Maó is the capital of Minorca and, in the past, a strategic port in the Balearic Islands. Its areas have been inhabited since prehistoric times. The city boasts many monuments, including a 19th-century fortress and numerous churches, and in its vicinity there is a nature park where you can observe wild birds.
According to legend, the city was to be founded by the brother of Hannibal, the Carthaginian chief, Mago Barca and take its name from him. Although this information is not fully confirmed, Maó's origins are associated with the wars between Rome and Carthage. The local port, located in a deep bay, was already of strategic importance then. Nevertheless, the area around the present-day capital of Minorca was already inhabited in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the archaeological site of Talaiot and Taula de Trepucó.
Throughout its history, Maó has been associated with the sea and sea trade. The maritime powers of the then world competed for access to the local port. Today, Maó is a city with many preserved monuments, which has kept the atmosphere of a historic port city.
The centerpiece of Maó is the Plaça de Esplanada, surrounded by historic tenement houses and the building of the former British barracks. The Baroque Carmelite Church and the Church of St. Maria.
In the past, the entrances to the port of Maó were defended by numerous fortifications. The remains of Fort Sant Felip now house a military museum, while one of Mao's greatest attractions is the 19th-century La Mola Fortress. There is also the Minorca Museum in the city with a huge collection of relics that tell the history of the island from prehistoric times to the present day.
North of Maó lies the natural park of s'Albufera des Grau. These include dunes, coastal backwaters and coastal islets that are a haven for waterfowl. For tourists, there are hiking trails from which you can observe nature.
