Choosing an Area: Marvellous Mahón
As the capital of Menorca, Mahón is the busiest and most populous area on the island. It’s a great place to own property in Menorca for investors and occupiers who love a bustling vibe. However, the surrounding villages and hamlets can still offer peace and tranquillity for those who want all the fun with a quiet haven at the end of the day. What makes it great, though?
Transport
Access into the city from properties in Manón’s surrounding areas is straightforward using vehicle hire or taxis. On street parking is available around the city, and an underground car park is situated in the Plaza de la Explanada. Once there, moving around the city by foot is manageable. Alternatively, local bus routes are operated by Autocares Torres – you can check out maps and timetables here.
Bike Menorca is located in Mahón, one of many bike hire destinations around the island. From here, you can be supplied with a bike suitable for city or countryside exploration with a helmet and lock included.
Shopping
A wonderful activity to enjoy by foot! Put a reminder in your diary for Tuesdays and Saturdays to browse for crafts, clothes and novelties. Every day except Sunday and Monday, the Placa d’Espanya houses a fresh fish market, at which you can also find wines, cheeses and tapas. This is open until 2 pm.
A full range of clothes and accessories shopping, from brand to boutique, is relatively spread around the city. The main shopping street is Carrer Hannover for those wanting to focus their excursion. During peak season, larger retail outlets are open all day every day. Do bear in mind Spanish siesta time between 2 pm and 5 pm and take a break from your retail therapy!
Menorca has become somewhat iconic in shoe production: Avarca sandals can be found all around. These classic Balearic shoes were originally made with soles of old tyres but are now available in varieties as spangly or high end as you desire.
Families
Mahón offers more than just shopping though! If you are a family with children who don’t have the desire to shop ’til they drop, there is a wealth of cultural, historical and nautical activities to keep younger family members engaged in the area.
Culture
The Centre d’Art I d’Historia Hernandez Sanz at Ca n’Oliver is a gallery housed in an ornately historic mansion. So you can enjoy both the history of the house alongside the art gallery that it houses.
The Museum of Menorca in the old Franciscan monastery is open every day except Monday until 2 pm. It showcases the cultural history of Menorca from ancient sculptures to fine art. The building is again stunning in itself; designed in Seventeenth-century baroque style.
History
At the mouth of Mahón harbour, you can access the Fortaleza Isabel II by water taxi or car. This is a nineteenth-century stone fortress and is a great place to investigate for adults and children alike. Wander through tunnels, admire the underground art gallery and explore the cannons and ramparts above ground.
Harbour
The harbour at Mahón is the second largest natural harbour in Europe. From here you can access a variety of boat tours, from a glass-bottomed catamaran to a historic tour around the harbour, allowing you to dip into the naval history of the area. Much of this derives from eighteenth-century British occupation. Or go further afield with a half-day excursion exploring the coastline and featuring swimming stops in some of the island’s beautiful bays along the way.
Events
The Festival of Mare de Déu de Gràcia takes place from 6th to 9th September in Mahón. Taking over the whole town, horses parade through the street, live music drifts through the squares and a steady supply of gin pomada is on hand.
With much to excite those searching for local culture, Mahón will not disappoint. It offers the best of both worlds with a great choice of properties close by which benefit from the city and from the peace of the surrounding countryside.