Mao and Es Castell

Maó is the mainly 18th century capital of Menorca and is characterised by handsome mansions and distinguished churches. The oldest and perhaps mostinteresting area of Maó rolls along the cliff-top above the famous harbour, Port de Maó. Maó has many tiny squares and lanes and a distinctive Georgian architecture – a throwback to when the British established their naval base.

On the quayside is the showroom of the famous Xoriguer Gin Distillery where you can sample as many varieties of gin, liqueurs and other spirits as you can stomach!

Maó, the epitome of elegance and style, has a sense of ‘other worldliness’ about it. Cheap souvenir shops are hard to find – you get the sense that the town just doesn’t need them.

Two kilometres to the east of Maó is the old garrison town of Es Castell which has a slightly English air, characterised by the Georgian-style town hall in Plaça S’Esplanada, the main square. Just a few minutes walk out of town is the pretty little harbour of Cala Font with traditional white Menorcan fishing boats, restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Getting around is easy and there is a good bus service into Maó. The nearest beach, Cala Mesquida, is 5kms away.

Transfer time from Mahon Airport: 20 minutes.