Shopping in Ciutadella

In recent years, the thriving tourist trade in the Balearic region has prompted a vast increase in the number and quality of shopping venues on Menorca, particularly in Ciutadella and Mahon. Both cities have scores of small retail operations and it is virtually impossible to walk along the waterfront or through the city centre in either town without being tempted into one or the many small shops along the way.

Some of Menorca’s primary industries produce goods that will catch the eyes of keen shoppers, such as leather items, jewellery, ceramics and delicious local cheese. Although the island’s status as a European tourist mecca means that bargains are few and far between, leather goods are in fact relatively well priced in Menorca compared with the rest of the continent. Late August and September are particularly good times for shopping in Ciutadella as prices are significantly reduced for the end-of-summer sales.

Pottery, silverware and jewellery are other popular buys in Ciutadella. Most of these items are made locally by craftsmen and silversmiths living on the island and are generally of a high quality with unique designs, making them justifiably rather pricey.

Although the stores in Ciutadella are quaint and often irresistible, visitors should refrain from shopping extensively until they have been to the city’s markets, which have a wide selection of goods that can usually be bargained down to more reasonable prices. A craft market featuring clothes, jewellery, silverware and other handicrafts is held in Ciutadella’s main square on Fridays and Saturdays, and there is a bazaar that operates along the waterfront over the summer months. Visitors wanting to sample Menorca’s famous cheese or other edible goods should visit the food market which runs every week from Mondays to Saturdays.