Maó
Maó
The capital of Menorca, set above one of the world's largest natural harbours, known for its Georgian streets, its gin and its lively food markets.
Maó, also written Mahón, is the capital of Menorca and sits on the southeast coast of the island. It rises along a ridge above a huge natural harbour, one of the largest and deepest in the world, which has shaped the city's whole history. For much of the 18th century Menorca was British, and that past still shows in the Georgian townhouses and sash windows of the old town. Today Maó is a relaxed, good-looking city of pastel streets, harbour-side restaurants and busy food markets.
What [Destination] is known for
Maó is best known for its harbour and for its food and drink. The harbour stretches for around five kilometres and is one of the largest natural ports anywhere, lined with restaurants and dotted with small islands you can visit by boat. Up above, the old town is full of Georgian buildings left from the British years, along with the Santa Maria church and its famous organ, handsome squares and the Museum of Menorca in an old convent. The city is also a real place for eating and drinking. On the harbour you will find the Xoriguer distillery, which has made Menorca's traditional gin since the 1700s and offers tastings. In the old town, the fish market and the next-door market in a former convent cloister are full of stalls selling local cheese, seafood and tapas. Maó is the home of the island's well-known Mahón cheese, and, by local legend, the birthplace of mayonnaise. Add in boat trips around the harbour and the British forts at its mouth, and there is plenty to fill a few days.
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Things to do in [Destination]
Start with the harbour, the heart of Maó, either on a boat trip out to its islands and old forts or with a meal at one of the water-level restaurants. Up in the old town, wander the Georgian streets and squares, look into the Santa Maria church to see its great organ, and visit the Museum of Menorca. Make time for a tasting at the Xoriguer gin distillery, and browse the fish market and the cloister market for local cheese and tapas. Maó also sits handily for trips out to the island's beaches and its ancient stone monuments.
Where to stay in [Destination] (City)
Food and drink in [Destination]
Food and drink are a big part of Maó. The local gin, Xoriguer, turns up in the refreshing pomada cocktail of gin and lemonade, while Mahón cheese appears on menus all over the island. Around the markets and the harbour you will find fresh seafood, tapas and the island's hearty stews and pastries.
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Best time to visit [Destination]
Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable, with warm weather and fewer people than the busy summer months. Maó stays open all year, unlike much of the island, so it makes a good winter base when other towns wind down.
Getting to [Destination] and around
Maó is on the east coast of Menorca, with the island's airport (MAH) only a few minutes away by taxi or bus. There are also ferries from the harbour to mainland Spain, including Barcelona and Valencia, and seasonal links to Mallorca. The old town and harbour are walkable, though the climb between them is steep.
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Travel tips for visiting [Destination]
The old town sits high above the harbour, so expect a steep walk between the two. Book a tasting at the Xoriguer distillery to learn how Menorca's gin is made. The fish market and the cloister market are the best places for local cheese and tapas. Take a boat trip around the harbour to see its islands and old British forts. Maó is central for the east of the island, with many beaches a short drive away. Try a pomada, the local mix of gin and cloudy lemonade, on a harbour terrace. Many sights and the harbour are quietest in the morning.
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