The capital of Menorca, Mahon, or Mao as it is otherwise referred, is set on a ridge above a deep inlet that forms the the biggest natural port in the Mediterranean, and undoubtedly one of the biggest in the whole world, second only to Pearl Harbour. Usually abuzz with tourism mainly in the summers, this small yet infinitely charming capital is also lively during the rest of the year. A particularly good time to visit is during the first weekend of September, when the Nuestra Señora de Gràcia (Our Lady of Grace) festival takes over the town. Getting there is easy, with car rentals available from Mahon airport.
Horses prance around the streets, dancing and rearing on their hind legs, much to the amusement of the crowds. There is live music, around every corner, and a seemingly endless flow of pomada, a fresh kicker of a drink made with local gin and lemonade.
Mahon was occupied by the British in the 18th century, and the architecture of this sleepy, elegant town is testament to this, with beautiful houses that seem straight out of the 1800s. There are countless pavement cafes dotting the streets, where you can sit back with a coffee in hand and watch the world pass you by. Exploring is best left to a car hire from Mahon airport.
