Whether visiting on a day trip or using Mahon as your base to explore Menorca, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best things to do in Mahon.

There’s also personal recommendations on where to stay + tips to travel better in the city.

Updated January 2024

As the capital of the small Balearic Island, and under 5 kms from Menorca's only airport, Mahón is a focal point destination for all travellers.

Some may choose to spend their first couple of nights here, others only to pop in for a day trip. Even those who don't plan to visit will end up passing through at least once, with all roads to the coast west, north, and south of here - as well as to the airport - going via the city's bus station.

Built upon a cliff overlooking the natural harbour - the feature which saw various European superpowers scramble to claim her - Mahón offers a pleasant foodie escape by the water. With a sumptuous colour palette of peeling colonial reds and fading lemons, pavement cafes in pretty little plazas, open-air boat trips under the summer sun, an iconic bustling Mercat des Peix and emerging cultural offerings, you'd be mad to miss out on Mahón if you're spending your holiday in the south or east of Menorca (home to most of the island’s best beaches)

We spent three nights in Mahón (called Maó in Catalan) near the beginning of our month on the island and, though Ciutadella in the west pips it to the post as our favourite, we left only with good impressions (and a taste for vermouth).

In this destination guide, we've shared our favourite things to do in Mahón alongside personal recommendations on where to eat & drink, our pick of the best places to stay, day trip beaches, transport connections in and out, plus a few little tips to help you travel better.

This is 13 Wonderful Things to do in Mahón.

THE Mahón Essentials

Eat / Tapas at Mercat des Peix
Drink / Local windmill gin from Xoriguer
Do / A boat trip in the harbour - book here
Visit / Hauser & Wirth's island gallery
Buy / A custom-made pair of *avarcas*
Stay / ARTIEM Capri Hotel or Can Alberti

Best Things to Do in Mahón

Eat At The Fish Market

For an island that at times feels a little too calm, ordered and quiet to truly be part of Spain, there is one place in Mahón that you can visit for a slice of proper Spanish bustle: the fish market (Mercat des Peix).

In the morning, pass beneath the elegant wrought iron entrance flanked by lemon-yellow walls and you will find the locally caught fish sold at seven stalls by men and women in much the same way it has been done for years. Most sell the catch from their own boats.

It's for lunch when everything picks up though.

On the right hand side of the 1920s market building, there's a cornucopia of local ingredients and flavours served up as perfect little pintxos and tapas portions.

Underpinned by quality and really affordable, we recommend arriving hungry.

The system inside can be a bit confusing at peak lunchtime, but just note that you have to queue for each specific stall (there's no big general queue to pay or get served).

As you enter through the door on the right, there's a stall on your right and another straight ahead serving prepared plates - we recommend the one straight ahead (the lime green didn't appeal to us, but it does have English signs for each plate if you don't understand or speak Spanish).

Continue on and you'll find dedicated stalls with more tapas, then the meat, cheese, beer, wine, and shellfish ones! Grab a tray and fill your boots. Vegetarians will find a few options (just double check each item before ordering), but pescatarians will be very happy here.

The Essentials

Where | The Mahón Fish Market in Plaça de Espanya, the heart of the historical centre - find it here on Google Maps.

Opening Times | The fish market is open Tuesday to Saturday 7am-2pm. The gastronomic area is open from 11am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday in summer (Sundays too in July and August) but in winter it's limited to Fridays and Saturdays only, 11am-4pm then 7pm-11pm.

In the evenings, there's sometimes live music.

Costs | Free to enter, expect to pay between €2 and €4 for each pinxto and €2.50 per glass of wine.

Insider Tip // It becomes very busy at lunch, which can be a bit overwhelming if it's a hot day. There's limited seating inside, with most of it in the sun-drenched courtyard or tables outside.

If you're a larger group arriving for lunch, then prioritise grabbing a table and then setting off in shifts to go and buy food and drinks from inside.

This isn't a hidden gem by the way, attracting its fair share of tourists, but it is still one of the best things to do in Mahon.

Get Acquainted with Menorcan Gin

Considering that without gin, Along Dusty Roads may never have existed (not sure what we mean, click here), it was only fitting that one of our very first orders of business in Mahón was a trip to Gin Xoriguer, the local gin distillery.

A hangover from the century of British rule in Menorca, Xoriguer was created by a local family by the name of Pons nearly 100 years ago to appease the taste of sailors unable to find gin in the local taverns. Given that juniper berries are unable to grow in the Balearics, this was quite a shrewd move!

Still very much family-owned, Xoriguer has over the years become a highly-respected gin internationally, best known for its distinctive Mediterranean flavour, iconic bottle and windmill logo. You'll see it on every bar menu on the island, and imbibing gin daily is therefore a must-do when in Menorca - whether you’re in Ciutadella, Binibeca, or at a bar by one of the best beaches on the island.

Whilst in Mahón though, it's also a good idea to stop by at the place where it's all made.

You can turn up and peruse Xoriguer’s little distillery shop without reservations or bookings, and can view elements of the manufacturing process through several large windows (you can't go inside the little distillery though).

If you're not sure which gin or liquor that you'd like to buy, you're also able to engage in free tastings with most of their products available to try independently (which is a reason we'd recommend saving your visit for after lunch if you can and on a day where you aren’t with your hire car).

The Essentials

Where | Gin Xoriguer is down on the port, about a five minute walk from the historical centre - find it here on Google Maps.

When | 9.30am-6.30pm (closed Mondays)

Entry Fee | Completely free

Insider Tip | Thanks to Xoriguer, gin is a big part of bar menus here and served in generous portions in the signature local cocktail. We've explained more in 23 Things To Know Before You Visit Menorca.

Travel Tip // You can find all our advice and recommendations on accommodation later in this post, but we wanted to mention ARTIEM Capri here. We stayed there for three nights - largely motivated by its rooftop pool, unlimited free food & booze it gives guests and fantastic eco credentials - and it’s a good choice for couples or groups of friends in Mahón. They also do a really innovative offer where the price of certain rooms all goes to a local charity.

Take a Wander Along The Moll de Levant

It's important for the first-time visitor to appreciate the up-down layout of Mahón.

The pretty pastel streets, the historical centre, best hotels, and bus station all sit atop a cliff facing out to the natural harbour, whilst the marina, sightseeing boat departures, and several of our favourite bars, shops, and restaurants - as well as the gin distillery - are set on a level below this at the port.

Your wanderings will see you split your time between the two, and they're easily linked by several stairways, the winding Costa de ses Voltes street, as well as a handy lift (find it here, down the little lane beside Mercat del Claustre). Or you take the old route via this little street.

Although this long stretch of port isn't the most maniucred or scenic promenade, with a busy road running alongside the water and the activity of the marina split between pleasure and industry, the port is home to several of our favourites in Mahon for lunch, dinner, as well as late-night drinks.

You should absolutely head down here during the day for a walk, possibly for lunch or a drink by the water, but a dinner and late-night drinks down here is mandatory in our view.

As a rule of thumb, when coming face-to-face with the water, it’s the right hand side for restaurants and bars, and the left side for gin, fishings boats and sellers, the ferry terminal, slightly scuzzier cafes and one or two late-night spots.

There are plenty of restaurants for all budgets along the waterfront, but make a note of the following:

Can Vermut | An excellent tapas-style restaurant with a good atmposphere and some of the best options for vegetarians in the city (maps).

117 Tapas y Vermuts | We ended up at this little family-owned place twice - once by choice for an afternoon drink, and then once in the evening through necessity because everywhere else was full. Run by a really pleasant hsuband and wife, their small traditional plates are good. (maps)

Vida Una Vermuts | Our favourite spot at night, with good music, cocktails, and a bit of a hipster atmosphere. Their selection of vermouth, as the name would suggest, is astounding. Open until 2 am Thursday to Saturday, 10pm on Sundays (maps).

As we mention in 23 Things To Know Before You Visit Menorca, it's essential to book in advance for lunch or dinner at popular restaurants during the summer season.

Plan // We’ve got so much more to share for your trip to Mahón, but we’ve also written guides to help you experience the whole of Menorca. You can find all of these on our dedicated Menorca travel page, or start off with 19 Wonderful Things To Do in Menorca!

If you’re considering renting a car, then you should definitely read 7 Things To Know Before A Menorca Road Trip

Get a Custom-Made Pair of Sandals

Traditionally worn by rural farmers due to their ability to handle rugged terrain, the Menorcan avarcas have undergone somewhat of a fashion revolution over the last few decades, and can now be found upon the feet of everybody from small children, to old men to the super stylish.

Whilst there are several larger scale production factories on the island, who use machines to make their shoes, there remains just one small, characterful atelier in Mahon that creates each pair of avarcas by hand - and you can get a pair made for yourself!

Down by the port since the 1990s, simply turn up at S’Abarca den Toni and try on some pairs to find your size, select your materials, style and colours, and collect a day or two later. Prices are written on the whiteboard, and based on size, customisation, and quality of materials (i.e. someone getting size 5s with the generic sole pays less than a size 8 opting for the sole made out of recycled tyres). Prices are in the €20 to €48 range.

We bought ourselves two pairs and love them! However, it's definitely worth bearing in mind just how in-demand these sandals are and, as each pair is custom-made by Toni or his incredibly hard-working Cuban colleague (big shout out to her), you have to wait at least 24 hours after ordering before collection.

However, in high summer season, we highly recommend ordering with 48 hours notice before you collect - otherwise you may be sitting here waiting until closer to 11 pm.

If you don't have the time for a custom pair to be knocked up, then you can also buy off the shelf.

The Essentials

Where | Down by the port, find S’Abarca den Toni here.

Opening Times | Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2.30pm, then 6pm to 10pm (possibly later for collections). Closed Sundays and for the winter off-season (November-February).

Insider Tip // If you carry on walking a few minutes past the gin distillery, towards Mahón’s other fish market (Peixateria Sa Llotja - maps) be sure to keep an eye out for the most wonderful little workshop on the left. Paco has been making model ships in the space for 50 years, and it was such a joy to speak to him and see his work.

He doesn't speak much English, but happy to talk and show you around if you can speak Spanish. If you can't buy one of his intricate maritime pieces (they're quite fragile), then do give a donation in the little jar he has.

He is not listed on Google Maps, but you can find his workshop at Moll de Ponent, 108.

Visit Hauser & Wirth

Ever been to an art gallery you can only reach by boat?

Founded in 1992 by Iwan Wirth, Manuela Wirth and Ursula Hauser, Hauser&Wirth is a family-owned contemporary art gallery with an international reputation.

Beginning with a single location in Zurich, over the last 29 years it has expanded globally to include outposts all over the world - including, as of July 2021, upon Isla del Rey, a small island in the harbour of Mahon. The site of a former 18th century British naval hospital, it was used as a medical facility until the 1960s before being abandoned to nature, lizards, and the odd private function.

The selection of Isla del Rey for a new gallery was therefore a big cultural coup for Menorca, an place which doesn't lay claim to grand museums or cultural institutions.

Working closely with the Fundació Hospital de l’Illa del Rei, a non-profit organisation responsible for the protection of the island, Hauser & Wirth oversaw the restoration of several of the historic buildings to create a place where visitors can experience art in connection with nature, with a strong focus on education, conservation and sustainability.

In addition to the internal art galleries hosting temporary exhibitions, there is also an outdoor sculpture trail featuring six works by prominent 20th century European artists and colourful on-site restaurant, Cantina (run by local vineyard and restaurant Binifadet, featured in our 19 Wonderful Things To Do in Menorca). Whilst walking around, watch out for the endangered lizards!

The Essentials

How to Get There | The island and gallery is only accessible by a 15-minute double-decker shuttle boat ride from Mahón. It costs €5 per person for a return ticket if bought in advance on their website or €6 if bought on the boat.

Your gallery entry is included in the boat ticket price, and the departure point is in the port area, opposite Restaurant Rainbow Spice (maps).

There are departures every hour, on the hour from 10am until 3pm. The return boat runs every hour, with first departure at 11.30am and last run at 5.30pm. We’d recommend turning up 10 minutes before the departure time, especially if buying your tickets directly, as the boat does fill up.

We recommend a 90-minute visit as a minimum for Hauser & Wirth, longer if you'd like a drink or lunch at the Cantina.

Alternatively, you can book a private water taxi for €15 return per person (minimum two people) from any point in Mahon Harbour. Arrange via Whatsapp: +34 689 428 098.

Opening Times | Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Do note that the gallery is not open in the winter months, and final day of admission is October 31st. Note that if you'd like to dine at the restaurant, it's advised to book in advance.

Hang Out in Plaça Bastió

Every town or city, irrespective of size, will have a small section with a little more of a hipster feel; in Mahón it’s Plaça Bastió.

The little square, easy to miss out on your wanderings in the historical centre if you don't know where to look, has a pleasant community vibe based around its playpark, but is also home to a couple of great foodie spots and late-night drinks.

The view it offers down Carrer de l'Església is also pretty cool.

Pipet & Co | The hipster brunch & lunch spot in Mahon, this stylish place also offers up excellent veggie/vegan options. Standards like avo & toast, loads of egg dishes, smoothie bowls, plus good sandwiches. It is a little on the pricier side though.

Find it here, open 9am-4pm (closed Mondays).

Perla | Owned by a lovely Serbian man with Scottish connections, Emily spied this on our afternoon wanders and thought would make a good choice for dinner.

Set on a pretty little street like you'd expect to find in Greece - a factor in her decision - its menu also had a bit more of interesting approach than others with local ingredients and dishes (i.e. king prawns in local gin) alongside homemade baba ganoush and Balkan filo pastries.

It surpassed our expectations, and the lady who served us was also a star - find it here.

La Murada | Nothing fancy, but we ended up here twice for cañas and vermuts because it was cheap and had a good atmosphere. ¿Qué Hora Es? next door also a has a bit of younger / student vibe for drinks and tapas.

Posidònia | Next to La Perla, this beautiful little jewllery studio has unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, we highly recommend checking it out. Casa Carmela is also a cute little daytime cafe.

Mahon Travel Tip

You'll note that many places in Mahon operate a summer / winter schedule - that’s because of the weather, and the summer tourism season bringing so many more people, whilst winter has hardly any tourists except those walking the Cami de Cavalls trail in cooler weather.

Summer is generally viewed as 1st May-31st October, with winter season 1st November-30th April. If you’re arriving within the winter period, we highly recommend double-checking all opening times for restaurants and other things to do in Mahon.

If you’re visiting during the summer season, you should look+book for your accommodation in advance, particularly if you have your eye on the best coastal hubs or a limited budget - find more advice and our pick of the best places to book for your travel style in Where To Stay in Menorca.

For more travel better tips, check out 23 Things To Know Before You Visit Menorca.

Get A Handle on Menorca's History & Culture

Blessed with its long, deep natural harbour protected by a narrow entryway, the Port of Mahon was long sought-after and fought-over by marauders and superpowers looking for a strategic advantage in the western Mediterranean.

Barbarossa laid siege to it in 16th century, but it was the chaos caused from death of heirless King Charles II of Spain saw Britain step into the void and capture Mahón in 1708.

Taking ownership of the port under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, they moved the capital here from Ciutadella on the west of the island due to Mahon's topography making it easier to defend, harbour a fleet, and precipitous for trading routes.

Mahón traded hands between the French, the British, and the Spanish several times over the next century, before ultimately being ceded to the Spanish in 1802.

The story of Mahon is pivotal to the story of the island, and your visit to the city offers the best opportunity to learn more about both. You have two options, both set within beautiful old buildings rather than a generic white cube: Can Oliver and the Museum of Menorca.

Can Oliver

Set within an elegant 19th century townhouse in the heart of the city, adorned with frescoes and art, many of the works here were donated by the Hernández Sanz - Hernández Mora family.

The lower floor focuses on the British period and lasting influence, whilst the upper floor, accessed via a beautiful Imperial staircase, shares more personal touches and insights of the island's cultural identity, traditions, dress, and art. Don't miss the whole room of beautiful old maps, and the gorgeous little sketches by Hernández Monjo. There's also a tower with supposedly good views of the harbour, but it was was closed when we visited.

Where + When | Find Can Oliver in the historic centre on 2 Carrer d'Anuncivay (maps).

In summer, it's open 10am-1.30pm and 6pm to 8pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am-1.30pm on Sundays, and closed Mondays.

In winter, it's 10am to1.30pm and 6 to 8pm Thursdays to Saturdays. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, it's just the 10am-1.30pm slot.

Tickets | €5 each with reduced entries available. Free for children under 10 and for everyone on Thursday evenings.

Museum of Menorca

Housed within the wonderful old convent of Sant Francesc de Maó, the museum covers a much broader period from the island's first inhabitants through to the period of Roman and Islamic occupation of Menorca and the 18th century passing around Europe's superpowers.

Where + When | Within a pretty residential area a short walk from the centre, find it here.

Open 10am to 2pm, then 6pm to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. From Wednesday to Sunday, it's only open 10am to 2pm. Unfortunately these incredibly limited opening times mean the museum has to be prioritised in your Mahon itinerary or you can miss your window to visit.

Next door is an unremarkable viewpoint and the Sant Francesc church, which you are free to enter. As ever, act accordingly in an active place of worship.

Tickets | €4 adults / €3 concessions. There's also free admission from 3pm to 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It wouldn't be a waste of time nor money to visit both by the way, but we'd understand if you can only manage one of the above during a shorter stay. If it helps, we'd say the Museum of Menorca is more appropriate for families and younger visitors, whilst Can Oliver is likely to be more appreciated by adults (and we highly recommend it).

Short on time? If you’ve not got long to explore Mahon, consider this highly-rated guided tour which includes the highlights of the city, a harbour boat trip, and time in Punta Prima and the beautiful village of Binibeca. You can find out more information and book it here and here.

Take a Boat Trip

One of the most popular things to do in Mahon is head out on this sightseeing boat trip around the port and harbour. Best done on a clear day, you'll get nice views looking back on the city upon the cliff, better understand the history of Mahon, and also pass several sights you'll miss out on otherwise.

Most of the boats used for the 1-hour harbour tour have an open-air top deck and are glass-bottomed, so you have the opportunity to see some sealife too (making this a good activity for families).

Where + When | It's £12 for adults and £6 for children if you book in advance here, where you also benefit from full refunds if you cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.

You can also book your a one-hour glass bottom boat trip online here.

In June, September, and October, there are 4 x departures per day (10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, and 3pm), with an additional departure at 4.30pm in July and August.

The meeting point for Mahon boat tours is down in the port on the Moll de Levant.

Note that this isn't the type of boat trip which will take you to any beaches or swimming spots - if this is your focus, you’ll have to join one in Cala Galdana or Ciutadella, such as this highly-rated swim + snorkel boat trip along the beaches of the south coast.

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on the boat or short on time, the unique 4WD jeep tour is a great way to get out and explore more of Menorca. They can collect you in Mahon in their customised 4WD Land Rover Defender, and take you out on a customised itinerary into rural Menorca and along the coast for swimming stops, amazing landscapes, and photo opportunities - with a driver-guide able to share much more about Menorcan culture and history. Find out more here.

Plan // How To Rent A Private Boat In Menorca Without A Licence

Visit the Cathedral & Plaça de la Constitució

Once ruined by a lightning strike, the neoclassical Cathedral (maps) which dominates the city skyline from certain viewpoints was completed in the 18th century. Though far less opulent inside than many Spanish Cathedrals, It has a real sense of peace inside and offers welcome respite from the afternoon heat, as well as a chance to reflect.

It's only €2 to enter, which is a donation to the building's conservation. Consider timing your visit to enjoy one of the free organ recital concerts also take place every day, except Sundays, at 1pm between May and October.

Make sure to return to Plaça de la Constitució, the square in which you'll find the Cathedral, later on. By day it's quite bare but, from about 5pm the picturesque little cobblestone square outside the cathedral and town hall is covered in tables and chairs from bars and restaurants, and is one of the best spots in the historical centre for an early evening caña or pomada.

On a side note, we promise that all our travel guides for Menorca aren't just about pointing you toward places to enjoy a drink, but in the balmy summer evenings with locals out socialising and tourists enjoying the atmosphere, it really is a big part of being in Mahon. Honest!

Little Sa Bodega, a cool traditional drinking hole (maps), is a favourite of ours for a a vermouth with olives to snack upon on the little chairs outside its window. Everywhere else in the square kind of bleeds into one another, so just choose where takes your fancy - El Sifon is cheap.

For something a little more memorable, head through the easy-to-miss door and up to Bar Nou (maps). It's got a bit of a speakeasy feel inside, with live music until 1am, but its balcony tables overlooking the square are the best option for people-watching.

Travel Tip // After your visit to the Cathderal, take a short detour via the Mirador Del Pont Des Castell - a viewpoint down a narrow street (maps).

A lot of other guides send people toward 'El Mirador' for a drink with a view - don't bother.

Old Town Wanderings & Eatings

Now, Mahon really is quite a small city, so you can cover it all quite comfortably in a day’s mooching and going between our recommendations.

As ever, we recommend letting serendipity lead you to backstreets and places which help you create your own memories, drinking in unexpected scenes, sounds, and conversations set against Mahon’s distinctive pastel colour palette.

A few specific streets, squares, and places that are worth passing by or stopping at on your wanderings in the historical centre are:

El Turronero | Longstanding local favourite for ice cream and horchata. Generally open from 10.15 am to 2.30 pm, then 5 pm to 9 pm (maps).

AMAPOLA | Artisanal bakery for fresh bread of a coffee & pastry shop in Plaza Colòn, a square which is also lively in the evening (maps).

Es Llonguet Forn Artesà | Incredibly popular bakery and coffee shop on a side street. You can pastries to takeaway but it’s a charming little spot to enjoy a coffee in the sun alongside that sweet treat! Find it here.

El Rosario de la Aurora* | We regrettably didn’t make it here, but were drawn in by their interesting tapas menu every time we passed - it’s clearly a popular spot, so the food must be as good as it sounds (the reviews are excellent). Find it here, nearby Es Llonguet Forn Artesà.

*Unfortunately, it appears that this restaurant may now have shut permanently. If anybody visits and can confirm in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!

Cala Vegana | A new and welcome addition for vegan & vegetarians, it serves up plant-based junk food as well as tapas. The burger we had here was great (the vermouth until the wee small hours was a factor in this choice) - but give the garlic ‘prawns’ a miss. Find it here.

Mercat del Claustre | Just up from the fish market and next to Església del Carme (here on maps), this is a market which could develop into something pretty cool. At the moment it’s got a few stalls and places to eat inside and a supermarket below, but it’s also a sometime event space and nighttime venue. The sculpture of the three horses outside is excellent, whilst Plaça del Princep is a nice spot to have a coffee outdoors with a view of Mahon. The boxes you’ll see everyone carrying out of the little bakery are full of ensaïmadas by the way, the specialist cake of the island. The slightly hidden away Café de Sa Plaça is nice spot for a morning coffee too.

The Night Market | We happened upon this by chance in Plaça de Espanya, where artisans and artists sell jewellery, paintings, and various other things. We think it’s every Tuesday in summer, but not 100% certain!

Travel Tip // Lots of the ATMs in the city charge for withdrawals (not just the rip-off Euronet ones but you should avoid like the plague wherever you travel in Europe). We tried a bunch to find a free one, and had success with the BancaMarch ATMs. We use Starling Bank when we travel as, unlike Monzo, they still give unlimited free withdrawals abroad. Another excellent bank to sign up with for travels is Wise, and we’ve actually started to use them more than our Starling cards in Europe.

For more advice on how to avoid ATM fees when you travel, read this post.

Head To The Beach

There are no Mahon beaches.

If visiting the island for a week or longer, we don't think Mahón is where you should base yourself if you want to enjoy the many beautiful beaches of Menorca.

Although several are within easy reach by bus from the city, you should instead opt to:

1. base yourself on the coast and travel into Mahón for a day trip.

2. have a few days in Mahón before moving to the coast.

However, some of you may be reading this as you plan for a short city break in Mahon, and therefore heading to the coast for one of your days here isn't a bad idea. If that applies, we'd recommend Punta Prima or Cala Binibeca as your easiest to access by bus - find out more in our linked-to guide or in The 19 Best Beaches in Menorca.

If you're thinking of heading out for a full day of exploration, then it's a good idea to rent a car or scooter. The most convenient way to quickly get a gauge on general availability and prices for your own travel dates is doing a search on Rentalcars.com as it aggregates and lists most of the local companies as well as the main international brands.

Before you book anything though, make sure you read our essential tips on Car Hire in Menorca.

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on driving or short on time, this full-day 4WD jeep tour is a great way to get out and explore more of Menorca in a single day.

Walk to Es Castell

Although we like the port of Mahon area, the long stretch isn't the most picturesque or romantic setting due to its layout; an alternative little harbour area which is more charming can be found is in the neighbouring town of Es Castell.

Perfect for some waterfront drinks and lunch in the sunshine, or dinner in the evening, it's also the first place in Spain to see sunrise. It’s easily walkable from Mahón in about 35 minutes, but note that this isn't a scenic walk, with the majority of it on the pavement next to the Me-2 road (perfectly safe though).

For more information, read our Es Castell guide.

Good To Know // We chose not to visit Fortaleza de la Mola, the 19th century stone fortress outside Mahon. Built on the easternomst point of the island to guard the city from the French or British taking it back. As it's not actually in Mahon and entry was €8 per person, we preferred to save our money for other experiences during the month here.

Find out more on its website.

Where to Stay in Mahon

As we explain in 'Where To Stay in Menorca', due to strict rules, there is a limited supply of Airbnbs on the island. Therefore, those of you whose travel style may be more suited to finding a cute apartment or little townhouse may find that the better option actually in the city turns out to be a hotel (that's what happened to us!)

As Mahon is quite compact and walkable, location won't make a significant difference to your experience unless you really want to be based slap bang in the middle or the historic centre or next to the fish market.

Note that there aren't accommodations down on the lower port level, so going out for dinner or drinks down here will always necessitate a walk home.

We’ve done the hard work for you, and curated down a selection of the very best places to book in Mahon, with options for every travel style and budget.

If you’re still planning your Menora itinerary, then we highly recommend reading our comprehensive ‘Where To Stay in Menorca’ post to get an idea on the best base and place for you on the island.

Hotels & Guest Houses

ARTIEM Capri | This fantastic eco-hotel is where we stayed, and we couldn’t recommend it highly enough. A couple of minutes from the bus station, whilst it is a 10-minute walk to the centre and port, its positives more than make up for it! Excellent breakfast, large modern rooms, rooftop pool and gym plus - and this is a big plus - between 2pm and 6am, they have a self-service snack bar with unlimited food and drinks (including booze). It’s also very reasonably prized. Find out more here.

The same company also offers apartments, Artiem Apartamentos.

Cristine Bedfor | There are several excellent 5* boutique hotels in Mahon, but Christine Bedfor really stood out to us. The true definition of boutique, rooms are exquisitely decorated, each in a different but complementary aesthetic. Furnishings throughout are uniquely beautiful and the communal areas simply gorgeous. There is also an outdoor area with pool. Find out more here.

The other two 5* properties of note are Casa Ládico (adults only) and Jardí de Ses Bruixes Boutique Hotel.

Hotel Hevresac Singular & Small | Another property with a focus on sustainability, we love the contemporary design at Hotel Hotel Hevresac. If you like clean lines, staying amongst art, and a modern aesthetic then definitely check this one out. Find out more here.

Can Alberti | If not yet clear, there an an abundance of really quite beautiful and boutique accommodations in Mahon - Can Alberti can very much be added to that list! Rooms hint towards the traditional but have a contemporary edge. A real bonus is the beautiful garden and communal areas. Find out more here.

Hostal Jume | Perfect for independent travellers, or those that want a more budget friendly place to stay. This modern and stylish hostel has no dorms but great communal areas, good breakfast included with most rates and excellent location. Find out more here.

Airbnbs

There are so few Airbnbs in Mahon that we considered not even including this as a section. However, in the even that some of you may be super organised and book in advance, here are a handful of the best the city has to offer:

Home With Charm | A home that was built into a cave within the city’s old walls, this unique two-bedroom Airbnb is a little dated in its decor but the huge balcony overlooking the port more than makes up for it. Find out more here.

Casa Carlota | This minimalist and modern loft/studio is excellently located in the centre of Mahon, and comes with a large terrace that’s perfect for a sport of sunbathing. Would suit a couple perfectly! Find out more here.

Loft | One for the art lovers, this one-bedroom apartment in a photographer’s studio is full of East London vibes (in a good way). If you don’t enjoy carbon-copy Airbnbs, definitely take a look at this one. Find out more here.

Sant Roc | This traditional four bedroom townhouse is typically Spanish but with a contemporary, high-spec twist (honestly, it looks beautiful). Central location, it also has a courtyard and rooftop terrace, Would suit a large family or group of friends. Find out more here.

Completely impractical for most, but if you’re looking for a large property, you absolutely have to check out this Airbnb in a former chapel - five bedrooms and a whole heap of beautiful design!

How to Get to Mahón

// By Air

Menorca Airport (MAH) - also known as Mahon Airport - is just 4.5 kms outside the city and easily accessible. As the island's only airport, it's the only option if you're flying in!

A regular bus connects Menorca Airport with Mahón, with a journey time of just 15 minutes.

After you've collected your bags, exit the arrivals terminal and go left to the bus stop - if unsure, you can find the helpful tourist information office inside arrivals on the left side before the exit.

You need to take the L10 bus to Mahón - this is the only bus service from the airport (except private hotel transfers). Departures are every 30 minutes - find the timetable here or here.

Buy your ticket (€2.75) on board from the driver, cash only.

The final stop the bus station (Estació d'autobusos de Maó), from which you're about 5-15 minutes walk away from most acccommodation options.

Alternatively, you can take a fixed price taxi for €15 (Uber doesn’t exist here by the way).

// By Bus

After the airport, Mahón bus station (maps) is the second most important transport hub on the island. It's where to go for onward travel to your next destination, where you'll arrive if you're coming to the city on a day trip, and where you'll likely connect to reach anywhere else by bus.

It's all pretty straightforward once you arrive, but remember that you need to have cash to pay the drive directly. For more advice on navigating the bus network in Menorca, read 23 Things To Know Before You Visit Menorca.

If you’re coming for a day trip in Mahón from elsewhere, note that there’s a luggage storage company a couple of minutes away from the bus station.

// By Car & Parking

You definitely don't need a car to enjoy Mahón, and it can actually be a bit more of an inconvenience due to its up and down layout. Therefore, if you're starting off your holiday here, we'd recommend just taking the bus from the airport and then taking it back to pick up your rental car.

We recommend looking + booking via Rentalcars.com as it has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, and often has discounts and deals.

If you've already got a rental car and arriving to Mahón for a day trip, the most convenient parking places are on the Moll de Levant down by the port (maps). However, this is also the most expensive (€0.50 / 20 minutes, €3 / 2 hours), fills up quite quickly, and most only give a maximum stay of about 2 hours.

A better alternative are the free spaces (maps), which are a short walk down the stairs to the port.

Alternatively, go to one of the large, free car parks like this one or this one. This parking lot (maps) is another option, but is a little bit more of a walk into the centre. A good paid parking option is this one. Feel to let us know in the comments if you find another good option!

We don't recommend aiming to park in the paid spaces on Costa de Ses Voltes (maps).

Note that driving out of Mahón, wherever you park, can involve a bit of a confusion of narrow one-way streets, missed turns, and a rather circuitous route out of the historic centre. ....pay attention to your GPS and don't panic!

Find more tips to save you stress and money in 7 Things To Know Before Driving in Menorca