MAHON, MENORCA SPAIN

LOCAL CUISINE SHOPPING

Discover the striking appeal of Mahón, the warm and welcoming capital city of Menorca. Surrounded by the second deepest natural harbor in the world, the water remains almost entirely clear because of the enclosure of the Balearic Islands.

Records of history stretch back to the Bronze Age — a local museum displays a dazzling array of artifacts of antiquity — but the city was named for its 2nd century B.C. conqueror, Mago Barca, a Carthaginian general from present-day northern Africa.

Today, the town’s center is a delightful cluster of shops, churches, cafes, bars, restaurants and historic buildings between two main plazas. Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architecture speckles the streets. Join the locals in shopping, relaxing and wandering the town.

Cuisine in Mahón is richly satisfying, a

pleasing combo of land and sea. Try

the caldereta de langosta, a favorite

dish of Spanish royalty and a Menorcan

specialty. Any lobster from the Balearic

coast is particularly delicious, but this

local stew is a can’t-miss dish.

Eggplant is extremely popular here. Eat it stuffed with

other produce, herbs, meat or the locally prized spicy

cheese, Mao.

Nearly everyone in Mahón drinks Gin Xoriguer, a locally

distilled spirit, which can be enjoyed straight or with

iced lemon. Malmsey wine, the wine of kings, is making

a comeback, too, after a recent push to restore the

grape to its heralded place.

Shopping here includes

traditional merchants and

shops. Not many big chains

or international brands

make it to Mahón. The

locals prefer to support

their own products.

Buy a pair of Avarcas, local sandals originally

worn on farms, but now worn by just about

everyone. Styles vary from loafers to open backs

and even heel straps in every color imaginable.

Most versions are unisex.

Artisan jewelry also flourishes here. Most shops

are owned and run by the artists or jewelers.

Bargaining is sometimes welcome.

Experience the lively past and present of sunny Mahón.

CURRENCY Spain uses the euro.

Some major banks’ ATMs exchange money.

Tipping is appropriate but not expected.

PLACES OF INTEREST TOP 3 LAND DISCOVERIES

1. ESFREGINAL PARKRelax and play in this shady, breezy park full of flowers in the center of town.

2. XORIGUER GIN DISTILLERYTour this harbor-front gin and liquor distillery, in production since the 18th century.

3. CHURCH OF ST. FRANCISView this beautiful Baroque and Gothic church in the Plaza de Monestir.

4. MUSEUM OF MENORCALearn about the relics and artifacts of Menorca, dating back to the Bronze Age.

5. CHURCH OF SANTA MARIAExperience the gorgeous pipe organ, one of Europe’s best, at this church.

6. MILITARY MUSEUMSee ancient relics and historical remnants of Mediterranean military forces.

7. TORRALBAJourney to this alluring little town, home to a history of hidden cult activities.

8. FORNELLSExplore this charming fishing village’s peaceful atmosphere and old fort.

Take a mystical tour of Spain’s hidden spiritualism. Discover the sanctuary at Mount Toro, the highest point of Menorca, before journeying to Torralba, famous for its monoliths and secret cult history. Explore the cave at Xoroi and the village of Binibeca.

Experience the unbelievable beauty of the beach at Arenal de´n Castell and the bayside fishing village of Fornells. Staid white houses line this crystalline beachfront near luxurious resorts before independently exploring the charming quarter of Ciudadela.

Soak in the island atmosphere of sunny Spain. Pass through Puerto de Addaya and Macaret for photos to discover the fishing village, Fornells, before the landscaped gardens of CalaTirant, a stop at Mount Toro, Menorca’s highest point and a tour of the local monastery.

MAHON, TORRALBA AND XOROI CAVE

DISCOVER CIUDADELA

NORTH COAST PANORAMA

Visit the

Land Discoveries Desk

on Deck 4 to reserve

these and other

exciting experiences.

8

3

7

5421

6

This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing. ©2014 Azamara Club Cruises. Ships’ Registry: Malta.

MAHON, MENORCA SPAIN

©OpenStreetMap