Touchdown in Mahón

The island of Menorca is Mallorca's smaller, more reserved sister island. What initially drew me to the island is how small and easy it appeared to be to get around. What I discovered, was so much more. The airport is about a 30 minute bus ride to the town center of Mahón. Mahón, or Maó, is the capital of the island, and it’s known for its British-style Georgian houses and sheltered harbour.

I stayed at a small boutique hotel, Casa Ladico. Daniel, the owner, checked me in and gave me some great recommendations of what to do, see and eat on the island.

Walking around this town can be easily done on foot. With many hills and winding roads, there is also steps that take you down to the waterfront. Mercado de Pescado is the historic fish market now including vendors serving traditional "pintxos" tapas, sandwiches and wine. Open all day, this is the perfect spot of a snack.

The town of Mahón has a really relaxed atmosphere. The streets are calm, quaint and clean. There are many steps taking you through town from different viewpoints. There are many boutiques for fashion and home goods including Tembo, a women's clothing boutique in the center of town.

The waterfront is lined with several boutiques where you can buy beautiful Spanish cotton, handmade leather shoes, and authentic Panama hats. Check out Zena for some fun local designs, or Mangalam for dresses made of 100% Indian cotton.

For my first night, I had dinner at Mestre D'Aixa, a small waterfront wine bar serving Spanish tapas. I tried several small dishes and each one was just as delicious as the last. I would eat here every night if I could! What a great end to my first day.

Mahón is a hillside town, so the views are quite exquisite, especially during sunset.

Menorca is a small island with plenty to explore, including the beautiful beaches. From the bust station in Mahón you can get to almost anywhere on the island. For my first full day, I went to the town of Sant Lluís. There is a bus that takes you straight from Mahon station to Sant Lluís station.

Binebeca Nou beach is just a short walk away from the town. This beach stayed relatively empty throughout the day, so it was the perfect play to relax with a good book. Tip: Like most of the beaches on this island, there is little when it commes to facilities, so bring a towel and everything you'll need for the day.

After a morning at this secluded beach, I started to walk along the coastline until I reached a small beachside restaurant, Nàutico Binisafua. I ordered razor clams and Padró peppers. If I was with more people I would definitely try the other dishes on the menu, including freshly caught fish and calamari.

After lunch, I kept walking along the coast until I reached Cala Binisafúller.

To reach this sandy enclave, you have to walk along rocky coastal terrain.

Passing through a small intersection of beautiful homes with bougainvaillea, you'll come to this small sandy beach.

Continue along the coastal path until you reach Es Caló Blanc. This tiny beach looks like a bite has been taken of of the coastline to form a small beachfront. It seems relatively unknown given only few locals were there. The water was crystal clear.

After a full day of beach hopping, I walked to the village of Binebeca. The village is called “Poblat de Pescadors”, as it is a residential complex built in 1964. It is made up of tiny homes, fitted one on top of the other as if by magic.

This little town has many small shops, including Local 23, for bohemian design, such as handmade straw bags and hats. I took the bus from the Poblat de Pescadors station in Binibeca back to Mahon.

When I arrived back in Mahon, I stopped at Horno Bencuit, a small bakery specializing in wood fired baked goods.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of luxury, Es More is a local women's fashion boutique in Mahon, with a selection of luxury brands. There's plenty of shopping on the island, including this specialty shop, where you can bring back Menorcan chamomile tea.

I got back to Casa Ladico to enjoy the rest of the day and relax a little before heading back out for an apéritivo in the the town square. Order la pomada, a quintessential Menorcan cocktail that highlights the island’s rich gin-making tradition. This simple drink is made with only two ingredients: gin and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Other spots in Mahon:

Restaurants

• Pigalle Panaderia

• Essencia Biomarket

• Sa Taverna D'Es Port

• Can Vermut

• S'Amarador

Hauser & Wirth Menorca

Since I visited before the season started, the museum was not open yet. This museum is on my list for next time, and I've heard Hauser & Wirth Menorca is no regular museum, but an all-day affair. Located on its own small island in the harbor of the capital city of Mahon, it’s accessible by a 15-minute ferry ride