For much of the 18th century Menorca was under British rule, and that period left its mark: the capital moved from Ciutadella to Maó, Es Castell grew up next to St Philip’s Castle (Sant Felip) and gin arrived to stay. Today you see it in Es Castell’s parade ground, the Illa del Rei hospital, Fornells tower, Fort Marlborough and Mahón gin.
Es Castell, the Georgian town
Es Castell grew up as the suburb of Sant Felip castle under British rule: hence its parade ground and Georgian-style houses. Below is Cales Fonts, the little harbour with restaurants by the water.
Stroll round the parade ground in the late afternoon and have dinner in Cales Fonts.
Recommended itinerary
4 days
History and culture
Menorca history route
Four days of talayots, British fortresses, museums and the old capital, from east to west.
The Illa del Rei hospital
On an island in Maó harbour, the British built an 18th-century military hospital that a volunteer foundation now restores, with open wards and a collection on naval and medical history.
From mid-June to mid-September there are daily boats from Maó harbour; in winter, Sunday mornings only. The Hauser & Wirth gallery is on the same island. More on the Illa del Rei.
Fornells tower and Fort Marlborough
Fornells tower, from the late 18th century, overlooks the mouth of the bay; Fort Marlborough, at Cala de Sant Esteve (Es Castell), only opens for guided tours on some days in season, lasting about 75 minutes.
The fort tour is booked on the Consell Insular website. More on Fornells.
Mahón gin
Mahón gin, with Protected Geographical Indication, is a legacy of the British presence in the 18th century. At the Xoriguer distillery on Maó harbour you see the copper stills heated with wood.
Pomada, gin with lemonade, is the drink of Menorca’s fiestas. More on the Xoriguer distillery.
Recommended itinerary
2 days
Food and local markets
Flavours of Menorca
Two days of markets, gin, Mahón-Menorca cheese and lobster stew in Fornells.
To round it off: La Mola fortress
La Mola fortress isn’t British: it was built between 1848 and 1875, under Isabel II, to defend the entrance to Maó harbour. It completes a visit to the harbour’s defences.
Allow about two hours; tickets (€8.25) are sold at the ticket office only. More on La Mola fortress.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
4 days
History and culture
Menorca history route
Four days of talayots, British fortresses, museums and the old capital, from east to west.
1 day
Food and local markets
Maó in a day, on foot
Markets, museum, tapas by the harbour, a gin tasting and dinner in Cales Fonts, no car needed. Ideal for cruise passengers.
