Hotel Sant Ignasi - Local Area
The location offers an impressive panorama and is within easy reach of all the beaches on the north and south-west coast of the island. There are many types of activities for guests, including horse-riding, water sports and cycling, which are all nearby. Car service is also available. There is an uncrowded area where you'll be able to relax in the social club, swimming pool or prestigious restaurant.
The hotel sits amongst a wonderful garden and wooded area with many oak and palm trees. The total area covers 385,000 square meters.
Sites of particular note are the numerous monuments of architectural and prehistoric interest (1,000 - 800 BC) and a visit to the old town of Ciutadella, a natural port, with its beautiful cathedrals and palaces.
Luxe Top 10 must see attractions
Beaches/Coves
The beaches are one of the main tourist attractions in the island. Near Ciutadella (south), the coves of Son Saura, Es Talaier, Caln Turqueta, Macarella, Mitjana, Trabalúger are the most visited coastal destinations in Minorca. And in the north of the Island, the closest to Sant Ignasi Hotel Cala Algaraiens, are Pregonda, Binimel-lá and Cavalleria.
Archaeological heritage
Ciutadella, the old capital of the island. Its remote origins have left an important archaeological heritage in the area, in the form of megaliths such as the "taulas" (megalith), the Talaiot and the navetas.
Ciutadella's Port
The Ciutadellas beautiful port, called Es Born, is surrounded by medieval streets filled with palaces, churches and fortresses. Es Born, the old parade ground of the medieval city, is located in the middle of the historic quarter. An obelisk dominates the square, traditional stage to a number of festivities and social events that take place in the city.
Ciutadella's Cathedral
The cathedral, also around the centre of Ciutadella, was commissioned in the 14th century by King Alfonso III, to be built on top of the High Mosque that existed in Ciutadella during Arab rule. From the old mosque, only the minaret is preserved, though it has since been turned into a belltower. This monumental Catalan-Gothic temple has one nave and six chapels, including the remarkable Chapel of Animas, from the 18th century.
Ciutadella's important religious centres & Palace
The importance of the city as a religious center led to the existence of many other religious buildings of great value, such as the convent of Santa Clara and the Cloister of the church of Socors, part of the old Augustinian Monastery. Across from the cathedral is the Neoclassic façade of the Palace of Olives, another ancestral home. The interior of the building has some frescoes depicting animals and a Roman figurine that was found in the archaeological site of Pujol Antic, in Minorca. No less beautiful is the façade of the Palace of the Count of Saura, whose last remodelling dates back to the 17th century.
Festivity of San Juan(June,23rd)
The most important event in the holiday calendar of Ciutadella is the celebration of the festivity of San Juan, on the 23rd and 24th of June. During those days, horsemen ride their horses around the city center, among great popular excitement.
Mahon(Capital of Menorca)
Mahón stretches along the shore of one of the best and largest natural ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of Minorca still preserves a number of churches, ancestral buildings and palaces, lining streets of deep Mediterranean flavor. But Mahón is also the silent witness to the presence of many diverse cultures that populated it throughout history. In the outskirts, archaeological sites like Trepucó can be visited, where one of the best collections of prehistoric art in the island is preserved.
The istoric Fortress of Isabel II
The Fortress of Isabel II, named LA MOLA was built between the years 1850 and 1875; it is located in one of the most beautiful spots on the Island of Minorca, constituting one of the best examples of late XIXth Century military architecture.
The Nature Reserves of S’Albufera des Grau
The eastern coast of Minorca holds the principal damp area in the island, where you will find the Nature Reserves of SAlbufera des Grau, Illa den Colomi and Cap de Favàritx. The park center has a shallow lagoon, which is a perfect marine-bird observatory. The unusual natural environment of Minorca, in addition to its cultural life and sustainable socio-economic development, allowed the 1993 declaration of the island as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The Village Es Mercadal
The charming town, Es Mercadal, is in the center of Minorca. The village is set at the base of Toro Mountain (the island's highest) and a visit to the Virgen del Toro (Minorca's patron saint) Sanctuary is worthwhile. The village is surprising for its whitewashed houses, quiet streets, and for buildings like the San Martín Renaissance Church, the 18th century well, and the Cap de Cavallería Eco-Museum, which has open-air exhibits and beautiful views. The San Martín fiestas, held in July, fill Es Mercadal with joy and tradition, with the spectacular "jaleo" (where horses dance to music). We should also mention the delicious local sweets and desserts, made according to ancient recipes, such as "amargos" and "crespellines" (biscuits made with almonds).