Maó (Mahón)
The basics
No visit to Maó is complete without a stop at Place de S’Esplanada. The main square is filled with cafes and activities. Be sure to park yourself here for a cup of coffee and relish in the island weather.
First time visitors can get oriented with a sightseeing tour around town; itineraries tend to include stops at notable attractions—Arch de San Roque, Town Hall, and Place de S’Esplanada among them—as well as boat tours through the harbor. Many tours also visit the nearby fishing village of Binibeca and Cova d’en Xoroi, a cave that has been converted to a bar.
Things to know before you go
- Maó is more than worth exploring for first-time visitors to Menorca.
- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as you’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- English is widely spoken in town, thanks to British influence.
How to get there
Port Mahon is accessible from anywhere on Menorca. It’s around 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the island’s airport, which carries international flights to destinations around Europe and Spain.
Trip ideas
When to get there
High season in Maó is between June and September, when foreign tourists (many from England) arrive for a beach vacation. For a quieter experience, plan to visit in the spring or fall.
Museum of Menorca
Plan to spend a morning or afternoon at the Museum of Menorca to get a better idea of the island’s history and culture. Housed in a 17th-century Franciscan monastery, the museum covers Menorca’s history from its earliest days through Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.