When visiting a beautiful island you will definitely want to explore the big towns and cities. So it makes sense you will want to visit the capital of Menorca. Mahon city of the Balearic islands offers a tranquil, historic centre with just enough hustle and bustle to keep you entertained.
What is the capital of Menorca? And where is Mahon located?
The capital city of Menorca is Mahón city, also known as Maó city which on Menorca, is part of the Balearic islands in the Mediterranean sea belonging to Spain.
Ciutadella city on the West side was the old capital city of Menorca. Mahon only became the capital of Menorca in 1721. Despite protests from the local inhabitants and the Bishop of Ciutadella who refused to relocate his palace, the British moved it from Ciutadella as part of the Treaty of Utrecht.
History of Mahón
Mahón city is a beautiful place located on the eastern coast of the island. Serving as the administrative and cultural centre of Menorca within the Balearic island group in the Mediterranean sea.
Mahón has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Moors, and British. The historical legacy is reflected in the city’s architecture, streets, and cultural heritage.
Historical buildings are still around if that’s what you want. The oldest historical building Mahon being the Arch de San Roque. Which sadly is now the only part of the historical wall the once encircled the city.
One of the most famous features of Mahón is its deep natural harbour. One of the largest deep water harbours in the world. Stretching for almost 5 kilometres long and at around 30 metres deep makes for the second deepest natural harbour in the world. The perfect home for the historical British Mediterranean fleet.
In modern day, the Mahon harbour splits Mahon city in two. The commercial development one side, and the historical city centre the other side on the south.
A notable mention ox exploration is the Church of Santa Maria. One of Mahon’s finest attractions. Originally constructed in 1287 but rebuilt between 1748 and 1772. The magnificent Esglesia de Santa María la Major contains a spectacular organ, featuring four keyboards and over 3,000 pipes.
If exploration isn’t your choice then we have to mention the countless bars and restaurants along the portside. A perfect location to enjoy the views, taking in the city atmosphere and beautiful yachts.
Restaurants In Mahon City
Providing a wide range of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and cafes that serve traditional Menorcan treats, cuisine and international delights. Local treats including the beautiful Mahón cheese, caldereta de langosta (lobster stew), and ensaimada (sweet pastry).
We also have our best restaurants in Menorca guide that may be of interest. However, we’ve highlighted some Mahon restaurants that you may want to explore.
Perla kitchen & bar
A lovely restaurant in the Mahon old town serving up simple Spanish food alongside an all-Spanish wine list makes for a authentic experience. Couple with its location on a quiet cobbled side street make for a great choice to dine in.
Check out the Perla menu here. Restaurant location here.
A&P Restaurant
This busy small restaurant serves up Mediterranean and Spanish dishes. From beautiful tartare dishes and Spanish tortilla to Patatas Bravas and sweet dessert treats.
Prices aren’t the cheapest. But after all you are eating in the capital of Menorca. Dishes are mostly designed to be shared between two people.
A particularly highlight is the restaurants hospitality, service and general atmosphere.
Find the A&P Mahon menu here. Restaurant location here.
Restaurante El Rais
Located right on the Mahon port with beautiful boats and yachts in the distance, El Rais Mahon focuses on rice dishes with multiple variations of what may look like Paella. Although, there are plenty of sharer plates and appetisers too such as Burrata, Iberian ham, grilled prawns and more.
Conveniently located near the Seth Port Mahón hotel which features on our best hotels for couple in Menorca guide.
Find the Restaurante El Rais menu here. Restaurant location here.
Asorbos – Port of Mahon
An unassuming spot on the main Mahon habour road, Moll de Llevant. Asorbos provides a cosy spot serving up a host of dishes, with a focus on tapas style treats. Tomatoes, Padron peppers, prawns and more.
You can find their location here.
Bars In Mahon City
Qsins Gastro Bar
An excellent lunch stop this intimate tapas bar keeps you well fed and sends you back on your way to explore the city of Mahon. You can sit inside or on the terrace and don’t expect the prices to set you back too much either.
You can find their location here.
Bar Nou
Bar Nou in Mahon offers some typical dishes you can expect to find elsewhere for reasonable prices. Bocadillos (baguettes), Spanish meatballs, salads and various friend Spanish treats.
Thursday night here often features live music so one to check out for sure.
You can find Bar Nou’s location here.
Akelarre Restaurant & Live Music
A jazz lovers bar for anyone who enjoys a night out. But, also serving up high quality and tasty Menorcan dishes. Think fresh Squid and other delicious fish, tasty salads and beautifully delicate cheese.
Find the Akelarre location here.
Sa Falua Food & Cocktails
A beautiful bar that’s definitely worth the visit in Mahon. A beautiful place to enjoy cocktails in the late summer evening warmth.
Things to do in Mahon City
If you’re left wondering what activities there are to do in Mahon, well, to explore, your best bet is on foot. The narrow streets of Mahón are perfect for walking in the sunshine. Pedestrianised streets to explore, local cafes to sit down and relax in, pavement bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Mahon Coastal boat trips
One of the most popular things to do in Mahon but also on the island of Menorca is exploring the island by boat. A great attraction when the Menorcan weather is on your side and the sun is shining.
There are plenty of tours to choose from in the harbour but most are focused are shorter journeys such as the 1 hour glass bottom boat tours. There are also private boats for hire in which you can choose to explore how you want.
Explore the Mahon harbour and Mao marina
As mentioned previously, Mahon is home to one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. Around 5 kilometres long and approximately 30 metres deep make for one large body of water.
From the cliff stop city you can take the steps down from the town centre or the glass lift down to the harbour.
Around the marina itself there are plenty of bars and restaurants to stop by in and take the weight of your feet. Such as Arjau Mao, SA TINTINA or the Pizzeria Casanova.
Taste some authentic Menorcan gin
Xoriguer Gin, which Menorca is renowned for was created by a local family by the name of Pons nearly 100 years ago. Nowadays you can expect to see it on every Menorcan menu, served it the typical large gin glasses.
You can find the Xoriguer gin store approximately 5 mintues away from the Mahon historical centre – you can see its location on Google here.
Visit the Hauser & Wirth gallery
A unique art gallery in Mahon that’s on an island sitting in the middle of the harbour – quite unique having to visit by boat!
Exhibitions are free to attend but you will need to book shuttle boat tickets. You can check out the Hauser and Wirth events here.
Mahon Museum – Museo de Menorca
Museo de Menorca has various exhibitions throughout the year to delve into and explore. However the Mahon museum covers a broad period of time from the island’s first inhabitants through the Roman and Islamic occupation and more recently the 18th century of the European superpowers vying for supremacy.
Operating a summer and winter schedule that you can find here and free entry on Sundays make for great value day out. If not, entry is less than €5 for adults and child so not an expensive experience at all.
Explore Fortaleza de La Mola
On the opposite side of the harbour, Fortaleza de La Mola is a 19th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of Mahón. Also home to an underground art gallery showcasing the life of soldiers stationed there, tunnels to walk through, above-ground fortifications and huge war cannons. ma
Visit the Mahon Markets
There are various markets in Mahon to explore and delve into the local, artisanal delights. We have our dedicated Menorca markets page where you can find out all the relevant information, however bite size information can be found below.
For example, the Mercat Claustre del Carme is a covered market where you can find fresh produce, local products, and traditional crafts. From Menorcan cheeses to sausages, local fruits and vegetables.
The Fish Market, located near the harbour, is a bustling spot where you can see fishermen unloading their catches from the mornings fishing.
On Tuesday and Saturday there is typical craft market on Plaza de s’Esplanada (the main square). Here you can grab your souvenirs gifts amongst other items.
Port Mahon Menorca
Arguably one of the most impressive natural spectacles of the island. The Mahon port, or harbour stretches to approximately 5 kilometres in length and 900 metres wide, being extremely deep and suitable for cruise ships and cargo ships. Although deep, the enclosed and protected port Mahon makes it relatively clear.
There are also many Menorca ferries that can whisk you away to other fantastic destinations. Our ferries Menorca guide has more information on that.
Around the Mahon port there’s plenty to see including a tranquil island sat in the centre – Illa del Rei, Fortalesa de la Mola perched towards the entrance of the Port itself, Castillo de San Felipe at Sant Felip towards the mouth of the port, Llatzeret de Maó found on another small island in the port, on Illa del Llatzeret.
With beautiful castle architecture, islands perched in the Mahon port mouth and clear waters make the Port ideal for boat trips and exploring the port how it should be explored, by sea. You have plenty of options to explore via the sea or the Mahon port in other ways too, mentioned above;
- Mahon Harbour Yellow Catamarans Cruise with Underwater Views
- Mahon Harbour Glass-bottom Boat Tour
- La Mola Fortress Mahon Ticket
- Mahon Harbour Boat Tour with Local Farmers’ Market
- Mahon Harbour, Binibeca and Xoroi Cave Tour
Mahon Car Hire
Mahon has plenty of car hire companies to choose from. And exploring by car can be one of the easiest routes to get around and reach some of those off the beaten track places.
Some of the companies offering car hire in Mahon include; Hiper rent a car; AblaCars Rent a Car; Dollar Rent A Car; Sol Car Hire Menorca; Menorcarent – Alquiler coches; Valls rent a car and more. Not to mention there are plenty of car hire companies at Mahon Airport
With so many options it can be overwhelming. We typically advise using a comparison website which allows you to filter, pick and choose what suits you. We find Holiday Extras has what you need.
Mahon City Map
The city of Mahon is relatively easy to navigate due to it’s limited size. There are also various buses that can help you navigate around the city but also to the neighbouring towns as well as industrial areas around the city.
The central area can all be found within the RM road with most areas of interest 10-15 minute walk away. Outside of this ring road you venture into the commercial and industrial areas, and less of the narrow streets with quaint coffee shops, bars, restaurants and shops.
However, buses can be an easy way to navigate around and the Line 15 bus – Maó centre ciutat is an all year around bus dedicated to the central streets. Our full Menorca bus guide has further information. Alternatively, you can head to the government website here.
Airport Transfers from Mahon Airport to Mahon
Mahon airport to Mahon city is a breeze and should take 10 minutes, depending on local traffic.
You have a various options to choose from for Mahon airport transfers to Mahon city. Car hire, taxi, shared transfers and even local buses. There is a bus route from Mahon airport to Mahon city which you can read our Menorca bus guide for further information.
However the shared transfer is definitely a great cost effective method and relatively more direct that other options. Direct airport transfers from Mahon airport to Cala Galdana can be found below.
Shared Transfer Service To Mahon
A shared shuttle service will cost you relatively cheap, however not all companies will make this journey as it’s too short. So it may be that only private taxi services from Menorca airport to Mahon city are available. Some of our favourite companies include:
Alternatively, you can search amongst a variety of transfers to Mahon city on Holiday Extras here.
Airport Taxi transfer to Mahon
A private taxi transfer will cost you around €25 in total, one way. There’s a taxi rank at Mahon Airport just outside of the main airport terminal for easy access.
The official Menorca taxi website is https://www.taxismenorca.com/en/home
