Menorca
Mahon (Mao)
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The Georgian-era eastern capital — second-deepest natural harbour in the world, the most cosmopolitan dining.
Mahon (Mao in Catalan) was the British naval base for nearly a century — Georgian sash windows, mayonnaise (invented here), and the worlds second-deepest natural harbour. The most year-round of any base on the island; the airport sits 10 minutes outside. Slightly more workaday than Ciutadella, but better food.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑10min from airport
- ↑Harbour-side seafood (gin-distillery boats on the water)
- ↑Year-round real-city life vs seasonal calas
What you sacrifice
- ↓Far from the famous west-coast calas
- ↓Cruise-ship days flood old town
Best for
Avoid if
Other Menorca neighbourhoods
The old western capital — sandstone old town, harbour at the bottom of cliffs, the Sant Joan jaleo in June.
The whitewashed fishing village on the north coast — caldereta de langosta lobster stew, windswept cala-roja red beaches.
The biggest south-coast beach — 3km of unbroken sand, family-resort hotels, the package-tourism heart.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Menorca →