Stretching for an impressive eight miles, Mahn's harbour serves as the beating heart of this captivating city, situated alongside the historic Old Town that proudly overlooks its magnificent waterfront from a rocky outcrop. This blend of natural beauty and architectural charm makes Mahn a unique destination worth visiting.

Although Mahn, located on Menorcas southeast coast, is relatively obscure compared to other Spanish cities, it boasts a rich and tumultuous history. Over centuries, this port city has been at the center of numerous conflicts, having been occupied by various groups, including the Moors, Ottomans, and French, all of whom recognized the strategic importance of its natural harbourthe second largest in the world. However, it was the British who profoundly influenced Mahn during their rule from the early 18th to the early 19th century, leaving behind a legacy of military architecture along the waterfront and on nearby islands.

The Old Town of Mahn features a labyrinth of streets that connect most of the citys significant sites. One notable location is the Museu de Menorca, housed in a former monastery, which provides an excellent introduction to the islands rich history. Visitors can explore contemporary sculptures in the beautiful cloister and navigate through eight galleries, each dedicated to a different historical era, ranging from the prehistoric Talaiotic period to the days of British dominion. For those interested in a glimpse of life during British rule, Ca nOlivera meticulously restored mansion once owned by one of the wealthiest families of the eraserves as a fascinating attraction.

At the very heart of the Old Town lies Plaza de Espaa, where the Mercat sa Plaa is located. This vibrant marketplace features a delightful collection of cafes and food stalls nestled within the cloisters of a former convent. Here, you can find Mahns famous cheese, renowned for its firm, buttery texture and rich, slightly salty flavor that intensifies with age. Visitors can choose from various types, including semi, curado, or viejo, which are aged for two, five, or ten months. While at the market, make sure to indulge in a coca bamba, a plain cake often enjoyed with hot chocolate from Sucreria Francesa, a beloved pastry shop and caf. For a taste of traditional Menorcan fare, head over to El Trueno, a tapas bar where you can savor a hearty vegetable soup known as oliaigua, along with sobrasada, a spicy and spreadable sausage.

Also worth visiting in the Old Town is Pastelera Sandra, a bakery that has been delighting patrons with classic Menorcan pastries and tarts since 1972. Be sure to try a formatjada, which is stuffed with pork and sobrasada, or fla, a delightful pastry encasing a tangy cheese souffl. Another popular stop is Es Llonguet Forn Artes, a bakery renowned for its accessibility, as it stays open from 2 to 4 PM when most other businesses in town close. For a more substantial meal, Ses Forquilles offers a creative take on traditional tapas, featuring dishes such as fricand (simmered beef) served in a bao bun and oysters paired with wakame and lime. If youre in the mood for pintxos, the best can be found at Mercat de Peix, which offers Basque-style tapas atop slices of baguette.

Mahn also boasts a long-standing tradition of shoe-making, positioning itself as a significant player in the global shoe industry during the 20th century. High-end local brands such as Pons Quintana and Pretty Ballerinas, known for their stylish flats to elegant heels, remain favorites among celebrities like Kate Moss and Kate Middleton. While exploring the shops in Mahn, many visitors opt for the more affordable yet classic avarca sandalspeep-toed, flat slingbacks that are emblematic of the island. For innovative jewelry, Posidnia offers a beautiful collection of earrings, bracelets, and pendants inspired by Menorcas stunning landscapes.

The Old Town represents just a portion of what Mahn has to offer. From the main plazas, winding stairs lead down to the picturesque harbour where the Xoriguer distillery is located. This distillery claims to produce the oldest gin in the Mediterranean and welcomes visitors with free tastings and guided tours. Alternatively, an hour-long boat ride around the stunning coastline provides a unique vantage point of the city. Art enthusiasts may also want to visit the Hauser & Wirth gallery situated on Illa del Rei.

Just a short 10-minute drive from Mahns center lies the charming neighborhood of Es Castell, originally established as a British military base. The waterfront is adorned with a variety of fish restaurants and tapas bars, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely sunlit lunch. Whether you prefer upscale dining at Sa Punta or a casual feast of freshly-caught fish and seafood at Trbol, youre sure to enjoy the local culinary offerings.

No visit to a Balearic island would be complete without spending an afternoon at the beach. The unspoiled sandy shores of Es Grau, located only a 10-minute drive from Mahns city center, offer a tranquil escape nestled within the Parc Natural de sAlbufera des Grau, which spans over 19 square miles of wetlands and olive groves. To cap off your day, enjoy sunset drinks at Cafe Bar Es Moll, perfectly positioned right beside the water, allowing for stunning views as the sun sets on another beautiful day in Menorca.