A little bit of history of Port Mahon
The base
Considered to be the best harbour in the Mediterranean, the English Navy had its best naval base here in the 18th century. The Port of Mahon today invites us to relive the dormant emotions beneath its tranquil waters.
Lord Nelson
Let us not forget that, beyond the clamour of battle, even Lord Nelson needed a romantic respite. Could the Admiral have recited love poems to Lady Hamilton here?
La Mola
A history with more twists and turns than a tornado at sea. "La Mola", built fo defend the port of Mahón (Menorca), ended up being more famous as a political military prison that gave Mahon so much notoriety.
Sant Felip
Pirates were not the only headache for the English. Indeed, Admiral John Byng lost his head after the siege of Sant Felip castle by the French navy.
Lazareto-Island
Fortunately we are in the 21st century and there are no epidemics on board. In 1900, we would have been detained on the "Isla del Lazareto", where more than 13.000 ships were placed under quarantine.
Georgetown
Georgetown, the home of the English troops, is today called Es Castell. The first glimpse of sunrise in Spain appears in its fishing harbour (Cales Fons). Here, the well-informed visitor can taste our best fresh fish.
Illa del Rei
Prick up your ears!. From the "Illa del Rei" (King's Island), also known as "Bloody Island", the echoes of laments from the hospital reach us. English soldiers of the 18th century canvalesced here.
Collingwood House
Another famous British person who spent time in the harbour of Mahon (Menorca) was Admiral Collingwood. In his residence, a red mansion built in the English style, the soul of this commander of the English fleet still survives. Today it is a charming hotel with its own resident ghost.
Cruise-Ships
Today, many ships continue to sail into the Port of Mahon (Menorca). Relax, they are not pirate ships but elegant cruise-ships, more than 100 visit us every season.
Xoriguer: Crew... to the Cellars!!!
Without the need for rowing, we tell you another of the best well kept sercrets of Minorca. Don't weigh anchor without discovering the genuine English GIN in the Xoriguer distillery.