Mahón, the capital of Menorca, is the easternmost point of Spain.
Mahón, in Spanish and Maó, in Minorcan: say it in the language in which you say it, it is inevitable that your mouth will be slightly shaped like an 'O'. And with this shape your lips will stay when you leave the capital of the island. **Mahón is a lot of Mahón. Don't be fooled by Citadel. **
DAY ONE
9.00. start the day
The day begins and we go to breakfast. We go to Es Llonguet, which takes its name from the roll that is usually used for sandwiches, especially in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia. Accompanying it with some sobrassada is not a bad option. The morning coffee and sobrassada They make an interesting mix that literally tastes like heaven.
Other options are the well-known ensaimada, the coca d'aubercoc, the Rubiols, the Formatgades, Pastissets, Crespells... Impossible that our mouths do not water.
Breakfast in Mahón, in the artisan oven of Es Llonguet.
11.00. The center
After recharging ourselves with energy, it is inexcusable to take a walk through the center of Mahón. We headed to the Plaça de la Constitutió. There is the town hall and the imposing and beautiful church of Santa María, which greets us with its mustard-colored facade.
We take a walk, strolling through the franchises and traditional shops... Everything is full of places where you can buy sandals, the typical Menorcan footwear that colors the shop windows.
We continue to the viewpoint, which overlooks the port, the second largest natural port in Europe. On the other side, S'Altra Banda, where great journalists and well-known personalities spend the summer with views of Mahón. Even Serrat has a house and a dedicated song: “white of chaos, looking to the north…”. Sighing and dreaming of one of these residences is normal.
We then arrive at the Prince's Square and it's time to go back to the Mercat des Claustre , to walk between sandals and sobrasadas, a real delight! If we want to take a souvenir with us, Ca Na Aurelia is a good option, where they are so kind vacuum up any gastro souvenir you want to take home.
Mustard-colored facade of the church of Santa María, in Mahón.
1:00 p.m. Appetizer!
And you don't have to go far. We go to the ** Mercat del Peix to enjoy a vermouth,** a wine, or some pintxos. Menorcans meet here every Saturday. To the left, we find the fish stalls, with great delicacies from the sea; on the right, multitudes of small bites are arranged for those who want to eat. We can stay until late… Or go down to the port, to continue enjoying the Mahon cuisine.
2:00 p.m. rice please
You have to go to the end of the same port to sit (prior reservation, ask for a table near the window, please) at El Rais, Local rice restaurant where you can afford to order a rice 'for-you-so-so'. It belongs to the same owners as Ses Forquilles, an eatery in the center that, due to its fame, is also a good option to fill your stomach. Walking through the port to download food and admire the many boats that make their home there is unavoidable. For dessert? A delicious ice cream from the Italian La Casa del Gelatto.
4:00 p.m. shopping
We continue through the center of Mahón, and we try on –and buy, if we feel like it–, something in the most charming shops in the city. Take note: La Cerería, NAC, Kala, BiniVie Living or the Platero deco store.
18.00. Cultural visit
Soaking up the culture is necessary. And to get to know the city and its origins, nothing like visiting Ca n'Oliver , one of the best preserved houses of the Mahon bourgeoisie and that it has a fantastic viewpoint; or the Museu de Menorca, which has been recently renovated and is well worth a visit. Not everything is eating.
Eat a pa-ra-ti-so-lo rice at El Rais, overlooking the sea.
20.00. the secret corner
To have a drink watching the sunset, nothing like going to Casa Venecia, in the heart of the port of the Menorcan capital. This secret corner –little known yet– is a little house with a jetty and few tables, from which you can see the most beautiful sunset in Mahón. It is essential to reserve a table, even if you only have a glass of wine or an ointment, Xoriguer gin with lemon.
Imposing staircase in Ca n'Oliver, a bourgeois house from Mayo.
22.00. Regain strength, there is still night
Time for dinner and back to the port. And here we have two options. A cheaper one, but just as enjoyable: Street Food by Mestre. And if we want a table and tablecloth, a few meters further on, the owners have Mestre d'Aixa, with an international cuisine menu with a nod to the Triciclo group, well known for its restaurants in Madrid. Take advantage!
00.00. Touch a drink
We can opt for Sa Bodega or the Nou Bar, where it is essential to have a toniquito, a gin and tonic that is served in a cane glass. Small, but tough. Be careful not to take too many...
01.00. To the bed
To sleep –and dream–, nothing like resting in one of the boutique hotels that are among the alleys of Mahón, such as Casa Telmo , Jardín de Ses Bruixes , Petit Maó , Casa Ládico or the brand new Hevresac hotel, old British houses that have been converted into small hotels where you can sleep forever.
Delicious terrace at Street Food by Mestre, Mahón.
DAY TWO
9.00. Maybe beach?
The day begins and, as it is Sunday, we can take a walk around the fruit and vegetable market that spreads through the secluded streets of Mahón. If the weather is good and we don't feel like a market , escape to Sa Mesquida, the closest sandy beach to Mahón and take a bath first thing in the morning. Hopefully, there won't be a soul. Maybe some local. Don't forget to say good morning.
11.00. strategic point
One of the most visited locations in Mahón is the La Mola Fortress, city guardian and watches over everything that happens at the entrance to the port. It is essential to visit it.
Sa Mesquida, the closest sandy beach to Mahón.
2:00 p.m. culinary farewell
The last meal in Mahón is enjoyed at Café Marès, with good views and a brand new menu. Marès, by the way, is the Menorcan stone par excellence. To try? The scallop ceviche with figs and citrus, or its bao tapa, beef tongue, tartar sauce, watercress, red onion and lime… Note that its menu is constantly changing.
17.00. Deu, Mahon!
And to be dalt de tot… We had the last coffee in Es Mirador, to Admire Mahón and its limestone facades in earthy colors from the front row . To let yourself be rocked by the sea breeze that you sometimes feel even when you are so high up. To dream of returning soon… Déu, Mahón!
One of the rooms at the Casa Ládico boutique hotel in Mahón.