Car Hire Mahon - Mini guide to Mahon
Mahon, capital of Spain’s Menorca Island, is a city rich in history, has abundant sunshine and is relatively free of the masses of package tourists the head for other Balearic Islands.
The city is located around one of Europe’s most beautiful natural harbours. As a result, the Mahon has been eyed by various fleets throughout history, including the Spanish and British. Many of the gourmet restaurants around town offer excellent views of the harbour.
There are many historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch de San Roque - remains of the old city wall. The 17th century Town Hall and 18th century Church of Santa Maria can be found on the old town square. Behind this is the Plaza de la Conquesta, featuring a monument commemorating the island’s liberator, King Alfonso III. Castell de Santa Agueda, just a few kilometres away, is the elevated ruin of a former Roman stronghold.
A walk around the city will reveal its British influence, and many examples of beautiful Georgian architecture remains. Just north of the city is Golden Farm, a British built mansion where Admiral Lord Nelson once enjoyed a brief stopover to work on his memoirs.
In addition to many restaurants and shopping options, Mahon is also famous for its gin. The Xoriguer Gin Distillery can be visited and many brews can be sampled. Near the distillery you can also get tickets for a catamaran tour of the harbour.
The Island can be explored easily in a day if you hire a car. Of particular interest is Ciutadella, the spiritual home and former capital with its distinctly Moorish character and an attractive port surrounded by narrow, arcaded streets.
Most visitors come for the beaches, and they are found mainly on the South coast with its flat landscape, by contrast the North is largely undeveloped and natural with wild rocky vistas covered with pine trees.
The fastest and most popular way to get to Mahon is by plane. Holiday charter airlines operate regular services to Mahon from all of the major European Airports. Visitors from Trans-Atlantic and other world regions connect via Barcelona or Madrid. Flights to the mainland are numerous, but most arrival on package deals out of Europe.
