Catalonia Mirador des Port
Mahón - Vilanova, 1
You can get a Genius discount at Catalonia Mirador des Port! To save on this accommodation, you just have to log in.
Book now
On a trip to Menorca, Mahon (also known as Mahón or Maó) is one of the stops that should not be missed. Considered the island’s main city, it is here that the airport and an important port are located. Legend has it that the city was founded by the Carthaginian general Mago Barca, Hannibal’s brother, and later became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean due to its strategic location.
In reality, the artefacts found can affirm that Mahon was inhabited as far back as 2000 B.C. when the first human settlements left an important archaeological heritage, which includes talayots (megalithic monuments in the shape of towers) and navetas (funerary constructions in the shape of an inverted ship).
Today, the city is developed around the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and harbours a combination of ancient and modern architecture that makes it a truly magical city. Mahon was only proclaimed capital of the island in the 18th century by the British, who left an important historical and architectural legacy here.
Its historic centre can only be explored on foot and is an area where numerous clubs, restaurants and shopping facilities have sprung up over the years. But Mahon is not only famous for its many sites of interest, but also for its beautiful beaches where you can spend days of pure relaxation.
A sunny and welcoming town, Mahon is a town of great charm. Walking through the narrow streets of the centre, you will come across old churches, stately buildings (some neoclassical, others baroque) and several distilleries. The city centre is connected to the charming harbour by a long flight of steps that leads to the Baixamar promenade, a pedestrian path near the harbour with cafés, shops, restaurants and various other activities.
The Port of Mahón is the beating heart of the city and one of the most spectacular natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Almost 5 kilometres long and protected by high cliffs, it offers a unique setting where history and modernity blend perfectly. The historic wharves have been transformed into a lively pedestrian area dotted with restaurants, bars and shops, while retaining their seafaring charm.
A visit to the harbour can be enhanced by a boat excursion that allows visitors to admire the fortresses that protect it, such as La Mola and the Fort of Isabel II, as well as offering a unique perspective on the city. The glass-bottomed boats also allow you to explore the seabed rich in marine life.
The Church of Santa Maria stands in Plaza España, where the City Hall is also located, and is the largest church on the island. The temple we can now admire is an 18th-century reconstruction of an earlier religious building dating back to the 13th century. It has a neoclassical interior, with a single nave and six chapels on each side boasting vaulted roofs. It houses a valuable organ built between 1807 and 1810 by the Swiss Giovanni Kyburtz with four keyboards and 3,600 pipes.
The Fortress of La Mola, whose official name is Fortress of Isabel II, is one of the most impressive military fortifications in the Mediterranean. Built in the 19th century to protect the port, it is now an open-air museum offering an extraordinary lesson in military architecture.
Visitors can explore a labyrinth of underground tunnels, bastions and barracks, as well as enjoy breathtaking views of the harbour and the Mediterranean Sea. Guided tours allow visitors to fully understand the history and strategic importance of this fortress.
To learn more about the history not only of Mahon but of the island of Menorca, a visit to the Museu de Menorca is recommended. It is housed in an old Franciscan convent, built at the end of the 17th century. Spread over three floors, the museum recounts the vicissitudes of the island starting from its origins with numerous exhibits from various prehistoric sites and then moving on to the Roman and Islamic periods.
The top floor presents Majorca from the 18th century onwards and houses numerous paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Don’t miss a visit to the remains of the mosaic floor of the early Christian basilica that once stood on the island of Illa del Rei harbour.
The Town Hall of the city of Mahon is also located in Plaza España right next to the Church of Santa Maria. The building boasts a Renaissance-style façade that houses a clock brought by Richard Kane, the first British governor of the island. Inside, the halls are worth a visit, including the Noble Hall, which has retained its old-world charm and still hosts Council meetings. Also worth a mention is the Sala de las Juntas, also known as the Galería de Menorquines Ilustres, which houses the portraits of the city’s illustrious figures.
The Church of Carmen stands in the square of the same name and is another building not to be missed during a visit to Mahon. The religious building with an adjoining Carmelite convent was erected in the 18th century in neoclassical style. Inside, it has a single nave with massive buttresses and a large dome covered in red brick. Also worthy of attention is the chapel dedicated to St Lawrence, which features a special stucco decoration depicting angels and garlands.
Other interior decorations such as the organ and several paintings were destroyed during the Civil War, when the church was used as a military depot. The cloister of the convent has for some time been home to the picturesque daily market: here the nuns’ cells have been converted into small shops and shops.
Located in the square of the same name, the Church of St. Francis was erected in the 18th century on the ruins of a Gothic temple. The building boasts an imposing façade with helicoidal arches and columns, three elegant rose windows and a statue of St Francis above the main portal. Inside, the church has a single nave with a cross-vaulted roof. The ‘Chapel de la Concepción‘ is remarkable. It was built in the Baroque style and is richly decorated with floral motifs.
The imposing Pont de Sant Roc is a gateway built in 1359, by Royal Decree of Pedro I, along what used to be the old medieval walls. The gateway has been remodelled several times, but the most substantial remodelling took place in the mid-16th century after the Turkish assault on the city.
The gateway is Gothic in style and the roads to Ciutadella and San Clemente once departed from here. The gateway is dedicated to Saint Rochus, who was the patron saint of the city and was attributed with the ability to ward off diseases such as cholera and plague.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Sleeping in Mahon is a choice many travellers make. The town not only has several sites of historical interest but also boasts beautiful beaches such as Cala Mesquida or Cala Binibequer. The historical centre of the town is located in the higher part, while the clubs and restaurants and the more modern area face the waterfront in the harbour area.
The harbour area is one of the most popular locations for a stay in Mahón. Hotels in this area offer spectacular views of the harbour and easy access to restaurants and nightlife. Many are housed in skilfully restored historic buildings that combine period charm with modern amenities.
The Old Town is an excellent alternative for those who prefer to be in the heart of city life. Here you will find boutique hotels and charming B&Bs that allow you to experience the authentic atmosphere of the city. The location is ideal for exploring the main attractions on foot.
The area of Es Castell, a short distance from the centre, offers quieter but still well-connected accommodation. This area is particularly popular with families due to the presence of resorts with swimming pools and children’s facilities.
We offer a selection of hotels at Mahón to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Mahón, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Mahón. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Mahón are in high demand.
Mahon is the capital of the island of Menorca and the main city centre. The island’s airport is located here and is connected to the centre by bus lines or short taxi rides.
From Ciutadella it is possible to reach Mahon in less than an hour via the Me-1 road.
Those wishing to travel by public transport, however, should go to the bus station from where several lines depart to the main resorts in Menorca.
What's the weather at Mahón? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Mahón for the next few days.
Mahon, the capital of the island of Menorca, is located along the southeast coast of the island in a natural fjord that has been the gateway to numerous civilisations over the centuries. The city is 50 km from Ciutadella and 22 km from Es Fornells.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts