Minorca - Do & See
- Nearby guides:
- Mallorca
- Girona
- Barcelona
- Ibiza
- Perpignan
- Le Cap d'Agde
- Marseille
- Toulon
- Montpellier
- Carcassonne
Many immediately head east, through the flower-freckled meadowland of the interior, to the resort of Cala en Forcat, Cala en Bosch and Cala Galdana. Most only return west when it’s time to trundle up the airplane steps, having never visited the capital, Mao, which is a shame. Not only does it have the second deepest natural harbour in the world (after Pearl Harbour), it also boasts a colourful and turbulent history due to the many seaborne conflicts between the Spanish, British and French to gain control of this strategically positioned naval base.
Mao
Start at Placa Colona and lose yourself in a warren of tight alleyways. Take a boat trip along the harbour for the best views of the quayside and naval base. Maó is the Catalan name for Mahón, or "Port Mahon" in English.
Fort Marlborough
Take a tour of the gloomy tunnels in this low-lying fort, built by the British in the 18th century. It was built semi-submerged with an entry by tunnel in order to conceal it in the surroundings.
Ses Pedreres De S’hostal
Walk through the area of this part-quarry-part-sculpture. Take in the incredible acoustics during one of the many live concerts in summer. Ses Pedreres de S’Hostal is where they used to extract slabs of mares and there is still a magical quality to this venue.
Xoriguer Gin Distillery
Sample one of the best legacies of the British occupation and grab a Menorcan memento at the Xoriguer Gin Distillery. Gin was popularized during the 18th and 19th century and in the early 20th century the brand "Xoriguer" was born on the island.
Ciutadella
Ciutadella de Menorca is a small town and the cultural rival of Maó with a surfeit of architectural legacies of the British era. Take a stroll along the canal-like harbour and dine on fresh lobster in one of the waterside restaurants.
