MaÓ
The municipal district of Maó stretches from the east of Addaia to the port of Maó along the north coast and from Cales Coves to Binidalí along the south coast. The only real resort within its jurisdiction is Es Canutells in the south although many visitors also find their way to the quaint fishing villages of Sa Mesquida and Es Grau along the north coast.
The inland towns of Sant Climent and Llumeçanes also fall within this jurisdiction.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
The island’s capital was moved to Maó (Mahón in Spanish) in 1721 in order to better control the harbour and thus defend the island. Today, a stroll through this attractive city gives one a glimpse of the different phases in the island’s turbulent history, the many architectural styles reflecting the frequent changes of rule. The city centre offers an interesting mix of narrow streets lined with white washed houses, wide open squares and grand historical buildings.
Maó harbour, which winds its way inland for over 5 km, has always been renowned as a safe port in the Mediterranean and some even claim it is the second largest natural harbour in Europe. Life in along the harbour is vibrant, with the constant coming and going of ferries, container ships, cruise liners, fishing boats and sailing yachts. An array of cafes, restaurants, shops and nautical services line the southern side while private homes built along the northern side enjoy the spectacular harbour views. A stroll along the waterfront to admire the boats or dine in one of the restaurants is an absolute must.
Suggested walking tour:
Start in the Plaça de la Esplanada, where there is both an underground car park and a bus station. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings a colourful market is set up here selling clothing, leather work, jewellery and handicrafts. From there stroll through the main shopping area: walk down the tree lined Ses Moreres, at the end of which you can take a quick detour to the right down Deia to see the Teatro Principal, Europe’s oldest opera house, before continuing downhill along Hanover, a pedestrianised street. At the bottom you will see the city hall with its neoclassical façade at the far and of the cobbled square and next to it the Santa Maria church, rebuilt between 1748 and 1772. To the right, Carrer Nou, another pedestrianised shopping street brings you out opposite the entrance to the fish market and adjacent to it the fruit and vegetable market located in a cloistered courtyard, the Claustre de Carmen. This doubles as an open air concert venue on summer evenings. Come out at the other side of the market into Plaça Miranda for a tantalizing glimpse of the harbour from above. Retrace your steps back past the entrance to the market and come out on to Plaça Príncep. From there keep heading down hill to the grand staircase at Ses Voltes which will take you all the way down to the harbour. Turning left will take you to the inner end of the harbour, past the ferry station, late night bars and gin factory. Turning right, you can walk along the promenade admiring the boats and stop in one of the many waterside bars or restaurants for a refreshment. Various boat trips will take you on a tour of the harbour passing the Isla del Rey and Lazareto islets, once hospital and quarantine islands respectively and now used for medical congresses.
As well as historical buildings including the Menorca Museum, in the centre of town, in the event of bad weather it is worth noting there is a leisure centre with a multi-screen cinema and a 10-pin bowling alley. On the outskirts of town, the Malbuger fitness centre has tennis and paddle, pitch n put, a pool and a gym.
La Mola fort at the mouth of the harbour is impressive for its scale, the views and the architecture. The talaiot at Trepuco is one of the best known and there is a further prehistoric settlement at Talati de Dalt (just off the Maó-Alaior road). The Albufera d’es Grau natural park offers good walks around the lake and along the coast and good bird watching opportunities for keen ornithologists.
 |
   |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
  |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
