Mahon Cruise Guide

The fjord-like harbour of Mahon (Maó in Castilian) is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The first glimpse of the town from the cruise ship is that of a fortress-like settlement perched high above the sea, protected by cliffs and ramparts. In fact, once on land, the little island capital is a relatively modest town.

At the opposite end of the island Ciudadella is the former island capital, well worth a visit for its architecture, atmosphere and shopping. Dotted amid the rural and largely uncommercialised Menorcan countryside are several prehistoric remains from the Talayot civilisation of the 2nd millennium BC, while the coast is famous for its cove beaches.

Sightseeing

Mahon is an attractive hybrid of British colonialist and Spanish-style architecture and its narrow streets and little squares repay exploration. On the waterfront catamarans and glass-bottom boats ply pleasure cruises. Ciudadella is a charming warren of elegant 18th- and 19th-century mansions, palaces and churches. 

Highlights
• Talatí de Dalt and Naveta d'es Tudons: two of the most spectacular of the island's several prehistoric formations.
• Ciudadella: its superb Gothic-Baroque Catedral de Menorca, its picturesque arcaded shopping street, Ses Voltes, and quaint old market area.
• Beaches: the idyllic white-sand coves of Cala Mitjana, Cala Turqueta, Cala Macarella and Cala Trébaluge near Cala Galdana.
• Binibèquer Vell: a picture-postcard re-creation of a typical fishermen's village, close to Mahon.
• Fort Marlborough, Mahon. Underground fortress built by the British in the early 18th century.

Tourist Information

Oficina de Turismo de Menorca
Plaza de la Catedral 5, Ciutadella 07760, Menorca, Spain
Tel: (+34) 97 138 2693.
Website: www.e-menorca.org

Shopping

There is a strong tradition of craftsmanship on the Balearic Islands that includes furniture, hand-embroidered works, handpainted ceramics, carved olive-wood panels, wrought ironwork, glassware, items made from raffia and palm leaves, handmade shoes, the famous pearls made in Mallorca and other costume jewellery from Menorca.

Eating Out

Island specialities include seafood, ensaimada (spiral-shaped cake, dusted with icing sugar), sobrasada (soft, spreadable red chorizo-like sausage), tumbet (baked dish of layered potato, courgette, aubergine and tomato sauce). Gin is distilled in Mahón, a legacy of 18th-century British occupation.

When To Go

The island enjoys a temperate, Mediterranean climate. The maximum temperatures are not excessive, even in high summer, owing to the cooling influence of the sea. The climate during the winter is generally mild and dry with occasional showers.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Mahon.

Transfer Distance

2km (1.2 miles).

Transfer Time

5-10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Spain

Time Zone

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Currency

Euro.

Language

The principal language is Spanish (Castilian or castillano) though Catalan is also spoken and place names appear in both languages.

Location

Mediterranean, 240km (150 miles) due east of Valencia, Spain.

Population

67,000.

Government

Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.

Religion

There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Social Conventions

Smoking is still permitted in many bars and restaurants but even where bans are notionally in place the law is often flouted.

Tipping:
Some restaurants include service in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - around 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and guides.
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