Tours of Mahon

Mahon, or Mao as it is known by its residents, became Menorca’s capital city in the 18th century when occupying British forces moved the capital from Ciutadella. The move was prompted by Mahon’s colossal natural harbour, which offered significant advantages in terms of trade and defence at a time when both these things were important considerations.

Mahon Port is the city’s focal point and is a hub of activity by day and a popular wining and dining area by night. Most visitors embarking on a tour of Mahon choose the harbour as their first port of call, opting to explore it either on foot or by boat.

Tickets for boat tours of Mahon Harbour are available from the Xoriguer Gin Distillery on the waterfront. In addition to excellent views of various shoreline attractions, glass-bottomed catamarans allow visitors a privileged glimpse of the marine environment below that would otherwise only be revealed to scuba divers or submarine passengers. Port excursions take around an hour and run from October to May between 09:30 and 17:30.

Taking in Port Mahon on foot is an entirely different experience allowing you to sample the sublimely fresh offerings of the prolific seafood restaurants scattered along the waterfront. Other highlights of the port include several examples of Georgian architecture, such as Golden Farm, an impressive mansion where Admiral Lord Nelson once stayed, and the 200-year-old Xoriguer Gin Distillery, where tourists can see the intricacies of Menorcan gin production first hand; a tour of the distillery will entitle you to a free sample of the distinctive liquor.

Moving away from the port, there is plenty to see on a tour of Mahon’s central area. In addition to the many alluring shops, cafés and bars that permeate the city’s narrow, atmospheric streets, a number of prominent historical attractions are peppered about the town.

Arguably the most significant of these is the ancient Esglesia de Santa Maria la Major. Located in Placa Constitució, the church dates as far back as the 13th century and was rebuilt in 1772. The church is magnificent and it has the added attraction of a colossal, Swiss-made organ with over 3,000 pipes and four keyboards that were transferred to Menorca during the Napoleonic Wars. Daily concerts are given for those who wish to hear the organ in action.

Other architectural highlights of the city include the neo-Gothic town hall, dating from the 17th century and housing a collection of paintings by various Menorcan artists and Sant Francesc Church. Located at the far end of Carrer Isabel II, its superb Baroque façade and interior touches, such as the Gothic altar and geometrically-shaped chapel, make it a worthwhile visit.

The oldest of all of Mahon’s attractions and popular with history buffs is the Arch of San Roque, the remnants of the original walls which once encircled the city.