Tour Mahon’s historic harbour
One of the largest natural harbours in the world, Mahon was of strategic naval importance for centuries. Pick up a Yellow Catamaran harbourside for an enlightening trip into the past
One island, two great cities…
Guide to Mahon & Ciutadella
Menorca’s twin cities are located at either end of the island – Ciutadella, the old capital, in the west and Mahon, the current seat of governance, at Menorca’s easternmost end. Both are vibrant modern cities enjoying the architectural and cultural benefits of their colonial past, and both are a must-see for any visitor to the island.
Mahon (locally known as Mao) is dominated by its vast deepwater harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, which was identified in the early 1700s as of vital naval importance and led to the island’s capture in 1708 by a joint British-Dutch force. Menorca’s status as a British dependency was confirmed by the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, and Mahon became the capital.
Today Mahon harbour is a magnet for Mediterranean pleasure-seekers and their superyachts and a great place for the holidaymaker to shop, dine and drink and from which to simply watch the world go by.
One island, two great cities…
Guide to Mahon & Ciutadella
Ciutadella has narrow streets, magnificent plazas and gorgeous avenues
Ciutadella (also known as Ciudadela) has an even longer and more illustrious history than its eastern rival. It was founded by the Carthaginians and became the bishop’s seat in the 4th century. Even though it lost its status as Menorca’s capital in the 1700s it remained the religious capital (because the bishop refused to move, so legend has it) and celebrates its status every June with the festival of St Joan.
Though its harbour is far smaller than Mahon’s it is no less popular as a sightseeing destination, and Ciutadella’s narrow streets, magnificent plazas and gorgeous avenues are a treat for all.
Our headline guide to…
What to do and see in Mahon
Watch the world go by
Take a seat at one of the dozens of harbourside bars and watch the comings and goings from the superyachts and pleasure palaces – no better place to down a beer or a G&T
Drink in the history
There’s plenty of culture to be found in Mahon, from the lovely Museo de Menorca to the historical renovations taking place on the imposing Isla del Rei in the harbour, which can be visited on Sunday mornings by boat
Indulge in some great food
Not only can you find a different top-quality restaurant for every day of the week along Mahon harbour, in the town there are markets selling fresh local produce and the fabulous fish market in Plaza de Espana
Take in the sights
The winding narrow streets of the old town are full of architectural gems and there are plenty of opportunities to take in the magnificent vista of Mahon harbour from the higher parts of the city. A visit to the beautiful Ca n’Oliver, a 19th century home packed with artistic marvels, is on the must-see list
Take the gin experience
When the British ruled Menorca in the 1700s there was one thing they missed – gin. So began an island tradition of gin distillation which endures today, and you can visit the Mahon harbourside distillery of Xoriguer to see it being made
Celebrate with the locals
If you’re lucky enough to be in Menorca between September 6 and 9 you must take in the Mahon Fiesta with its centuries-old rituals of celebration and horsemanship. Watch the races and the amazing equine displays, drink the pomada (gin and lemonade cocktail) and enjoy a riot of a time
Mahon image gallery
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A few headlining…
Ciutadella highlights
See some historic sights
Walking the streets of Ciutadella reveals some great attractions, like the main square, the Placa des Born, with its magnificent harbour views and beautiful neoclassical 19th century buildings including the 1813 Palau Salort-Martorell, which is open to visitors. There’s a Municipal Museum and an imposing and very beautiful Cathedral also.
Dine well and in style
Some super restaurants down by the harbourside, including the lovely S’Amarador, where the seafood comes highly rated, and many quirky places to eat in the old town too, such as Cuk-Cuk, located in an old town house, where you can try many Menorcan delicacies including local cheese and sausage
Enjoy the fiesta which tops them all
Menorca’s many fiestas are famous, and none more so than the Fiesta de St Joan, which sees the city taken over every June 23/24 for the running of horses, religious processions and rituals and the wholesale consumption of local gin. It’s crowded and manic and not for the faint-hearted
Take a boat tour
Ciutadella’s old harbour is a hive of boat-trip activity, from pleasure-boat jaunts around the coast to nearby beaches all the way up to day-long catamaran cruises
Get a feel for some ancient history
Just on the city’s outskirts is the most remarkable magalithic chamber tomb, the Naveta d’Es Tudons, which was in use between 1200 and 750 BC. Its design is reminiscent of an inverted ship and some say it is the oldest surviving building in the whole of Europe…
Visit some great markets & shops
There are street markets around every corner in Ciutadella, selling everything from jewellery to clothing, and also a brilliant fish market, the Mercat des Peix, where the goods are so fresh they’re still jumping. Plenty of butchers and fruit and vegetable shops in the market square too
Dig this quarry
On the city’s outskirts, near the Naveta d’Es Tudons, is the stunning Lithica quarry. Though its origins as the ancient source of Menorca’s golden sandstone building blocks are still very much evident, the site has been developed to include beautiful gardens and an enchanting stone labyrinth. Open daily and an inexpensive day out
Dance until dawn with the clubbers
There’s every opportunity in Ciutadella to sample some good old fashioned party-the-night-away club life. One of the most popular clubs is Kopas, near the old harbour, and there are several others dotted around the city. Start your evening with a cocktail at Sa Clau Jazz Club
Ciutadella image gallery
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