Mahón, the capital of the Island of Menorca is, for most, the point of entry to the island and definitely a must for a visit during your stay on Menorca.
Along with Ciutadella, it’s one of the island’s main cities, with a captivating history which is still evident today, as you walk through its streets and take in its beautiful buildings. A place in which to wander casually and aimlessly, where you’ll marvel at every corner.
Mahón, capital of Menorca
Thanks to its large natural harbour, one of the largest in the world, Mahón was, in ancient times, a strategic point for controlling the Mediterranean and therefore somewhere that many civilisations were keen to conquer: the Arabs, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Turks and the British were just some of the city’s past rulers.
You can still see signs of their presence on the island today, although the most noticeable trace has been left by the British, who ruled here for almost a century, and thanks to whom Mahón became the capital of Menorca, which was previously Ciutadella.
Fancy coming to discover Mahón with me? Read on and I’ll reveal its greatest secrets!
Mahón Menorca: the highlights
If you’re thinking about what to see in Menorca on your next holiday, keep at least one day free to visit the city of Mahón and its wonderful harbour.
Come with me to discover Mahón:
The only way to do this is to start by strolling through the streets in the centre of the city. My advice would be to wander aimlessly, seeing where its streets and alleyways take you.
Stroll until you come to calle de Isabel II, where you’ll see the noble townhouses, and then on to the Town Hall, with its Baroque architecture. The clock on its façade was installed at the request of the Governor Richard Kane and was the first mechanical clock on the island.
Beside the Town Hall stands the Church of Santa María, where you’ll find a beautiful organ with over 3,000 pipes.
Very close to these two sights is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, the Mirador del Pont del Castell, one of the finest viewpoints from which to admire the amazing Port of Mahón from above.
Continue walking until you reach the Pont de Sant Roc, all that remains of the medieval city walls.
By the time you get there, I’m sure you’ll be feeling hungry, so make your way to the Fish Market (Mercat del Peix), where you can enjoy a few tapas in one of its restaurants or bars, made with Menorca’s finest fish and seafood.
Just a few metres from the Fish Market, you’ll find the Claustro del Carmen, with its countless stalls selling typical Menorcan products. The ideal place for a spot of souvenir shopping.
It’s now almost time to visit what is probably the city’s strongpoint: the Port of Mahón. Take a peaceful stroll around this wonderful place, and why not stop for a drink or dinner in one of its restaurants? You’ll have an amazing evening!
If you have more than one day spare to see the city of Mahón, I’d strongly recommend you visit the La Mola Fortress, standing at the harbour entrance. This is the most important military structure in Menorca and it’s been perfectly preserved.
And if you’re an art lover, you can take a trip to the Isla del Rey and visit the Hauser & Wirth gallery of contemporary art.
What to see in the vicinity of Mahón
Mahón lies on the east side of the island of Menorca and just a few minutes’ drive will take you to some amazing places that you should visit on the island:
Es Castell and Cales Fonts
Just a few kilometres from Mahón is the town of Es Castell, with its charming fishing harbour, Cales Fonts.
Here you’ll find various bars and restaurants serving typical cuisine and, in the summer months, an arts & crafts night market that’s really worth visiting.
Mahón Menorca: unmissable beaches
The beaches in Menorca are probably the main attraction for anyone deciding to spend their holiday on the island, and it’s no wonder! Here you can enjoy some amazing beaches that have nothing to envy of the best beaches in the Caribbean!
Close to the city of Mahón are the most popular beaches, mainly frequented by the islanders and perfect if you fancy mixing with the locals.
One of the most famous is Es Grau beach, close to the town of the same name within the protected area of S’Albufera d’Es Grau, the nucleus of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve.
Another great option for a day on the beach close to Mahón is the Sa Mesquida beach.
Finally, if you have young children with you, Punta Prima, with all facilities to hand, may be the ideal beach for you close to Mahón.
Binibeca
The famous and beautiful fishing village of Binibeca is just 20 minutes’ drive from Mahón.
Strolling silently through its labyrinth of streets is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do in Menorca.
Mahón or Ciutadella: which is the best holiday option?
If you’re looking at where to stay for your holiday in Menorca and you’d prefer to have all the necessary amenities nearby, then I’d recommend you opt for one of the island’s main cities. But which one? Mahón or Ciutadella?
The answer to this question is not at all easy and will very much depend on your tastes and requirements.
Mahón is, for most, the entry point to the island due to its proximity to the port and the airport. It also has an extensive network of buses that will enable you to get to most key destinations on the island if you prefer not to hire your own vehicle.
Here you’ll find a wide range of hotels and apartments to meet your needs.
Ciutadella, on the other hand, has a special charm and, for the young, a greater variety of nightlife.
Where to eat in Mahón
In Mahón you’ll find a multitude of restaurants which will absolutely cater for your tastes.
But here are a few recommendations:
- El Raís: located in the Port of Mahón, here you can enjoy paella and other rice dishes, as well as other food with an innovative touch.
- Arjau: also in the Port of Mahón, this restaurant serves traditional dishes made with local fresh fish.
- El Romero: this stylish, refined and absolutely unmissable restaurant has been awarded a Sun from the Repsol guide and the owners are very friendly and highly skilled.
Mahón-Menorca cheese
Mahón-Menorca cheese, produced in the city of Mahón itself, has an ancient history and is still made in the artisan tradition today. Since 1985 it has enjoyed Designation of Origin status and is one of the most internationally renowned of the island’s typical products.
The perfect purchase to remind you of your holiday!
How to get to Mahón: the port and the airport
As mentioned earlier, Mahón is, for most, the point of entry to the island. It is actually just a few kilometres from the airport and the large majority of boats and ferries sail into its harbour.
To get to the city centre from the airport, you can take the shuttle bus to the bus station, from where you can also catch the bus to Ciutadella and other towns on the island.
To get to Mahón from Ciutadella by private vehicle, you just need to take the Me1, the road that provides an easy link between the two cities.
Mahón is a charming city, capable of delighting anyone who visits it. My advice is to take your time and breathe it all in calmly and slowly, and you’ll fall in love with it!
