car hire mahon
Pick up your hire car at Mahon airport and enjoy the most tranquil of the Balearic Islands. Book car hire mahon airport now
the 60-second guide to Mahon
in its own head
"We're the shining jewel of the Balearic Islands, a beautiful city brimming with rich archaeological history."
but more realistically
Mahon, the capital of Menorca, has indeed retained its charm, and while it doesn't thump to the Balearic beat of neighbour Ibiza, there's no shortage of shops, bars and restaurants.
the vibe
Pretty cultured. Jazz is very popular and being the most peaceful of the Balearics makes for a nice relaxed ambiance in town.
the natives
Mahon was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, making it a place of architectural importance that cannot be tampered with. Hence the locals are pretty happy.
the weather
A fraction cooler than its sister islands (Majorca and Ibiza), but you'll still frazzle alive if you neglect a good smear of factor 12.
the local speciality
Gin is a popular choice, having been brewed historically for the enjoyment of the visiting sailors back in the 18th century. Or try the famous Mahon cheese - it's square.
the celebrity
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, who own a home on neighbouring Majorca, often pop over to Mahon.
did you know?
Mayonnaise was invented in Mahon before being taken over to France and put on chips.
they say
"The capital of Menorca still preserves a number of churches, ancestral buildings and palaces, lining streets of deep Mediterranean flavour." - www.spain.info
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ateneo Cientifico
- 2. Plaza Bastion
- 3: Talati de Dalt
- 4: Plaza de la Conquista
- 5: Arch de San Roque
Were someone like Indiana Jones to visit the Balearic Islands, he'd walk off his hangover at this place. It's a museum of natural history, perfect for any budding archeologist/adventurer.
where to park?
There's underground parking in Plaza de la Explanada, right near the Ateneo Cientifico.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ateneo Cientifico
- 2. Plaza Bastion
- 3: Talati de Dalt
- 4: Plaza de la Conquista
- 5: Arch de San Roque
The archeology doesn't end in the museum either - a short trek to Plaza Bastion will acquaint you with yet more evidence of a long interesting history with relics galore.
where to park?
There's plenty of street parking around this central spot. It's €1 for two hours and free after 8pm and at weekends.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ateneo Cientifico
- 2. Plaza Bastion
- 3: Talati de Dalt
- 4: Plaza de la Conquista
- 5: Arch de San Roque
Not far outside the centre of town is this weird prehistoric village, which houses all kinds of strange and dusty monuments.
where to park?
There's a free car park at the village itself, which is just over three miles from the town centre.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ateneo Cientifico
- 2. Plaza Bastion
- 3: Talati de Dalt
- 4: Plaza de la Conquista
- 5: Arch de San Roque
Possibly the showiest area of the city where all the serious spectacular stuff is stashed - you'll find a monument to Alfonso III, a big library, and a beautiful square where you can unwind with a cuppa.
where to park?
Plaza de la Conquista itself is pedestrianised but you can easily walk from the car parks in Plaza de la Constitucion, Plaza Espana and Plaza de ses Voltes.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ateneo Cientifico
- 2. Plaza Bastion
- 3: Talati de Dalt
- 4: Plaza de la Conquista
- 5: Arch de San Roque
Welcome to the last remnants of the impressive city wall, which serve as a sobering and inspiring reminder of Mahon's military past.
where to park?
The arch is in the pedestrianised part of the city, but you can park nearby in the car park in the Plaza de Miranda.
and 4 to drive to...
Keen bird watchers, great news: this nature reserve is very popular with your sort. Other people can enjoy the dunes, the Roman ruins and the wetlands.
how to get there?
Drive north of Mahon on the Me-7 and the follow signs to S'Albufera des Grau, about eight miles away.
and 4 to drive to...
A quieter, more residential area with a nice little beach and a picturesque cove area where you can have a taste of life as a local fisherman.
how to get there?
Take the Me-12 to Sant Climent, then the Carretera de Sant Climent a Bintda towards Es Canutells. It's seven miles from central Mahon.
and 4 to drive to...
When the gorgeous sandy beaches and endless sunbathing sessions have become too much, head out to this lovely fishing village to unwind by a tranquil marina.
how to get there?
Drive your hire car north out of Mahon towards the Carretera de Grau, which takes you all the way there in about 15 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
Ahh, the Cales Coves, home to numerous prehistoric caves. It's like a secret lagoon, albeit one jam-packed with snazzy looking yachts and sailing boats.
how to get there?
Take the Me-12 through Sant Climent and follow signs to the coves. They're just 20 minutes from the centre of Mahon.
ask a Mahon cabbie!
Local taxi driver Jaume Vinas on car hire in Mahon: "Mahon is a very little town so my advice is to park your hire car in Calle de las Sinia Costabella or Sinia des Cuc and walk for 15 minutes or so through the centre. It's give you a chance to get to know the vibes of this quiet and friendly place. Where the car comes into its own is for driving to some of the many amazing beaches around Mahon. In general driving and parking here is easy - it's not crowded and nobody is stressed."