A little history of the Port of Mahon (Minorca)

A history with more twists and turns than a tornado at sea. “La Mola”, built to defend the port, ended up being more famous as a political military prison that gave Mahon so much notoriety.

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.

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 13.857 boats were placed under quarantine.

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.

Prick up your ears! From the “Illa del Rei”, also known as “Bloody Island”, the echoes of lament from the hospital reach us. English soldiers of the 18th century convalesced here.

Another famous British person who slept in the harbour of Mahon was Admiral Collingwood. In his residence, a red mansion built in the English style, the soul of the commander of the English fleet still survives. Today it is a charming hotel with its own resident ghost.

Today, many ships continue to sail into the Port of Mahon. Relax, they are not pirate ships but elegant cruise-ships. More than 100 visit us every season.

Without the need for rowing, we find another of the best kept secrets of Minorca. Don’t weigh anchor without discovering the genuine English GIN in the Xoriguer distillery.