It’s a natural wonder. To the traveller Pont d’en Gil is a spectacular sight, an unreal and delicate image. It is like a suspension bridge that has been shaped by the strength of the waves, in the middle of the sea that bathes the surroundings of Ciutadella. A bridge with a large ‘hole’ through which small and medium-sized boats dare to pass, giving a characteristic image worth photographing. Although it can be reached on foot (from Cala en Blanes) or by bicycle (via the Camí de Cavalls), the best way to enjoy this great natural spectacle is undoubtedly by boat.
Those who love taking selfies have a unique image that will definitely get them many likes because it is a surprising sight, especially when you know that Nature itself is the exclusive sculptor of this miracle.
Sa Cigonya, next to the Pont d’en Gil
Furthermore, next to the Pont d’en Gil there is an underwater cave that is very frequented by divers, as it can only be accessed underwater. It is called Sa Cigonya and is about 200 metres long. It is said that diving enthusiasts from all over the world come here as they are attracted by its uniqueness.
The cave, discovered by the Balearic diver Eduardo Admetlla, is considered the best underwater cave in Minorca. In the outer part there is a cavern with numerous stalactites and stalagmites that give the space a ghostly touch. The deepest cavern is not as high and ends on a small beach of fine sand. It is a 12-metre deep cave, which is easily accessible for experienced divers.
As diving requires appropriate equipment and an experienced guide, many people choose to snorkel in the vicinity of the Sa Cigonya cave in order not to miss the beauty of its spectacular seabed. Other visitors decide to enjoy the landscape in a different way, and walk or cycle the various hiking routes in the area to soak up the beauty of the surroundings.
Climbing Pont d’en Gil
Believe it or not, Pont d’en Gil can be crossed on foot to the end of the rock formation. On windy days visitors can feel the overwhelming impact of the water when it hits the rocks. Crossing the bridge on days with strong wind is not recommended, due to the obvious risk of falls.
It goes without saying that from Pont d’en Gil you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island of Minorca. These incredible sunsets attract many couples who go there for a romantic getaway.
The Punta Nati Lighthouse
If you come here and have time, we recommend an excursion to the Punta Nati lighthouse, via the Camí de Cavalls. It is the closest to the centre of Ciutadella, after Sa Farola, and an ideal place to enjoy a beautiful sunset. This lighthouse was built in 1912 in order to avoid the numerous shipwrecks on the northern coast of Ciutadella.
The natural beauty of the Minorcan coast and its natural wealth are two of the reasons why UNESCO awarded Minorca the title of Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Although the island is very popular with tourists, its development model has not been aggressive and has opted for natural and landscape values. More than half of the insular territory has some kind of protection for which the Minorca Island Council is responsible. One of such great protected areas in Minorca is the legendary Camí de Cavalls, a historic route that passes through Pont d’en Gil.
Surroundings of Pont d’en Gil
If you’ve never been to Ciutadella—‘the other capital of the island’—before, you have to pay it a visit. This is a must, as are the areas of Cala en Blanes, Los Delfines and Cala Morell. Ciutadella’s medieval quarter also boasts many interesting buildings.
If you prefer to visit the surroundings of the city, there are other interesting spots to discover. Some of them are listed below:
Sant Joan de Missa
It is a small fourteenth-century hermitage with white painted walls. This is where the popular Sant Joan festivities begin, at dusk on 23 June. The participants arrive at the hermitage from Sa Colcada in an equestrian cavalcade that later continues towards Ciutadella.
Son Catlar
It is an ancient Talayotic settlement located on the road that leads to the sandy area of Son Saura. It is a walled enclosure with a perimeter of 870 metres which has four defence towers or talayots, the base of different prehistoric dwellings and an underground tomb. Apparently, it ceased to be inhabited in Roman times.
Arenal de Son Saura
It is a coastal area with two connected beaches: Es Banyals and Bellavista. Its dunes with pine trees, junipers and tamarisks are very well preserved. The swimming area is long, with fine golden sand. From here, in just over 10 minutes by foot you can reach another smaller beach, the Cala des Talaier, from where you can see a defence tower known as Talaia d’Artrutx.
La Vall d’Algaiarens
It is probably the best beach in the north of Ciutadella. There is a small marsh in the cove where you can spot aquatic birds, especially in spring and autumn—herons, coots, moorhens, ospreys, etc.—which is why the area is protected. To the east, the coastline becomes more aggressive and inaccessible.
