Mahon is situated on the eastern side of the island and is the capital of Menorca. It has one of the largest natural harbours in the world and the surrounding port comes alive at night. Buzzing bars and quayside restaurants are full of holidaymakers and locals admiring the view and soaking up the atmosphere.

Shopping is mainly along pedestrianised streets with cake shops, trendy boutiques, leather and pottery outlets, not to mention colourful market produce. The market building is also the venue for music concerts and has a large supermarket beneath. Welcoming pavement cafes in shaded streets make pleasant places to stop for a refreshing break.

Historically, the town has much to offer. The old wall which originally encircled the town is gone, but Arch de San Roque remains. The church of Santa Maria is famous for its 3000 pipe organ, and the Plaza de la Conquesta has a statue of King Alfonso III who liberated Menorca from the Moslems in 1287.

Cala Llonga lies to the north of Mahon’s harbour and is a popular with those who enjoy sailing. This is an exclusive area with luxurious homes and pristine gardens close to all the facilities Mahon has to offer.

Sant Climent is a picturesque whitewashed village inland from Mahon. A small community which knows how to enjoy itself, the village has a fiesta in the middle of August which features music, fireworks, dancing and general merriment.

Villas to go recommended beaches…

Punta Prima - a large beach with fine white sand and gently shelving water. The shorefront road has many bars and restaurants with a few shops. The beach has parasols and sunbeds for hire and easy parking.

Cala en Porter - a wide sandy beach protected by cliffs – a real suntrap! There is a steep climb down to the beach or a regular road train, as well as good parking. Beach bars and restaurants are at beach level, and there are good general facilities.

Take time to go…

take part in a fiesta. Mahon has them in June, July and September and Es Castell’s Fiesta de San Jaume is at the end of July. Expect to see giant figures, fireworks and performing horses. Dance the night away to the flavour of locally produced Menorcan gin…

and visit the Xorigeur Distillery to witness the production of the distinctive Menorcan gin. Sample one of the many types available and take a bottle home.

for a different shopping experience, try Es Castell, where many shops and restaurants are built into caves in the harbour walls and there is a twice weekly market. For a souvenir to take home, try some of the traditional Menorcan ceramics or handmade leather sandals.

visit the pre-historic village of Trepuco and view the large taylot (or ancient rock mound) there. Local legend states that these are watchtowers, but the mounds do not have stairs, and most are on the island’s interior. Few experts agree on their origin, and no-one knows their use. Taulas are enormous t-like stone formations only found in Menorca, and seem to have no function but they are almost always found next to a talayot.

have an evening in Anden Poniente near the port which has a variety of stylish bars and welcoming taverns.

take a trip along the coast to the Cales Coves 7 miles west of Mahon. Take in the massive labyrinth of over one hundred pre-historic chambers and caverns.

visit Mount Toro, the highest point on the island and home to a 17th century chapel home to a small group of Franciscan nuns. Looking to the north from this spiritual centre will afford you impressive views of the north coast.

go karting with the kids at the Aero Club & Hippodrome. Find bars and restaurants, snooker and pool and trotting races once a week.

take a glass bottomed boat for a tour of the harbour. Pick one up at Mahon or at Calas Fons, Es Castell.