Travel & Places Other - Destinations

The Walled City of Mahon

Mahon is the capital of Menorca. Mahon, the islands walled capital, is a bustling port on a huge natural harbour. It is also known as Mao. It is located in the eastern part of the island. It is the commercial and cultural centre of Menorca.

Mahon cheese is one of the great Spanish cheeses and is as good as any on the mainland. It is a cows milk cheese and is the islands biggest export.

The marina based in Mahon is called the Ribera del Puerto it is the largest on the island with 332 berths. There is a gin factory at the harbour where you can buy the famous Menorca Gin. It is free to enter and you can taste the different gins for free.

Mahon town has plenty to offer. Most of the shopping is along pedestrian streets with designer boutiques, wonderful cake shops, leather, pottery and fresh fish and food in the markets. Mahon offers narrow streets to explore, pleasant shady squares, pavements cafes and a wide range of shopping.

The scene around Mao's pretty harbour offers late-night colour, music and dancing. The jazz and piano bars and late-night clubs and part with your money at the blackjack table in Menorca's only casino.

The city of Mahon has a market every day but Sunday from around 10am to 2pm selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat. For crafts clothes and trinkets there is a market each Tuesday and Saturday from around 10am to 2pm. These being first established way back in 1301 by Jaime II as part of the Christian conquest of the island. The city also holds a daily fish market.

Menorca Airport is situated about 15mins away from the capital of the island Mahon. The airport serves the Baleric islands and Spains main airports throughout the year.

No bus service runs from the airport to the capital or any where else on the island but taxis are on hand just out side the arrivals terminal doors to take you any where over the island.

In January, is The Three Kings on the 6th Jan, in Mahon. The three kings land at the harbour and visit all the children in their homes with presents. They are often followed down the streets with confetti and give out sweets. This event happens across the island, the kings giving out present which have been delivered to the town hall beforehand by parents and family.


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