911±¬ÁÏÍø

Port Mahón is a grand natural harbor, stretching more than 5 to 6 kilometres inland and reaching widths of up to 1,200 metres. It ranks among the largest natural harbors in the Mediterranean. Its deep, sheltered waters have made it an important harbor since antiquity, used by Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and later by medieval and early modern powers.

Over the centuries, the harbor’s strategic importance has led to many phases of fortification and naval use. At the harbor’s mouth stand the Fortress of La Mola and the ruins of Saint Philip’s Castle, guardians that once defended the harbor approach against corsairs and rival navies. Meanwhile, the inner reaches of the port curve through the city, blending utility with beauty: quays, marinas, promenades, and sailing traffic.

For visitors, one of the activities is a boat tour through the harbor, sweeping you past historic fortifications, naval installations, hidden coves, and panoramic views of Mahón’s cliff-edge old town. On longer excursions, you might venture further along the coastline for swimming or snorkeling.

Walking along the waterfront, you’ll spot a string of terraces, cafés, bars and restaurants, many offering sea views. Beyond just food and drink, the port area offers souvenir shops, kiosks, and small boutiques.

The Xoriguer Gin Factory is the historic distillery behind Gin de Mahón, a spirit that carries the island’s name and local tradition. It is the only gin distillery still operating in the town, on the very waterfront, and its presence has become a unique point of interest for visitors.

Guided tours are available for anyone curious about the process behind the distillation. During these tours, visitors learn how the distillers select and prepare juniper berries, see the copper stills in operation, and explore areas where the gin is bottled and packaged. The experience typically ends with a tasting of several of the distillery’s offerings, paired with local Menorcan snacks like cheese, cured meats, or pastries.

What sets Xoriguer apart is its use of wine-based alcohol rather than grain, along with a blend of botanicals infused with Mediterranean character. Its recipe is linked to the island’s history — gin began being produced in Menorca during periods of British presence, when the spirit was in demand, and over time, local distillers refined it into a recognized regional specialty.

At the Xoriguer distillery, the shop is an integral part of the visitor experience. It offers a retail space where guests can browse the full range of the distillery’s products. During a guided tour, visitors typically pass through this shop, where they can sample and purchase gins, liqueurs, and special editions.

The Church and Cloister of Saint Francesc is an example of Baroque architecture built upon earlier religious foundations, and it remains a living testament to the island’s spiritual and cultural evolution. Over the centuries, the complex’s role has shifted: following the 1835 ecclesiastical confiscations, parts of the convent were repurposed for secular uses, including a nautical school and later as a public library and education center.

Though the present church was completed in 1792, it was constructed on the site of an earlier Gothic temple dating from 1459, formerly known as the Convent of Jesus. The new Baroque church embraced a single-nave plan, incorporating features such as late Gothic rib vaulting, and over time was enriched with side chapels, decorative portals, and murals in grisaille depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis.

One of the highlights is the Cloister of Saint Francesc, part of the former monastic complex. This cloister, particularly its southern wing, once served as a key element of the convent structure and now houses portions of the Museum of Menorca. The cloister preserves its square layout with a central well, designed in a style consistent with 18th-century Baroque architecture.

The Museum of Menorca is one of the island’s foremost cultural institutions, offering visitors a clear window into its historical and archaeological heritage. Set within the former Convent of Jesus, a Franciscan monastery founded in the 15th century, the museum occupies a site that is itself part of Menorca’s heritage.

Its permanent displays trace Menorca’s story across the centuries, from the prehistoric Talayotic culture to the Roman, Byzantine, medieval, Moorish, Catalan, British, French, and modern Spanish periods. Among the highlights are collections of stone tools, pottery, architectural remains, sacred art, household items, maps, and paintings.

A distinctive feature of the museum is the way its setting contributes to the visit. The cloister, galleries, and wings preserve the atmosphere of the old monastery, while the complex also houses restoration workshops, a library, and spaces for temporary exhibitions and cultural programs.

The Saint Roch Gate is the only surviving remnant of Mahón’s medieval fortifications, a reminder of the 14th-century walls built to defend the city from raids and invasions. Dating to around 1359, it once served as a main entrance connecting Mahón with the surrounding countryside and other Menorcan towns.

The structure reflects the practical style of Gothic military architecture: sturdy and unadorned, designed for defense rather than ornament. Over time, most of the walls were dismantled as the city expanded, but the gate was preserved and carefully restored, returning its profile to a medieval form.

Two square towers of unequal height flank a pointed archway, which formed the original passage through the walls. Above the arch is a niche containing an image of Saint Roch, recalling the nearby chapel dedicated to him that was built in the 16th century.

The Mahón City Hall is not only the center of municipal government but also one of the capital’s most distinguished historic monuments. This graceful 17th-century edifice combines neoclassical restraint with Baroque flourishes—evident in its elegant arches, wrought-iron balconies, and stately clock tower. Over the course of centuries, its evolving façade has borne witness to the shifting tides of Menorca’s political, cultural, and architectural heritage.

Though the building’s origin dates back to 1613, its current form was significantly shaped by a major renovation in 1789 under military engineer Francisco Fernández de Angulo, during Spain’s post-British period. The clock in the tower, ordered from London in 1731 and later installed as a gift from Governor Richard Kane, remains a resonant symbol of Mahón’s British interlude.

Inside, visitors can explore the building’s public rooms, including the Noble Hall and a gallery dedicated to distinguished Menorcans. While the interior is more modest than the exterior suggests, the portraits and commemorative displays tell the story of local leadership across eras—Spanish, British, French, and modern.

The Church of Saint Mary stands on the foundations of a medieval Gothic parish founded in the 13th century, soon after King Alfonso III of Aragon’s conquest of Menorca. Though its roots lie in this earlier structure, the building underwent major transformations, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was extensively rebuilt in a neoclassical style that still defines its appearance today.

From the outside, the church presents a sober and unadorned character, yet its façades and portals stand out prominently against the surrounding squares, establishing it as one of the city’s central landmarks. Inside, the single nave reflects neoclassical order, with side chapels and a vaulted ceiling, while Gothic details linger in certain structural and decorative elements.

The church’s most celebrated feature is its monumental pipe organ, constructed in the early 19th century by the Swiss builder Johann Kyburz. Towering 15 meters high and nearly 9 meters wide, it houses more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. This impressive instrument remains central to the church’s identity, hosting regular concerts and internationally recognized organ festivals that fill the vast nave with music.

The Fish Market gives visitors a lively taste of local maritime tradition, tapas culture, and neighborhood energy, making it a central feature of Mahón’s gastronomic and urban life.

Dating back to the early 20th century, the building was constructed around 1927 under the design of architect Francesc Femenías. Originally, fish was sold directly at the harbor; relocating to a dedicated market brought greater order and hygiene to the trade.

Today, the market serves not only as a wholesale fish venue but also a foodie destination. Old fish stalls have been remodeled into tapas bars, pintxo counters, and food kiosks, where visitors can sample fresh seafood, small plates, wines, and craft beers in a relaxed, social ambiance.

As the day progresses—especially at lunchtime—the market pulses with activity: local shoppers selecting the day’s catch, chefs perusing ingredients, and diners savoring tapas. In the evenings, cultural events and live music occasionally enliven the space.

Cloister Market, also known locally as Sa Plaça, is one of Mahon’s most charming market spaces, offering a fusion of history, local flavor, and community energy. Housed within the cloisters of a former Carmelite convent, the market’s architecture lends it an atmospheric backdrop: stone arcades, open courtyards, and graceful arches.

Inside, you’ll find a lively mix of stalls and shops offering everything from fresh produce, meats, and cheeses to local crafts, clothing, and island specialties. On the ground floor, vendors of fruits and vegetables, charcuterie, floral stalls, and gastronomic treats edge the cloistered walkways. Below, a supermarket provides everyday convenience.

Yet the Cloister Market is also a cultural hub. The central courtyard often hosts outdoor concerts, performances, and community events. On the upper floors, exhibitions and spaces for artistic and municipal uses are woven into the structure’s adaptive reuse.

The Church of Carmen is the largest religious building in the town. It is designed in a neoclassical style rather than the exuberant Baroque that preceded it. The layout follows the traditional Latin-cross plan, with side chapels along the nave, a central crossing, and a dome or cupola over the intersection—illuminated by windows or rosettes.

Construction began in 1726 under the patronage of the Carmelite order, but progress was hampered by local rivalries—especially opposition from the Franciscan community—as well as administrative delays. Building resumed in full around 1750 after negotiations with the then-British authorities. The church was not completed until well into the 19th century.

The Church is dedicated to the Virgin of Carmen and each year on July 16, a procession and popular festivities honor this devotion. Over time, the adjacent convent of Carmen was repurposed. Today, the ground floor hosts the local market Sa Plaça, featuring stalls of fresh produce, local goods, cafés, and small shops. The upper levels are used for cultural, educational, and municipal functions.

Principal Theater of Maó, a significant cultural institution on Menorca, is among the oldest active opera houses in Spain. The theater opened in 1829, designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Palagi, and was constructed partly on the grounds of Mahón’s former city walls.

The theater is laid out in the tradition of classic Italian opera houses, with a horseshoe-shaped auditorium and multiple tiers of boxes. It has four levels and a seating capacity of around 837, though some seats have limited visibility.

Throughout its history, the Principal has played a central role in Menorca’s musical and cultural life. It is home to Opera Week, an annual event that draws international performers and audiences to experience bel canto and classical repertoire on its stage. Beyond opera, the theater hosts a wide variety of performances—concerts, plays, dance, and cultural events.

During the summer months, it opens its doors to guided tours and free visits, giving guests the chance to explore its historic interior, admire the elegant stage machinery, and learn about its architectural and cultural heritage.

Moreres Street starts at Esplanada Square and stretches toward Hannover Street. The route shifts from the openness of the square into a narrower, pedestrian-friendly lane edged with small shops and cafés.

A highlight of the street is the Heladería Cafetería Ses Moreres, a favorite stop for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy ice cream or a cup of coffee. Alongside it, boutiques and traditional façades create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to linger and take in the surroundings.

Further along, you will come across a commemorative plaque and monument honoring Doctor Mateu Orfila, the renowned 19th-century Minorcan physician and scientist, displayed on one of the street’s façades.