Mahon (Maó) & Ciutadella Guide
| fast facts |
population
Mahon - 27,000
Ciutadella - 27,000
getting there
nearest airport: Mahon (approx 4km)
getting around
each town is small enough to walk around and bus services between the two run every hour weekdays though only every few hours at the weekends
tourist office - Mahon (Maó)
Moll de Llevant 2
7701 Maó (Mahon)
tel: 971 352 674
email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
tourist office - Ciutadella
Plaça Catedral 5
07760 - Ciutadella
tel: 971 382 693
email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
main public holidays
1st January
6th January
Easter – Semana Santa
1st May: Labour Day
15th August
12th October: Virgen del Pilar, Patron Saint of Spain
1st November: All Saints Day
6th December: Spanish Constitution Day
8th December: Immaculate Conception
24th December: Christmas Eve
25th December: Christmas Day
26th December: St. Stephen's Day
Overview
The status of capital has changed hands several times between these two towns but since the first British occupation began in 1722 it has been Mahon, or Maó in Catalan, that takes the title. This probably had much to do with the fact it has one of the worlds deepest natural harbours which has been a prize sort after by many an invading force, including the British, over the centuries.
The old town of Mahon is picturesque, well preserved and easy to get around on foot if a little steep in some places. It has four pretty small squares, Plaça Espanya, from which you can see right across the bay to the fantastic fish market, Plaça Carme, with shops and food stalls, Plaça Conquesta and Plaça Constitucio which is home to the towns main church Santa María and the attractive Ajuntament (Town Hall). The main square is Plaça S'Esplanada though it doesn't have the charm of the smaller ones.
At the opposite end of the island, Ciutadella is also perched on top of a hill looking down at its harbour and suffered from quite a few invasions itself but was always second prize to Mahon in terms of strategic importance. The British left the great and good of Menorca to pretty much do their own thing in Ciutadella and because this it doesn't have the Colonial air that yo may feel in Mahon. It's a very attractive, compact town and though small manages to squeeze in its own Cathedral.
Highlights
Menorca Museum - Mahon
The Menorca Museum is housed in the old Franciscan Convent which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and traces Menorcan history.
Avda. Doctor Guàrdia s/n
Ciutadella Cathedral
14th century Gothic style Cathedral built by Alfonso III
Ciutadella Ajuntament (Town Hall)
This beautiful building was built over the ancient Moorish Citadel although remains of it can still be seen
Eating & Drinking
general areas - Mahon
Harbour – restaurants and bars
Old town – mainly bars, some restaurants
restaurants - Mahon
Gregal – Spanish – Moll de Llevant 306 – tel: 971 366 606
L'Arpó – Seafood – Moll de Llevant 335 – tel: 971 369 844
Jàgaro – Mediterranean – Moll de Llevant 334 – 971 362 390
Bar Restaurant España – Spanish – C/Victori 48-50 – tel: 971 363 299
La Minerva – Catalan – Moll de Llevant 87 – tel: 971 351 995
general areas - Ciutadella
c/ J M Quadrado – bars & cafés
Harbour – restaurants
restaurants - Ciutadella
El Bribón – Seafood – c/Marina 115 – tel: 971 385 050
Cas Ferrer – Menorcan – c/Portal de Sa Font 16 – tel: 971 480 784
Casa Manola – Seafood – c/Marina 117 – tel: 971 380 003
Bar Triton – Tapas – Muelle Ciutadella 55 – tel: 971 380 002
Café Balear – Seafood – Passeig Pla de Sant Joan 15 – tel: 971 380 005
Nightlife
Menorca is not Ibiza and nightlife in both towns consists mainly of having a quiet drink. It's a family holiday island and proud of the fact, so if you're looking for more action take the ferry to Ibiza – then return to enjoy the peace!
Shopping
Traditional Menorcan called the Avarca, once peasant footwear but now worn by the likes of Queen Sofia when on holiday here, is like an deluxe espadrille and comes in all the colours of the rainbow. Other local specialities include Menorcan Gin which originated during British rule and is made from wine, flavoured with Juniper berries. There are also numerous small shops selling all sorts of leather goods and, if you're feeling flush, pearls.
Beaches
The town beaches in Mahon are Cala Mesquida and Cala Es Murtar, in Ciutadella Cala en Blanes and Cala Santandria.
Festivals
17 January - Diada – Menorcan National Day
A National holiday and also known as Sant Antoni day, the patron Saint of the island.
6-9 September – Mare de Déu de Gràcia – (Festival of our Lady of Grace - Mahon)
A festival involving lots of equestrian performances (horses are often a part of festivals all over the island) in the town on the 7th and 8th , moving to the port for the last day.
