Things To Do in Mahon

Most people don't take sightseeing too seriously in Mahón, as they are here mainly to enjoy the views of the port, to dine, or to shop. Even so, you may want to visit the Església de Santa María la Major, Plaça Constitució. The church was founded in 1287 by the Christian conqueror Alfonso III, who wanted to celebrate the Reconquest. Over the years, the original Gothic structure has been much altered, and it was rebuilt in 1772. It has a celebrated organ with four keyboards and more than 3,000 pipes, constructed in 1810 by Johan Kyburz, a Swiss artisan. Admiral Collingwood brought it to Mahón during the Napoleonic wars. A music festival in July and August showcases the organ, whose melodic sounds can be heard even as you sit drinking in a nearby cafe. From May to October there are organ concerts Monday through Saturday at 11am; tickets cost 5€. The church is open daily 7:30am‒12:30pm and 5:30‒8pm; entry is free, but donations are welcomed.

The church is close to the harbor, next to Mahón’s 18th-century Town Hall, constructed in an English Palladian style, on Plaça de la Constitució. The main square of Mahón is Plaça de s’Esplanada. Locals gather here on Sunday to enjoy ice cream, which some claim is the best in the Balearics. In summer, an artisans’ market is held here on Tuesday and Saturday 9am‒2pm.

The northern boundary of the city is formed by Puerto de Mahón, which has many restaurants and shops along Moll de Ponent. Mahón’s port sits in the largest natural harbor in the Mediterranean. The best way to explore it is on an hour-long catamaran tour offered by Yellow Catamarans, Moll de Llevant, 12 (tel 639-676-351), which costs 15€ adults, 8€ ages 3–12. In addition to a couple of decks, the lower part of the hull is glass so you can observe underwater sea life. Tours run May to September 10:30am‒2:30pm.

On the harbor you can also visit the Xoriguer Gin Distillery, Moll de Ponent, 91 (tel. 971-329-886), to see how the famed Menorcan gin is made in giant copper vats over wood fires. The distillery is open April  to October Monday to Friday 10am‒6pm, Saturday 10am‒2pm; distillery closed November to March, shop open all year Monday to Friday 10am–8pm, Saturday 10am–2pm.