Mahón harbour, a pearl in the South of Menorca
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The largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean is also a real treasure in the island's history.
Five kilometres in length shape this port, which has witnessed the civilizations and people that placed their focus on Menorca. Romans, Byzantines, Vandals, Muslims and Britons who - in their passage through the port - left something of their imprint in the streets of Mahón.
Tranquillity and a slight sea breeze constitute the flagship of the Port of Mahón, the largest natural port in the Mediterranean and the second largest in Europe. Given its unique characteristics in the world, visiting this harbour in Menorca is almost like walking through the purest history of Menorca ... That which began to come into being with the Carthaginians of the mythical Hannibal and was the object of desire of the British troops that occupied the island centuries later.
With a draft that can host the world's largest transatlantic ships and with a thoroughly seafaring panorama, this port - closely watched by the Castle of San Felipe and the islets of the King and Lazareto - is also the place where the best things of Mahón come together: a unique gastronomy and authentic craftsmanship.
Beyond its physiognomy and that fact that it is one of the most relevant ports in the whole Mediterranean map, Mahón is a port of great interest in which you can see the most ingrained customs of the second largest island in the Balearic archipelago.
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An walk through the idyllic port of Fornells
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Regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Menorca, the idyllic port of Fornells is a haven of peace in the north of this Balearic island.
Although the traditional "rackets and muddles" fill its streets with music and joy every end of July, the pretty village of Fornells is a place that exudes tranquillity. A tranquillity born in its small fishing port and which can be felt in every sea breeze and the swaying of its palm trees.
The port of Fornells, one of the most authentic in Menorca and the favourite for all those who flee from the hustle and bustle of the big urban centres, is located in a beautiful Mediterranean bay, full of white houses. A place where you can enjoy earthly sounds such as the light beat of the waves, the rushing of the wind and the squawking of the gulls.
Small in size but immense in beauty, Fornells is a seafaring port that shelters the small fishing boats that fish in the waters of the north of Menorca and that bring to land the star ingredient of the most exquisite dish of the place: the popular caldereta lobster.
Beyond the enjoyment of its innate calm and contrasts of texture and colour, the port of Fornells is the anteroom to an idyllic setting where streets of great beauty are filled with local handicrafts (with the most colourful abarcas sandals as their flagship) and remains of the British past, like the Tower of Fornells, the lord of the most beautiful panoramas of the island.
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The port of Ciutadella, magic in its purest state
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Of the many panoramic views that the island of Menorca offers, the port of Ciutadella is one of the most impressive.
With its characteristic narrowness and its Mediterranean scent, Ciutadella is an elegant, colourful and vibrant port in which every walk becomes an experience. The perfect itinerary starts from the Plaza de Ses Voltes Square and finishes on the terraces at the seafront that characterize this port of Menorca.
Wrapped in a special magic and alien to the coming and going of the many passers-by who walk its streets in the warmer months of the year, the port of Ciutadella is the most valued treasure of Western Menorca. A port whose history began to be vibrant as early as in the low Middle Ages and that nowadays keeps that mixture of tradition and seafaring flavour intact.
Enjoying the benefits of the port of Ciutadella from north to south means visiting the most authentic areas of the city with special attention being paid to the Plaça de Ses Voltes square, the cathedral and the Plaça del Ajuntament square; a recommended point of interest from which to enjoy a really beautiful view of the port and its many terraces, where one can enjoy the best local gastronomy.
With its dozens of markets giving colour to the scene, the main stairway to the port of Ciutadella is another corner for savouring the philosophy of the place, its life rhythm and its traditions.
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Discovering the past of the Port of Sanitja
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When the strength of the Tramuntana winds is noticed, the Roman port of Sanitja becomes the refuge of ships and sailors.
Halfway between Es Mercadal and the popular Far de Cavalleria lighthouse lies one of the most authentic ports in Menorca: the port of Sanitja, a Roman port that retains its original shape and offers some noteworthy sunsets.
Cape Cavalleria, located in the northernmost point of Menorca, offers shelter to what was the first port of the island: the port of Sanitja. A Roman port that guarded the boats of all those who came to the city of Sanissera - the first village of Menorca - which belongs, intact and indifferent, to the passing centuries.
Although it is an unknown port, usually happened into by chance by those who seek to enjoy the stunning sunsets guarded by the Far de Cavalleria lighthouse, the port of Sanitja is a charming place, composed of a small wooden pier and little more than a dozen ships.
A port in perfect harmony with the most authentic nature of Menorca in which you can discover the island´s purest side. Described by many as a seemingly fragile port, the port of Sanitja is a giant capable of facing the stronger Tramuntana winds as well as the more intense currents.
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