Maó (Mahón)
Mahon, Menorca, 07701
Port de Maó (also called Mahón or Port Mahon), the capital of Menorca, has plenty to offer, including one of the largest natural harbors in the world. There are tiny streets to stroll, shops to explore, cakes and meals to be had, drinks to be sipped, and a market housed in what used to be an old convent.
The basics
No visit to Maó is complete without a stop at Plaça de s’Esplanada. The main square is filled with cafés and activities. Be sure to park yourself here for a cup of coffee and lots of island atmosphere.
First-time visitors can get oriented with a sightseeing tour around town; along with Plaça de s’Esplanada, itineraries tend to include stops at the Arch de San Roque and Town Hall, as well as boat tours through the harbor. Many tours also visit the nearby fishing village of Binibeca and Cova d’en Xoroi, a cave that has been converted to a bar.
Things to know before you go
Maó is more than worth exploring for first-time visitors to Menorca.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as you’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors.
Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking over uneven surfaces.
English is widely spoken in town, thanks to the British influence.
How to get there
Maó is accessible from anywhere on Menorca. It’s around 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the island’s airport, which carries international flights to destinations around Europe and Spain.
When to get there
High season in Maó is between June and September, when tourists (many from England) arrive for a beach vacation. For a quieter experience, plan to visit in the spring or fall.
Museum of Menorca
Plan to spend a morning or afternoon at the Museum of Menorca to learn about the island’s history and culture. Housed in a 17th-century Franciscan monastery, the museum follows Menorca’s history from its earliest days through Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.
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