Ciudadela 39:59.95N 03:49.82E

Red Skies
David Alexander
Thu 13 May 2010 14:59
We made a reasonably early start on Wednesday morning, leaving Porto Cristo at 8.00 am and motoring the 38 miles (there was no wind) directly to Ciudadela, the old capital of Menorca, which we reached at lunchtime. The last time we visited this ancient city was 33 years ago and we were then accompanied by our young sons and Alison's parents. On that occasion we were fortunate to witness the displays of the Festival of Sant Juan, and in particular the wonderful equestrian feats, riding horses through the narrow cobbled streets and even in and out of houses. We wondered how we would find the city on our return visit.
 
The answer, of course, was much has we had left it, but with the addition of a few international brand names and mobile telephone shops. This time we had a better opportunity to see the architecture, without the hordes of people, and horses, that previously had been so evident. It has a mixture of grand palaces, somewhat worn, narrow streets and arcaded footways that are just delightful to mooch around. We were so pleased to have made the return trip. Unexpectedly, we found a shop selling speciality goods and managed to stock up on Bovril, HP sauce and Bisto.
 
Our mooring is right on the town quay, something only possible to achieve by coming so early in the season. The river leading into the town is controlled by a system of lights and when ferries enter or depart other craft are forebidden to navigate the river. We soon saw the reason for this.
 
Red Skies on the town quay
 
Ferry coming down the river into the city
 
Ferry turning round in front of Red Skies
 
An even bigger ferry!!
 
Turning ferry taken from Red Skies' cockpit
 
Showing how little room is to spare
 
The town hall and police station
 
A pair of palaces
 
Narrow streets with many twists and turns - said to be designed to hinder invaders
 
A colonaded walkway
 
Some unusual post boxes
 
We thought the charges made for mooring in Ciudadela were steep at 50 euros a night (excluding use of showers), but that was put in perspective by the charge which increased to 95 euros on Ist June and the charges for using a washing machine and dryer in the Club Nautico clubhouse (which we declined) which were a massive 23 euros, more than three times any previously noted extortionate rates.
We have continued to enjoy mostly sunshine, but with the odd shower. However, there is still a cool breeze that picks up in the afternoon. The forecast for the next few days includes some strong northerlies, so we shall leave tomorrow and seek a sheltered cala on the South coast.