Menorca Day Trip – visit Mahon Harbour
Back in the days of Hannibal, the Carthaginian general Mago first founded his naval base here, then the Romans then pretty much every other major European naval fleet after that has tried to get their paws on it.
Menorca was under British rule for 200 years and this meant that the might of the British navy were stationed here throughout the years – the eighteenth century saw an incredibly eventful set of events. Notably the epic siege of 1756 where the fort in Mahon was being defended by William, Baron Blakeney, lieutenant-governor of Minorca, with a force of about 5,000 soldiers and workmen, against a force of about 15,000 French troops. The defenders fought valiantly, however a mix up in communication was to blame for the surrender of the garrison – ultimately leading to Blakeney becoming a national hero and Vice Admiral John Byng (who fought an indecisive naval battle with the French) was executed by firing-squad for his failure.
Today, the harbour is often bustling with local fishing boats and million pound yachts – it’s historic and sophisticated and is a fantastic way to spend a lazy day.
There are lots of things to keep you occupied in the town centre of Mahon too, plenty of shops, museums, a local market and a fantastic church – the Santa Maria church where between June to October you can hear the organ recital every morning.
If you are lucky enough to be in Menorca over the on 7th to 8th September then you must try to make it to the ‘Our Lady of Grace festivities’ – expect processions, horse racing and a very lively atmosphere…you’ll not be disappointed.