What better way to spend a few hours than savouring the delights of Mahon, Menorca's history-steeped capital? On this half-day tour, you'll enjoy a harbour boat trip, have free time to explore the old town on market day and taste the goods at a historic distillery. Nicola, one of our expert local guides, says, “If you scratch beneath the surface, you'll find the British influence in many older buildings such as sash windows, panelled doors, lunettes and more. But a uniquely Menorquin touch is the ruby-red paint on these houses.”
First up is a boat trip in Mahon harbour – the second largest in the world. Glide between fortified islets and admire the opulent villas lining the waterfront on either side. Some date from the 18th century, when Menorca was a British colony. The on-board commentary will fill you in on the historic details, while the lower deck windows give you a great underwater perspective. Back on land, it's on to the old Xoriguer gin distillery. Menorca's favourite tipple has been made here, using the same recipe, since 1736 – yet another symbol of the island's British heritage. Grab a taste at the distillery before some free time in the capital.
You'll have around one-and-a-half to two hours to wander the narrow cobbled streets of Mahon under your own steam, admiring its Georgian town houses, baroque churches and palm-lined squares. We visit here on market days, so head to the centrally located Plaza del Carme, where there's a market of vendors hawking everything from cured meats to fresh fruit under the cloisters of a 17th-century convent. Among the stalls, look out for the distinctively square-shaped cheese, Queso Mahón-Menorca, it has a mild, buttery flavour and is a top choice for cheese-lovers looking to take home a memento of Mahon.
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