Making the most of Mahon Menorca
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Be on deck for the approach to Mahon, locally spelt Mao. White houses cling to the rocky shoreline beneath an old town rising above the harbour, creating a beautiful view.
Mahon harbour occupies a natural bay 6 kilometres long, with berths accommodating vessels drawing up to eight metres. Set in an exceptional landscape, this unique port has space for 3 cruise ships in the city centre. Mahon's cruise terminal covers more than 5000m2 and provides passenger facilities including car and bus parking, public telephones, a cafeteria and taxis. The walk into central Mahon is short but steep, involving 107 steps.
Anyone who does not want to climb the steps can use the circular bus or Little Train, both of which follow the harbour road. The little train runs 11:00 - 15:00 then 18:00 - 23:00, costs 5 Euro and allows hourly hop-on/off travel. There are also 2 panoramic lifts uphill. One is concealed behind Mercat Des Calustre, the indoor market; follow Claustre del Carme past the terrace cafés to reach the other.
Take the printable map with you.
Mahon's port is a genuine pearl of the Mediterranean region.
Restaurants line the harbourside, while a stroll through town reveals handsome Georgian houses inherited from the period of British rule.
Mahon's religious buildings include Santa Maria parish church, built during the eighteenth century; the church of the Conception, constructed in the same century by the island's Greek colony; and a medieval hermitage devoted to Sant Antoni.
Getting around
If your visit coincides with either of Menorca's two major traditional celebrations, do not miss it. Festes de Sant Joan takes place in Ciutadella from June 23rd to 24th, while Mahon hosts Festes de Gracia from September 7th to 9th. Both showcase the celebrated Menorcian stallions and their riders.
Hiring a car is a good way to tour the island.
Nearby places
Fornells is a small fishing village on the western shore of a vast, almost landlocked bay that resembles a large lake. Windsurfing and sailing are available, with tuition from a little school on the village edge. More recently, the patronage of King Juan Carlos has made Fornells a fashionable dining destination with numerous restaurants and bars. Yet the settlement is still largely undeveloped, and having no beach helps secure its future as a fishing village.
Food and shopping
Leather is a worthwhile purchase. Across from the pier, visit the Xoriguer Minorca Gin factory. Production no longer takes place harbourside, but tastings are free and visitors may sample as many as they wish.
Money
The currency is the euro.
Staying connected
Spanish is official throughout the national territory, but other languages coexist with it in particular parts of Spain: Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Euskera/Basque in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencia Region and a distinct form of Catalan in the Balearic Islands.
Call 112 free of charge for an emergency anywhere in Spain. Help is provided in Spanish and, in some visitor districts, English, French and German.
Opening Hours and
The usual opening times for shops and businesses are Monday to Saturday, 9.30 h to 13.30 h and 16.30 to 20.00 h.
Large shopping centres and department stores operate continuously from 10.00 h until 21.00 or 22.00 h. These larger retailers sometimes open on Sunday.
During high season in coastal cities, shops commonly stay open beyond 22.00 h.
Pharmacies trade from 9.30 to 13.30 h and 16.30 to 20.00 h. Every major city has pharmacies operating 24 hours. A rotating late-opening schedule appears in newspapers and is displayed at each pharmacy.
Museums generally close on Mondays.
National holidays are observed.