Maó - The menorcan capital
Santa Maria de Maó
We have been enjoying our time anchored here in Fornells on the north coast of Menorca. The area is well-protected from all wind and wave directions, and the seabed provides a solid hold for the anchor. It's been great to call Fornells our base for a while.
We've felt safe leaving the boat while exploring the town, going on hikes, diving trips, or simply enjoying the company of others who have also chosen Fornells as their temporary base.
Exploring Maó’s Thousand-Year-Old History
We've always wanted to explore Menorca, especially the towns of Maó and Ciutadella. However, the weather doesn't always allow us to sail directly to the towns and anchor there. And especially during the peak summer season, finding a spot in the harbor can be challenging.
So, we took the bus from Fornells to Maó at 9 AM, and about an hour later, we set foot on the historic streets of Maó.
Maó, known as Mahón in Catalan, is believed to date back to the 3rd century BC, with its first stones laid by the Carthaginian general Mago Barca. The town has since been influenced by various rulers, including the Roman Empire, Byzantine rule, North African (Moorish) rulers, Spanish rule, English rule, a brief French takeover, until finally, in 1763, the Spanish flag was raised permanently.
Many other events have shaped the town’s development, not least the Spanish Civil War, and today it proudly flies the Spanish flag.
Arriving in the Heart of the City
The bus from Fornells stops in central Maó, giving us a perfect starting point for our tour of the city. With temperatures nearing 35-40°C, we didn't cover much ground but managed to visit small bakeries, ice cream shops, and the city's fish market.
The fish market is divided into two sections: one for selling fish and the other set up as a food market where you can buy tapas, wine, beer, and other delicacies. The few but delicious food stalls made it almost impossible not to sit down and sample what they had to offer. Like true tourists, we couldn't resist and had our lunch there. It was a great place to eat, but objectively, we could have found something more authentic and peaceful.
Unbearable Heat
As we moved through the city, the temperature kept rising, and each time we passed a "Farmacia," we could see the temperature climbing higher and higher. 35, 36, 37, 38°C, and when it hit 40°C, we knew it was time to head back to Fornells. We found a little ice cream shop in the winding old streets before we gratefully boarded the bus back to Fornells.
Maó is a town that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking to relax in a picturesque setting, Maó is a place that leaves a lasting impression. By the time we caught the bus back to Fornells, we knew we’d only scratched the surface of what this charming town has to offer.
