During the British rule, in 1722, the capital was moved from Ciutadella to Mahón, a fact that drove the business of the port and the economic growth of the city, leaving an indelible mark, hence the Georgian houses and military fortress, as well as the Minorcan gin.
Mahón is comprised of several municipalities scattered throughout its territory, near the port we find the urbanized areas of Cala Barril, Cala Llonga and Cala Rata. On the north coast, 2 km from Mahón, we find Es Grau with its fabulous Parque Natural S’Albufera and the small town of Es Murta. Inside the region are the population centers of Llumesanas and San Clemente.
Mahon boasts a beautiful natural harbor of 6 km in length, its large size and the strategic location of the island, have led this small part of the Mediterranean has been object of desire for many civilizations since ancient times, these civilizations have sailed its waters for centuries, the city was originally founded by the Carthaginians, then passed into the hands of the Romans After the Byzantines and the Muslims until the 1287 King Alfonso III conquered the island and Christianized it.
The beauty of this city resides in the beautiful port which has become a symbol of Mahon. It is considered the second largest natural harbor in Europe and one of the world’s largest. On the South Bank of the port lies the city, which has a wonderful promenade, meeting place for the people from Mahon and for tourists. Terraces, bars and restaurants are filled have a very nice atmosphere during the summer. Mahon concentrated the largest offer of leisure and entertainment of this part of island full of shops, stores, bars, clubs and a wide gastronomical offer for all tastes and budgets.
A walk through the old town will give us a chance to know the heritage and cultural legacy left by the different civilizations that have walked these lands, filled with stately homes, historic and government buildings.
Mahon hides many jewels in the form of beaches
Another of the great attractions of this region are undoubtedly its wide range of 23 beaches and coves extending from north to south. In Mahón, visitors will find high cliffs to beaches with long tongues and pristine and remote coves.
Nature in Mahon
Parque Natural de S’Albufera des Grau is located just two kilometers from Mahón and was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. It has 3 routes to discover its different areas and a wide variety of ecosystems along its 5,000ha marine and terrain.
