Mahon holidays

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Mahon holidays

Best hotels in Mahon

Mahon is the capital city of Menorca and is situated on the island’s east coast. It has become a popular holiday resort with sun lovers and history buffs alike. Dating back hundreds of years, it features winding streets, interesting architecture, and archaeology museums all in a sun-soaked Mediterranean setting. On holidays in Mahon, make sure you visit the famous harbour which is packed with restaurants, bars, and shops; they become lively in the evenings as locals and visitors gather to watch the sunset on the waterfront. That's why holidays here are perfect for foodies and culture lovers.

Things to do

During your holiday to Menorca, feel free to explore the city's markets, where you can find excellent fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, and hand-crafted items. One of the main markets is the Mercat Ambulant del Parc Rochina, held daily from May to October at Plà de Baixamar, where you can find many different types of goods such as leather items and clothing.

Then there's the Mercat del Peix fish market, held all year round from Tuesday to Saturday at the Plaça Espanya, and the artisan Mercat Artesa de Mahon market at Plaça de s'Esplanada held every Wednesday between June and August. Another is the big Monday-to-Saturday Mercat del Claustre del Carme near the Carmen church, where you'll find everything from fresh produce to clothes and jewellery, all year round.

Sightseeing and culture

The Port of Mahon is one of the largest and deepest natural harbours in the world – so big that you can take harbour cruises and glass-bottomed boat trips in its waters. They’re a great way to find out more about Mahon and to get a view of the fortresses that protected the city in days gone by. When you’re exploring on foot, you can cross the old colonial military parade grounds that are now big market squares, walk past stately mansions, and look into local history at the Museu de Menorca (Menorca Museum).

Shopping and dining

Mahon is famous for making shoes and gin, both of which are great souvenirs to take home. You can shop your heart out in the city’s boutiques and shopping centres but the markets are the best places to buy local goods, including the mild Mahon cheese and super fresh seafood (if you want to enjoy the daily catch at its best, check out the seafood restaurants by the harbour). You’ll stumble across pavement cafés, restaurants and bars all around Mahon but for the best views and most sociable vibe, it’s all about the waterfront.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Arenal Den Castell | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Cala’n Bosch | Cala’n Forcat | Cala Galdana | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Ibiza | Lanzarote | Madrid | Majorca | Malaga | Menorca | Punta Prima | Santo Tomas | Son Bou | Tenerife

 

29 ℃

May and June for slightly cooler temperatures.

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2 hours

Menorca Airport (MAH), also known as Mahon Airport, located just outside the city.

Types of holidays in Mahon

Mahon is best for...

Shopaholics: Shop at the swanky boutiques or browse the thriving daily markets for local Menorcan specialities and unique gifts.

Foodies: If you’re keen to try some real Spanish cuisine during your Mahon holiday, the vibrant waterfront has a sumptuous choice of Mediterranean seafood restaurants and tasty tapas bars.

Sightseers: The town is a treasure trove for sightseers, filled with relics from its long history including beautiful Georgian buildings and museums.

Fast facts for Mahon

Language: The language spoken is Spanish and Menorquí, a variety of Catalan. Feel free to practice your Spanish with a phrasebook or app during your holiday to Mahon, though don’t worry, you won't have to become fluent overnight. You'll find most staff working in hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions will have a basic knowledge of English, but they do appreciate you having a go at their language, even if your attempts are terrible!

Currency: The currency used is the Euro (€).

Local time: Mahon is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Mahon Airport. It takes just 15 minutes to transfer to the capital city of Mahon.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Mahon is 2.5 hours.

Tourist Information: Further Mahon tourist information can be found at https://www.menorca-tourism.net/mahon.htm.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Mahon.

Balearics Sustainable Tourism Tax: You’ll need to pay a Sustainable Tourism Tax which has been introduced by the Balearic Government to help with environmental and tourism improvements. The charge is between €1-4 per person per night, plus 10% VAT, subject to change, and varies based on the official star rating of your accommodation. Children under 16 won’t have to pay and guests staying for more than nine nights will receive a reduction. For further information please click here. 

Holiday destinations related to Mahon:

 

Getting around Mahon

By tourist train: Mahon operates a tourist train that loops around the resort to the waterfront and town centre. The train is handy for getting around and is a pleasant way to sightsee if you don’t want to walk.

By bus: There’s a bus station in the centre of town with a regular service operating within the resort as well as out to neighbouring towns like Ciutadella.  

By taxi: There are plenty of taxis available and they’re handy for short journeys. Official taxis are white and have a green light on the roof when available, and can be hailed down or found at taxi ranks in the town centre.

Events in Mahon

Summer festival: The biggest event in the calendar is the Mare de Deu de Gracia, a celebration of the city’s patron saint. Held in September, celebrations go on for a week and include street parties, costumes and parading horses around the town in traditional dress.

Jazz fest: Mahon is one of the cities that hosts Menorca’s annual Jazz Festival. If your holiday is in May, you may get to see international jazz groups and musicians performing in venues across the city, as well as many outdoor concerts.  

Mahon weather

Temperature: 13-29°C.

Summer begins around April and May, kicking off nearly six months of Mediterranean sunshine. The temperature stays around the mid-20s (°C), often climbing higher in August, which is the hottest month of the year. For slightly cooler temperatures, visit Mahon in May, early June or from mid-September to early October, when it's often still warm enough for enjoying the beach and hiking.

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