Hit Menorca for a cultural, Spanish city break and discover fusion food in Mahón with our tips
MENORCA isn’t just beaches and bikinis – hit the island’s capital for a Spanish city break with a big dose of culture.
We share tips and travel advice for a fun weekend in the sunshine.
Discover the harbour
Mahón’s waterfront is a stunner and is said to be the world’s second largest natural harbour.
There are public balconies for snapping perfect ocean-backdropped selfies (follow any sign that says “mirador” to reach a viewpoint).
Enjoy a morning latte, £1.50, at El Mirador cafe, complete with panoramic views of the water. Seafarers can climb aboard the Don Joan, £10.50, to sail along the coast and see British-built forts and an eye-popping view of the city ().
Afterwards, stroll along the Moll de Llevant waterfront and ogle the glitzy yachts.
Eat fusion
For centuries, Menorca was at the heart of Mediterranean trade. All those passing cultures stirred the pot, and today the island excels at fusion food. Along the harbour you’ll find Latitud 40, serving up bao buns and quesadillas with local sobrasada pork sausage, from £4. Or try superb local seafood at Sa Vinya des Port, from £4 ().
Save space for laid-back Ses Forquilles’ innovative menu, from £2.50 – think octopus topped with spicy kimchi ().
Be Gin-spired!
Brits introduced Mahón to gin in the 18th century, and at the port you’ll find Xoriguer, the island’s last remaining traditional distillery.
Book a free tasting, and don’t miss the local tipple pomada – that’s gin with cloudy lemonade, FYI ().
Menorca also produces cracking wines and you can sample them by the glass at Es Vinet bar in Plaça d’Espanya’s fish market. The merluzo blanco, £2.50 a glass, from the Binifadet winery is crisp and refreshing ().
Shop up a storm
Kate Moss and Angelina Jolie have been spotted wearing Menorcan footwear brand Pretty Ballerinas.
Splash out on your own super-comfortable pair at the stylish boutique in the old town, from £119 ().
Menorca is also famous for its jewellery, and Santi Capó has the chicest collection, sold in a small, friendly store ().
If luggage space allows, don’t miss interiors store BiniVie Living – though be warned, you’ll want to buy all the gorgeous cushions, throws and scented candles, which cost from a bargain £4.
Delve into history
The recently revamped Museum of Menorca is perfect for a quick history lesson about the island’s time under British rule and the people who lived there 2,500 years ago. Entry costs £3.50, but it’s free on Sundays and 3-6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays ().
The best place to discover history is Talatí de Dalt, a prehistoric site two miles outside the city, where you can peer into ancient homes and climb to the top of a lookout tower built thousands of years ago, entry £2.50.
Enjoy the island’s natural history with a walk in S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, where orchids bloom and Egyptian vultures soar above the lagoon ().
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Stay chic
The Jardí de Ses Bruixes hotel gives a taste of how Menorca’s wealthiest inhabitants once lived. This former mansion in the heart of the old town is now a boutique hotel with a fab new spa and fancy restaurant.
Rooms are vast, with egg-shaped bathtubs.
Breakfast is served in an Instagram-ready, plant-filled courtyard and features local meats and cheeses. Rooms cost from £106 B&B ()
BTW
- Mayonnaise is said to be named after Mahón, in honour of a victory over the British in 1756.
- For more information on Menorca visit and .