Mahon

Mahon has been the capital of Menorca, since the British changed it from Ciutadella in 1721. The reason was the harbour; at 5 km long, over 1 km at Its widest point, and 15-30 m deep it is one of the largest natural harbour in the world, this coupled with Its location in the Mediterranean, has made lt 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 quaysidecome 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 the 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 centre a monument has been erected  to the memory of King Alfonso Ill 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. Most of the shopping is along pedesrianised 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.

With Narrow streets to explore, pleasant shady squares with welcoming  pavements cafe's and shopping that range's  from the twice weekly market to the expensive designer boutiques. Mao is a must on every visit to Menorca.

Facilities
Place	Contact	Address	Information
Lodging
Eating
Restaurant Chino			It wasn't expensive and the setting right on the port was lovely
The Royal Hotel			has restaurants both serving lunch and dinner menus of the day. The bar restaurant is open from early morning till late evening selling all types of food from snacks to a full menu. The dining area faces the garden and swimming pool, not an ideal place for children, but ideal for a special evening out, good price for the food and situation.
agaro		the South end of the port of Mahon	Owned by the same family as Es Pia in Fornells. Again not a place for small children. High standard menu- Also available is a menu of the day (not in August).
De Nit		Llucmaçanes near Mahon located in a little village (more little than normal in Menorca) called Llucmaçanes (4 kms. from Mahon) tel 971.36.30.30	the food is really good, elaborated, mixing English style with Spanish products (cool!!!) and the price is round 5000 pesetas per person. As it's a little difficult to find. Booking is recommended. Though the price is a little high, it really worth it. 'The really most exciting experience was without any doubts the restaurant De Nit in the very little village of Llucmessanes right outside Mahon (in the direction of the Airport). The English couple Nick and Alison served a fantastic dinner (the lamb was superb) and the servings were only too big. We had to leave most of the cheese nearly untouched. Aperitifs, a very good grand reserva + coffe/brandy for 6000pts. per person. Just fantastic.'
Roma			very good with quality food at VERY reasonable prices
DosDosDos			very nice at £15 ish per head including wine. The meal was lovely with fantastic fish dishes including the most stunning plate of Whitebait.
'M'			right on the front and about two doors away from 'Dos'. It has giant sail like canopies over candle lit wooden tables and serves the most lethal pomadas known to man. The music is excellent - very laid back and jazzy - and the clientele were 100% super trendy Spanish. Great staff too.
Il Porto		Port de Mao	This is an Italian/Spanish pizzeria restaurant with a vibrant and buzzy atmosphere.  Be prepared to queue outside or make a reservation prior to turning up, as this eaterie is one of the most popular along the port of Mahon.  If you are a pizza or pasta fan then Il Porto provides the best on offer in Menorca.
Marivent		Port de Mao	situated along the port of Mahon, and is reached up a flight of stairs which bring you into the bar area.  The restaurant itself is covered in ivy and greenery which adds to the tranquility of the atmosphere. This restaurant is perfect for couples who are looking for a more sophisticated meal combined with romantic views across the Port.  The food is a little pricey, but the flavours and quality more than make up for it
Minerva		Mahon Harbour	You aren't exactly short of restaurants in Mahon, but this deserves a mention, possibly because of its setting by the water and for the fact that is has an enormous floating pontoon that ensures that diners are literally on the water.  Excellent seafood, (particularly the ubiquitous caldereta de langosta which was enormous) if not a little overpriced, and a bit too  touristy for our liking.  Service left a little to be desired, but a good lunch stop after a busy morning at the market or drooling over the millionaires' playthings in the harbour.  Two course lunch, with wine and coffee, for two people around 8000 pesetas.
El Bosforo			a really good paella in Menorca.  I found one that was just superb along the portside in mahon (Moll de Llevant no. 60, tel: 971369496). Paella was 2200pts per person and worth the double....
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