Welcome to the beautiful island of Menorca!
In this blogpost, I will show you the top things to do in and around Mahón, the capital of Menorca.
Menorca belongs to Spain and is part of the Balearic islands. It’s located in the western parts of the Mediterranean sea. With a population of around 100,000 people it’s also the smallest of the Baleric islands (population wise).
Menorca has it’s own airport and it’s served by airlines like Vueling, Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2, Tui and Volotea. Mahón is located only about a 15 minutes drive from the airport.
The city of Mahón (Maó) is over 2,000 years old. Its origins trace back to at least the 3rd century BCE, when it was founded by the Carthaginians—allegedly by General Mago, the brother of the famous Hannibal, after whom the city is named. Since then, it has been shaped by a rich history of Roman, Moorish, Spanish, and British rule, each leaving a distinct cultural and architectural legacy.
1. Port de Maó
2. Old Town
The old town of Mahón is a charming blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean life. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with elegant Georgian-style buildings, a legacy of British rule in the 18th century. You’ll find hidden courtyards, lively squares, and beautiful churches, like Santa Maria and the Church of Carmen. The Mercat del Claustre, set in a former convent, offers local flavors and crafts. Overlooking one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Mahón’s old town offers stunning sea views, a relaxed atmosphere, and a rich mix of Spanish and British colonial heritage.
3. Santa Maria Church
The Church of Santa Maria in Mahón is a striking example of 18th-century religious architecture. Built between 1748 and 1772 on the site of a previous Gothic church, it dominates the central Plaça de la Constitució. Its plain Neoclassical façade contrasts with the impressive interior, which features a grand Baroque organ with over 3,000 pipes, built in 1810 by Swiss craftsmen. The organ is still used for concerts today. The church’s interior is serene, with high vaulted ceilings and elegant chapels. Santa Maria remains an important place of worship and a cultural landmark in the heart of Mahón.
4. La Mola Fortress
Located 15min outside the city of Mahon is a massive 19th-century military fortification, officially known as Isabel II’s Fortress. It’s one of the most important examples of military architecture in the Balearic Islands.
La Mola Fortress (officially Fortaleza de Isabel II) is a massive located at the entrance to Mahón Harbour on the island of Menorca. It’s one of the most important examples of military architecture in the Balearic Islands.
The fortress was built between 1850 and 1875 on instruction from Queen Isabell II of Spain.
The harbour has a highly strategic importance and Queen Isabel II wanted to protect it from potential British attacks after their withdrawal from Menorca in the early 1800s.
🎯 Highlights:
- Vast stone walls, gunpowder magazines, and barracks.
- Underground tunnels and hidden passageways to explore.
- Stunning panoramic views of the sea, Mahón, and the harbor from multiple vantage points.
- Vickers 381 mm naval gun: An enormous British-made cannon installed in the 1930s during the Spanish Civil War.
🕒 Visitor Info:
- Location: 10 minutes by car/taxi from Mahón.
- Opening hours: Usually 10:00–20:00 in summer; shorter hours in winter.
- Tickets: Around €8 for adults. Audioguides and golf cart rentals available.
- Website: fortalesalamola.com
5. Binibeca Vell
Binibeca (also known as Binibèquer in Catalan) is a picturesque coastal town located approximately 8 km south of Mahón. It’s renowned for its charming whitewashed houses and narrow, winding streets.
Constructed in the 1960s, Binibeca Vell was designed by architect F.J. Barba Corsini to replicate the aesthetic of a typical Mediterranean fishing village. Despite being a modern creation, it has become a popular tourist destination due to its quaint architecture and serene atmosphere.
It’s totally free to enter and you can stroll around in your own pace.
That’s all from Mahón, the capital of Menorca. See my YouTube video from Mahón here:
