ses Voltes arcades.

Ciutadella

A taste of former elegant times with fine old spanish palaces, moorish influences, a wonderful old centre and a charming little harbour. Ciutadella was the original capital of the island lying at the western edge of the island looking out to its bigger neighbour Mallorca. A superb contrast to the beach and holiday resort. Great atmosphere and shopping and a place to wander the pedestrianised old city and its many narrow streets with hidden shops and Cafe treats. Also competes with Mahon for the title of the best music bars and venues on the island. The scene for the spectacular Sant Joan festival in June, when stunning native black horses parade through the streets and the brave try to "touch the horses' heart" as it rears in front of them.

Ciutadella

Hotels and Holiday accommodation

Close to the charming former capital of the island, Ciutadella 3km further north and reachable with regular bus services.

Menorca Tips

Best way to discover the old centre is to put away your map and just wander. The center is bordered on thee sides by a tree line dual lane road ( Avinguada des Constitucio-Capita Negrete), so whenever you reach this just turn around. On the Calle de Call Bisbe there is a baker with a traditional wood fired oven right behind the counter.

Santandria Nightlife

The Cala Santandria area just south of Ciutadella is mostly layed back and entertainment provided in the Hotels there. Nearby Ciutadella has a much wider range of Cafes, Bars, Clubs and Restaurants to suite all tastes. The chill out and dance clubs are located together down in the harbour area ( Pla de Sant Joan )