Shopping in Mahon

Shopping in Mahon is a delightful experience that goes far beyond simple retail therapy. Unlike many cities on the Spanish mainland and in other parts of Europe where the shops are concentrated in vast, sterile malls, Mahon’s wares are displayed in a plethora of small stores scattered along the waterfront.

There are even more shops permeating the maze of narrow streets in the city centre and Mahon’s vibrant, bustling markets which selling a kaleidoscope of richly colored and delectably fresh produce. The shopping area in central Mahon is largely pedestrianised and visitors can peruse the enticing selection of chic, exclusive boutiques, ceramics stores and leather shops without battling the fumes of motorised vehicles.

Dotted in among the shops are countless cosy cafés, seafood restaurants and cake shops, offering shoppers the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge their batteries and indulge in some of the island’s sublime culinary offerings in between making purchases.

Menorca is known for its wine, leather shoes, oil, cheese and distinctive, fragrant gin and while most of these products can be found in the pedestrianised area in the centre of town, it’s better to buy cheese at the markets and gin at the 200-year-old Xoriguer Gin Distillery located at the port.

Shopping in Mahon’s markets is a wonderfully atmospheric experience and it is hard to resist overloading your shopping basket with the mouthwatering produce on offer. Open six days a week, the central market sells fish, cheese, vegetables and other fresh produce and is located within an 18th century building that was originally used as a Carmelite convent, the Mercat Claustre del Carmen. Additionally, there is a twice weekly clothes market held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Placa de S'Esplanada.