Free walking tours in Mahón and what to see

Must-sees

Mahón, the capital of Menorca, looks out over one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. The historic centre sits on top of the cliff and is easy to explore on foot. Start at the church of Santa María, known for its great organ, and continue to Plaça d’Espanya and the Claustre del Carme market, housed in an old convent. The shopping streets of the centre and the Ses Voltes area lead to the stairs down to the harbour.

The harbour is the other half of the visit. Its waterfront is full of terraces, and from the water you can see Illa del Rei, with its old hospital, and the Lazaretto. At the mouth of the harbour is the 19th-century fortress of La Mola, which you can visit. Very close by is Es Castell and its small harbour of Cales Fonts. In the surrounding area there are Talayotic sites such as Trepucó and Talatí de Dalt, a good showcase of the island’s prehistory.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours usually cover the old town and explain the history of the city, with the mark left by the British presence in the 18th century and its relationship with the harbour. Among the paid visits, the most recommended is the boat trip around the harbour, which shows the islands and fortifications from the water. The guided visit to La Mola and trips to the Talayotic settlements or the coves of the south of the island are also worthwhile.

How long to spend

You can see Mahón in a full day: the morning for the historic centre and the market, and the afternoon to go down to the harbour, take the boat trip and have dinner on the quay. With two days you can add La Mola, Es Castell and a Talayotic site. If you use Mahón as a base for the island, think of four or five days to combine it with Ciutadella, the north and the southern coves.

Where to stay

The historic centre is the best area for sightseeing on foot, with shops, restaurants and the market at hand. If you prefer views of the water, look for a place on the harbour or just above it, although that means climbing stairs or slopes. Es Castell, a few minutes away, is a quieter alternative with a good evening atmosphere in Cales Fonts. A car is handy for getting around the island, and Mahón has car parks on the edge of the centre.