Blue Parasol guide to the resort and beaches of Mahon Mao in Menorca, Minorca.

Mahon & Es Castell

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Mao [Mahon] has been the capital of Menorca, since the British moved it from Ciutadella in 1721. The reason being the harbour at 5 km long, over 1 km at its widest point and 15-30m deep it is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. This coupled with Its location in the Mediterranean, has made it a strategic stronghold for many nations throughout history.

The port itself is relaxing by day and buzzing by night. The bars and restaurants along the portside come alive at night it is easy to spend many hours down in the port, watching the ships, admiring the view, enjoying the hospitality of the restaurants, or just sat taking in the atmosphere.

There are many historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch de San Roque the only remains of what was once the wall that encircled the town, the old road to Alaior passed through this gateway. Situated a little way down this road is the Town Hall, a typically Menorcan building. built in 1631 and restored around the 1780's, it still has the clock given to the Menorcan's by the English Governor, Richard Kane. Inside there is a gallery featuring paintings of famous Menorcan's.

Also in this square is the Church of Santa Maria which was rebuilt between 1748 and 1772 and is home to a great organ with over 3000 pipes. Behind this is the Plaza de la Conquesta, in the center a monument has been erected to the memory of King Alfonso III who conquered Menorca from the Moslems in 1287. Also of note in this square is the Public Library housed in an 18th century mansion known as the Casa de Cultura.

The town itself has plenty to offer the visitor. Most of the shopping is along pedestrian streets with wonderful cake shops, swish boutiques, leather, pottery and fresh fish and food in the markets.

The town's market now resides in a building which was originally a convent, built In 1751 which has been beautifully restored lately and is the venue for musical events throughout the year. Built underground beneath the market building is a large Spar supermarket which is well stocked and is very competitive price wise so if your in the town it's worth calling in and stocking up.

With narrow streets to explore, pleasant shady squares with welcoming pavement cafes and shopping that ranges from the twice weekly market to the expensive designer boutiques. Mao is a must on every visit to Menorca.

Es Castell Rating =

Situated a short distance from Mao with its two inlets, Cala Fonts and Cala Corb, is the town of Es Castell, the most easterly town in Spain and first to get the morning sun! The town is steeped in military history, which can still be seen today in its architecture. The most obvious is the central square, which was the main parade ground. Now it’s a park for children and has in the centre a very friendly bar where I like to sit sipping one of the local specialities watching my granddaughter at play with the other children..

It was originally named Georgetown by the English who built it, and later renamed Real Villa de San Carlos (Villacarlos) when the island was under Spanish rule. It is now known as Es Castell The Castle, because of its proximity to the Fort of San Felip. Es Castell has at the end of July its own "Fiesta de San jaume" a must if you're lucky enough to be here when it's on.

Es Castell has plenty to offer its visitors, with shopping, restaurants and nightlife. There are market days twice a week, and the Fiesta de San Juame at the end of July. Most of the bars and restaurants are situated around the two coves, Calas Fons and Calas Corb. It is said that Cala Corb is so named because the bodies of the escapees from the quarantine island in the harbour were sometimes washed up here. Calas Fons is the main place to head for, it has something to suit all pockets and tastes. Many of the shops and restaurants are built into caves in the walls around the harbour, with a wide range of items from ceramics to the handmade Menorquin sandals on sale, all in a relaxing setting. At night the harbour comes to life and is a good place to go for an evening meal and drink.

Just off the roundabout outside Es Castell is the prehistoric village of Trepuco here can be found a large taylot. The village has been excavated and can be seen in the next field to the west, part of it dates back to the first or second millennium BC, it is well worth a visit

Click here for accommodation in Mahon and Es Castell