Menorca is a fantastic holiday destination. With a variety of cities, small towns, beautiful beaches and stunning natural reserves, the island has so much to offer. Maó is one of the eastern regions of the island that is home to the island’s capital city and largest nature reserve.
Where Is It?
Situated in the east, Maó is a large region of the island, extending from the tip of the S’Albufera Es Grau Natural Park to the almost forgotten picturesque fishing villages in Es Canutells.
City Life: Maó-Mahón
The Maó district is home to Menorca’s capital city, Maó-Mahón (Maó in Catalan, Mahón in Spanish). This island is a lively area with bustling ports full of fishermen and waterfront restaurants and shops. Its narrow streets are lined with colourful buildings that lead down to the clear waters of one of the world’s largest natural harbours.
The best way to explore the city is by foot. You will be able to soak in the local atmosphere while admiring the idiosyncratic mix of architectural styles. If you are interested in local history and culture, there is a wealth of museums well worth a visit. You may also want to stop off at the Sa Placa, a lively indoor food market held in the lofty environs of a stone cloister. With hundreds of stalls to browse through, you can try the local delicacies, including fresh locally-sourced fish, meats, and the famous Mahón cheese.
Wildlife: Es Grau
Maó offers both a vibrant urban feel with its bustling capital and a relaxing escape from the city life with its extraordinary natural reserve. The region is home to one of the most tranquil and unspoiled natural areas of the island. The S’Albufera Es Grau Natural Park is one of the main reasons why the island was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Covering over 5000 hectares, this wetland sprawls across a large area of the island and includes five other small island just off the north-eastern coast. From our villa in Es Grau you can take a leisurely stroll through its leafy trails and explore this island’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. With a variety of wildlife and bird species, it is a birdwatchers’ paradise.
The Quiet Life: Es Canutells
The resort of Es Canutells is on the south-east coast of the island. Even by Menorcan standards, it is a world away from the bustle of the city’s markets and salsa clubs. The area constitutes of a string of quaint former fishing villages set into the side of a natural gorge. It is still largely residential today, and when visiting the area, you can relax your mind, let your body recuperate and generally recharge your batteries in this idyllic location.
Our villa in Es Grau is the perfect base for exploring the Maó region. Please get in touch with our friendly sales team if you would like to book your Balearic holiday.
Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine – no secret of the island remains hidden to her. Personally selecting the finest properties for her clients, Brenda is the go-to person for anyone looking for a villa in Es Grau or any other area of the island. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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