Transport
We thought the guide was good and knowledgeable. However found the trip to be more like a group taxi service into Mahon. We arrived too early and all the shops were closed, we’d only just had breakfast at the hotel so didn’t want to go into a cafe or restaurant. The free time was too long for us and half the time would have been sufficient as there isn’t too much to do there. The market was the same vendors as the day before when we had been in Cuitadella.
What better way to spend a few hours than discovering and savouring the delights of Mahon, Menorca's history-steeped capital? On this morning tour, you'll enjoy a harbour boat trip, have free time to explore the old town on market day and visit a historic distillery. Nicola, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘If you scratch beneath the surface, you'll find the British influence in many older buildings such as sash windows, panelled doors, lunettes and more. A uniquely Menorquin touch is the ruby-red paint on these houses.'
First up is a glass-bottom boat trip in Mahon harbour – the second largest in the world. Glide between fortified islets and admire the opulent villas lining the waterfront on either side. Some date from the 18th century, when Menorca was a British colony. Next, it's on to the old Xoriguer gin distillery. Menorca's favourite tipple has been made here, using the same recipe, since 1736 – yet another symbol of the island's British heritage.
There's also free time to wander around Mahon under your own steam, admiring its Georgian town houses, baroque churches, palm-lined squares and narrow, cobbled streets. Head to the centrally located Plaza del Carme, where there's a market of vendors hawking everything from cured meats to fresh fruit under the cloisters of a 17th-century convent. The local square-shaped cheese is highly regarded throughout Spain.
