Mahon Minorca, the 25 must-see visits and activities

As the capital of the small Balearic island, and less than 5 km from Menorca's only airport, Mahon is a top destination for all travellers.

Some choose to spend their first two nights here, others just take a day trip. Even those who don't intend to visit the island will end up passing through at least once, as all roads leading to the coast to the west, north and south from here - as well as to the airport - pass through the town's bus station.

Built on a cliff overlooking the natural harbour - a feature that has seen several European superpowers jostle for claim - Mahon offers a pleasant waterside dining getaway. With a sumptuous palette of colours, peeling colonial reds and faded lemons, pavement cafes in pretty little squares, open-air boat rides in the summer sunshine, an iconic and lively Mercat des Peix and emerging cultural offerings, you'd be disappointed to miss Mahon if you're holidaying in the south or east of Menorca.

In this destination guide, we share our favourite things to do in Mahon, as well as our recommendations on where to eat and drink, where to stay, how to get there and back, and some quick tips to help you travel better.

How to get to Mahon?

By plane

Menorca Airport (MAH) - also known as Mahon Airport - is located 4.5 km from the town and is easily accessible. As it is the only airport on the island, it is the only option if you are arriving by plane!

There is a regular bus service from Menorca airport to Mahon, with a journey time of just 15 minutes.

After collecting your luggage, exit the arrivals terminal and go left to the bus stop. If in doubt, you will find the tourist office inside arrivals on the left hand side before the exit.

You should take the L10 bus to Mahón - this is the only bus service from the airport (except for private hotel transfers).

Buy your ticket (€2.75) on board from the driver, in cash only.

The final stop is the bus station (Estació d'autobusos de Maó), from where you are a 5-15 minute walk to most accommodation.

You can also take a fixed-price taxi for €15 (there is no Uber here by the way).

By bus

After the airport, Mahón bus station (maps) is the second most important transport centre on the island. This is where you need to go to continue your journey to your next destination, where you'll arrive if you're coming into town for a day trip, and where you'll probably connect to anywhere else by bus.

It's all fairly straightforward once you arrive, but remember that you need to have cash to pay the driver directly. For more tips on navigating the bus network in Menorca, read 21 things to know before visiting Menorca.

If you are coming from elsewhere for a day trip to Mahon, note that there is a luggage storage company a few minutes from the bus station.

By car and parking

You certainly don't need a car to enjoy Mahon, and this can actually be a bit more of a disadvantage due to its top-down layout. Therefore, if you start your holiday here, we recommend that you take the bus from the airport and pick up your rental car.

We recommend searching and booking through Rentalcars.com, which has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, and often offers discounts and special deals.

If you already have a rental car and are arriving in Mahón for a day trip, the most convenient parking spaces are on the Moll de Levant, near the port. However, this is also the most expensive (€0.50 / 20 minutes, €3 / 2 hours), fills up quite quickly and most only give a maximum stay of about 2 hours.

A better alternative is the free spaces (maps), which are a few steps down the stairs from the port.

You can also go to one of the large free car parks like this one.

We advise against trying to park in the paid spaces at Costa de Ses Voltes.

Note that driving out of Mahon, wherever you park, can involve some confusion of narrow one-way streets, missed turns, and a rather tortuous route out of the historic centre. Pay attention to your GPS and don't panic!

By boat

You can get to Mahon by ferry from Valencia, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, with departures and arrivals at the ferry terminal.

What to do in Ciutadella Minorca

Eat at the fish market

For an island that sometimes seems a little too quiet, orderly and peaceful to be truly part of Spain, there is one place in Mahon where you can go to get a taste of the Spanish hustle and bustle: the fish market (Mercat des Peix).

In the morning, as you pass under the elegant wrought iron entrance flanked by lemon-yellow walls, you will find locally caught fish sold on seven stalls by local men and women, as has been done for years. Most sell the catch from their own boats.

But it's at lunchtime that everything picks up.

On the right side of the 1920s market building is a cornucopia of local ingredients and flavours cut into perfect little portions of pintxos and tapas.

The quality is there and the prices are very affordable, we recommend you arrive hungry.

The system inside can be a little confusing at lunchtime, but be aware that you have to queue for each specific stall (there is no big general queue to pay or be served).

Entering through the right-hand door, there is a stall straight ahead that serves ready-made meals - we recommend it.

Continue on and you will find stalls dedicated to other tapas, then meat, cheese, beer, wine and shellfish! Grab a tray and fill your pockets. Vegetarians will find some options (just check each item before ordering), but pescatarians will be very happy here.

Things to remember

Where | Mahón's fish market is located in Plaça de Espanya, in the heart of the historic centre - find it here on Google Maps.

Opening hours | The fish market is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 7am to 2pm. The gastronomic area is open from 11am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday in summer (Sundays also in July and August) but in winter it is limited to Fridays and Saturdays only, 11am to 4pm, then 7pm to 11pm.

In the evening there is sometimes live music.

Costs | Free entry, expect to pay between 2 and 4 € for each Pintxo.

Insider tip | There are a lot of people at lunchtime, which can be a bit overwhelming if it is hot. There are few seats inside, most of which are in the sunny courtyard or on the tables outside.

If you're a large group at lunchtime, it's best to get a table and take turns buying food and drink inside.

It's not a hidden gem, it attracts its share of tourists, but it's still one of the best things to do in Mahon.

Walking along the Moll de Levant

It is important for the first time visitor to appreciate the layout of Mahon from top to bottom. The pretty pastel streets, the historic centre, the hotels and the bus station are all located on top of a cliff overlooking the natural harbour, while the marina, the tourist boat departures and several shops and restaurants are located at a lower level on the harbour.

You will divide your time between the two, and they are easily connected by several staircases, the winding Costa de ses Voltes street, as well as a very convenient lift (you will find it here, in the small alley next to the Mercat del Claustre).

Although this long stretch of the harbour is not the most manicured or picturesque promenade, with a busy road running along the water and the marina activity split between pleasure and industry, the harbour is home to several of our favourite places in Mahon for lunch and dinner. You should definitely come down here during the day for a walk, possibly for lunch by the water, but dinner here is a must in our opinion.

As a rule, the right side is reserved for restaurants, the left for boats and fish vendors, the ferry terminal, the slightly noisier cafes and one or two places to stay overnight.

Restaurants along the Moll de Levant

There are many restaurants to suit all budgets, but note the following:

Can Vermut | An excellent tapas-style restaurant with a good atmosphere and some of the best options for vegetarians in the city.

117 Tapas y Vermuts | Run by two very pleasant husbands, their traditional small plates are good.

It is essential to book in advance for lunch or dinner in the popular restaurants during the summer season.

Get a pair of custom-made sandals

Traditionally worn by rural farmers because of their ability to withstand rough terrain, Menorcan avarcas have undergone something of a fashion revolution in recent decades, and can now be found on the feet of everyone from small children to elderly men to the very stylish.

While there are several large-scale production factories on the island that use machines to make their shoes, there is only one small character workshop left in Mahon that creates each pair of avarcas by hand - and you can have a pair made for yourself!

On the port since the 1990s, just turn up at S'Abarca den Toni and try on a few pairs to find your size, choose your materials, style and colours, and pick them up a day or two later. Prices are written on the whiteboard and are based on size, customisation and quality of materials (for example, someone who chooses a size 5 with a generic sole pays less than a size 8 who opts for a sole made from recycled tyres). Prices range from 20 to 48 euros.

However, bear in mind that these sandals are in high demand and, as each pair is custom-made by Toni or her hard-working Cuban colleague (kudos to her), you have to wait at least 24 hours after ordering before you can collect them.

However, in high season, we strongly recommend that you place your order 48 hours in advance, otherwise you may be here until 11pm.

If you don't have time to have a pair made to measure, you can buy stock items.

Things to remember

Where | Near the harbour, find it here.

Opening hours Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2.30pm, then 6pm to 10pm (possibly later for collections). Closed on Sundays and during the winter low season (November - February).

Insider tip | If you continue walking a few minutes past the distillery, towards the other fish market of Mahon (Peixateria Sa Llotja - maps), be sure to spot the most wonderful little workshop on the left. Paco has been making model ships in this space for 50 years.

If you can't buy one of his intricate maritime pieces (they are quite fragile), donate in the little jar he has.

He is not listed on Google Maps, but you can find his studio in Moll de Ponent, 108.

Visit Hauser & Wirth

Have you ever visited an art gallery that you can only reach by boat?

Founded in 1992 by Iwan Wirth, Manuela Wirth and Ursula Hauser, Hauser & Wirth is a family-run contemporary art gallery with an international reputation.

Originally based in Zurich, it has grown over the past 29 years to include branches around the world, including, from July 2021, on Isla del Rey, a small island in the port of Mahon. The site of a former 18th-century British naval hospital, the island was used as a medical facility until the 1960s before being abandoned to nature, lizards and a few private functions.

Its selection for a new gallery was therefore a great cultural coup for Menorca, an island that does not boast any major museums or institutions.

Working closely with the Fundació Hospital de l'Illa del Rei, a non-profit organisation responsible for the protection of the island, Hauser & Wirth oversaw the restoration of several historic buildings to create a place where visitors can experience art in relation to nature, with an emphasis on education, conservation and sustainability.

As well as in-house art galleries that host temporary exhibitions, there is also an outdoor sculpture trail featuring six works by prominent 20th century European artists and a colourful on-site restaurant, Cantina (run by local winery and restaurant Binifadet, featured in our 19 Wonders to Do in Menorca). When walking around, look out for endangered lizards!

Things to remember

How to get there | The island and the gallery are only accessible by a 15-minute double-decker shuttle bus from Mahon. The return ticket costs €5 per person if purchased in advance on the website or €6 if purchased on the boat.

The entrance fee is included in the price of the boat ticket. The departure point is in the harbour area, opposite the Rainbow Spice restaurant.

There are hourly departures, on the hour from 10am to 3pm. The return trip is hourly, with the first departure at 11:30 and the last at 17:30. We recommend that you arrive 10 minutes before the departure time, especially if you buy your tickets directly, as the boat is full.

We recommend a minimum 90 minute tour, longer if you wish to have lunch at the Cantina.

You can also book a private water taxi for €15 return per person (minimum two people) from any point in Mahon harbour.

Arrangement via Whatsapp: +34 689 428 098.

Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Please note that the gallery is not open during the winter months. Please note that if you wish to dine at the restaurant, it is advisable to book in advance.

Hanging out in Plaça Bastió

Every city, no matter how big or small, has a little bit of a trendy part; in Mahon Menorca it is Plaça Bastió.

This small square, which can easily be missed on a walk through the historic centre if you don't know where to look, has a pleasant community atmosphere around its playground, but there are also some good places to eat.

The view it offers of the Església street is also pretty cool.

Attractions to visit

Pipet & Co

Mahon's hippest brunch and lunch spot, this stylish place also has some great vegetarian options. Standards like avo & toast, lots of egg dishes and good sandwiches. The price is a bit higher though.

It is open from 9am to 4pm (closed on Mondays). You can find it here.

Perla

Owned by a charming Serb with Scottish connections.

Located on a pretty little street as you'd expect to find in Greece, its menu also has a slightly more interesting approach than the others, with local ingredients and dishes (king prawns) alongside homemade baba ganousch and Balkan filo pastries.

Posidònia

Next to La Perla, this beautiful little jewellery workshop offers unique pieces, we highly recommend a visit.

Discover Menorca's history and culture

With a long and deep natural harbour protected by a narrow entrance, the port of Mahon has long been coveted and fought over by marauders and superpowers seeking a strategic advantage in the western Mediterranean.

Barbarossa laid siege to it in the 16th century, but it was the chaos caused by the death of the heirless King Charles II of Spain that allowed Britain to seize Mahon in 1708.

After taking possession of the port under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, they moved the capital to Ciutadella, in the west of the island, because of Mahon's topography, which made it easier to defend and house a fleet, and the steep trade routes.

Mahon changed hands between the French, British and Spanish several times over the next century, before finally being ceded to the Spanish in 1802.

Mahon's history is central to the history of the island, and your visit to the town offers the best opportunity to learn about both.

There are two options, both located in beautiful old buildings rather than a generic white cube: Can Oliver and the Menorca Museum.

Can Oliver

Located in an elegant 19th century townhouse in the heart of the city, adorned with frescoes and works of art, many of which were donated by the Hernández Sanz - Hernández Mora family.

The lower floor focuses on the British period and its lasting influence, while the upper floor, accessed by a beautiful imperial staircase, shares more personal touches and insights into the island's cultural identity, traditions, dress and art. Don't miss the whole room of beautiful old maps and the superb little sketches by Hernández Monjo. There is also a tower with beautiful views of the port.

Where + When | Find Can Oliver in the historic centre at 2 Carrer d'Anuncivay.

In summer it is open from 10am to 1.30pm and from 6pm to 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 1.30pm on Sundays, closed on Mondays.

In winter, it is open from 10am to 1.30pm and from 6pm to 8pm from Thursday to Saturday. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, it is only open from 10am to 1.30pm.

Tickets: €5 each, with reduced admission. Free for children under 10 years old.

Menorca Museum

Housed in the wonderful old convent of Sant Francesc de Maó, the museum covers a much wider period, from the first inhabitants of the island to the period of Roman and Islamic occupation of Menorca, through the 18th century, to the European superpowers.

Where + When | In a pretty residential area a few steps from the centre, find it here.

Open from 10am to 2pm and from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. From Wednesday to Sunday it is only open from 10am to 2pm. Unfortunately, opening times are incredibly limited, which means you have to prioritise or you risk missing your window.

Next door is the Sant Francesc church, which you are free to enter. As always, act accordingly in an active place of worship.

Tickets: €4 for adults and €3 for people with reduced mobility. Admission is also free from 3pm to 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It would not be a waste of time or money to visit both sites, but we would understand if you could only visit one during a shorter stay. If it helps, we would say that the Menorca Museum is more suitable for families and younger visitors, while Can Oliver will probably be more popular with adults.

We highly recommend the latter.

Take a boat trip

One of the most popular things to do in Mahon is to take a boat trip around the port. On a clear day, you'll get a great view of the city from the cliff, gain a better understanding of Mahon's history and pass by several sites you wouldn't otherwise see.

Most of the boats used for the one-hour harbour tour have an open-air upper deck and glass bottom, giving you the opportunity to see marine animals (making them a good option for families).

Where + When | In June, September and October there are 4 departures per day (10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00), with an additional departure at 16:30 in July and August.

The meeting point for the Mahon boat trips is in the port on the Moll de Levant.

Note that this is not a boat trip that will take you to beaches or swimming spots - if that's what you're after, you'll have to join one in Cala Galdana or Ciutadella.

If you don't like boats or don't have much time, a 4×4 jeep tour is a great way to get out and explore more of Menorca. They can pick you up in Mahon in their customised Land Rover Defender 4×4, and take you on a customised route through the Menorcan countryside and along the coast for swimming stops, amazing scenery and photo opportunities - with a driver-guide able to share much more about Menorcan culture and history.

Visit Santa Maria de Maó Cathedral and Constitució Square

Once ruined by lightning, the neoclassical cathedral that dominates the city's skyline from certain vantage points was completed in the 18th century. Although its interior is far less opulent than many Spanish cathedrals, it has a real sense of peace and offers a welcome respite from the afternoon heat, as well as an opportunity to reflect.

Admission costs just €2. Remember to plan your visit to enjoy one of the free organ recital concerts which take place every day except Sunday at 1pm between May and October.

Be sure to return later to the Plaça de la Constitució, the square on which the cathedral stands. During the day it's pretty bare, but from about 5pm onwards the picturesque little cobbled square in front of the cathedral and town hall is packed with tables, chairs and restaurants, and is one of the best places in the historic centre to have a caña or pomada in the early evening.

Travel Tip | After your visit to the Cathedral, make a short diversions to the Mirador Del Pont Des Castell - a viewpoint at the end of a narrow street. Many other guides send people to 'El Mirador' to relax with a view - don't bother.

Strolling and eating in the old town

Mahon is a really small town, so you can cover everything in one day of wandering.

As always, we recommend that you let serenity guide you to alleys and places that will help you create your own memories, soaking up unexpected scenes, sounds and conversations in Mahon's characteristic pastel colour palette.

Attractions to visit in the historic centre

El Turronero

A long-standing local favourite for ice cream andhorchata. Generally open from 10:15am to 2:30pm and again from 5pm to 9pm.

Ampola

Artisanal bakery for fresh bread, coffee and pastries in the Plaza Colòn, a square that is also busy in the evening.

Es Llonguet Forn Artesà

Incredibly popular bakery and café in a side street. You can buy takeaway pastries here, but it's a lovely little place to enjoy a coffee in the sunshine while you're having that treat!

Cala Vegana

A welcome new addition for vegetarians, serving plant-based food as well as tapas. The burgers it serves are excellent, but don't you dare eat the garlic shrimp.

Mercat del Claustre

Just up from the fish market and next to the Església del Carme, this is a market that could develop into something pretty cool. At the moment, there are a few stalls and eating places inside and a supermarket underneath, but it's also an event space and a night spot.

The sculpture of the three horses outside is excellent, while the Plaça del Princep is a nice place to have an outdoor coffee with a view of Mahon in Menorca. The boxes you'll see coming out of the small bakery are full of ensaimadas, the island's speciality cake. The slightly hidden Café de Sa Plaça is also a nice place for a morning coffee.

Travel tip | Many of the city's ATMs charge for withdrawals (not just the Euronet machines). You can succeed with the BancaMarch ATMs. For more tips on how to avoid ATM fees when you travel.

Going to the beach

There are no beaches in Mahon.

If you are visiting the island for a week or more, we don't think Mahon is the place to base yourself if you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Menorca.

Although many of them are easily accessible by bus, you should rather opt for :

• Base yourself on the coast and head to Mahon for a day trip.

• Spend a few days in Mahón before heading to the coast. However, some of you may be reading this while planning a short stay in Mahon, and going to the coast on one of your days may not be a bad idea. In this case, we recommend Punta Prima or Cala Binibeca, which are the easiest to reach by bus. For more information, see our article on the best beaches in Menorca.

If you're planning to go for a full day of exploring, it's advisable to hire a car or scooter. If you don't feel like driving or don't have much time, the 4×4 day trip is a great way to get out and explore more of Menorca.

Walk to Es Castell

The long stretch is not the most picturesque or romantic setting due to its layout. Another, more charming little harbour area is in the nearby town of Es Castell.

Perfect for an evening meal, it is also the first place in Spain where you can see the sunrise. It's an easy walk from Mahon in about 35 minutes, but note that it's not a scenic walk, with most of it done on the pavement next to the Me-2 road (perfectly safe though).

Try Mahon cheese

You can't go home without trying the traditional Mahon cheese, which is protected under the name of Mahon and can only be made with milk from the island. The taste varies depending on how long the cheese has been aged and you will recognise the artisan cheeses by the folds of cloth they are wrapped in. One of the best is Autèntic, a delicatessen located in Plaça de s'Esplanada, which offers a good range of cheeses and other Menorcan products such as honey.

Where to stay in Mahon Minorca?

As we explain in our guide to where to stay in Menorca, due to strict rules, the supply of Airbnbs is limited on the island. Therefore, those of you whose travel style is more suited to finding a nice flat or small townhouse may find that the best option turns out to be a hotel.

As Mahon is fairly compact and walkable, location will not make a significant difference to your experience, unless you really want to be based in the middle of the historic centre or next to the fish market.

Note that there is no accommodation on the lower level of the harbour, so going out for dinner here will always require walking back.

Airbnbs

Sant Roc | This traditional four-bedroom townhouse is typically Spanish, but with a high-quality contemporary twist (honestly, it's gorgeous). Centrally located, it has a courtyard and a roof terrace, which would suit a large family or group of friends.

Casa Carlota | This minimalist and modern loft/studio is very well located in the centre of Mahon, and has a large terrace perfect for sunbathing. Would be perfect for a couple!

Hotels and guest houses

ARTIEM Capri | A few minutes from the bus station, it is a 10 minute walk to the centre and the harbour, but its good points more than make up for this distance! Excellent breakfast, large modern rooms, swimming pool and gym on the roof. The price is also very reasonable. The same company also offers flats, Artiem Apartamentos.

Cristine Bedfor | There are several excellent 5* boutique hotels in Mahon, but Christine Bedfor has stood out over the years. A true definition of the term 'boutique', the rooms are exquisitely decorated, each with a different but complementary aesthetic. The furniture is uniquely beautiful and the communal areas are simply stunning. There is an outdoor area with a swimming pool.

Hotel Hevresac Singular & Small | Another property with an emphasis on sustainability. If you like clean lines, artful living and modern aesthetics, this is the place to be.

FAQ Mahon Minorca

Why is the port of Mahon famous?

Considered the best port in the Mediterranean, the English Navy had its best naval base here in the 18th century. Today, the port of Mahon invites us to relive the emotions that lay dormant beneath its tranquil waters.

Where can I watch the sunset in Mahon?

If you are in Mahon, Monte Toro is an excellent option for watching the sunset. It is a short drive to the highest hill on the island. From there, it is possible to get great views of the sunset. If you feel like having a blast watching the sunset, head to the Cova d'en Xoroi.

Read also: What to do in Menorca? 65 must-do activities and visits