Port de Mao (Mao Harbour)

When the European powers fought over Menorca in the 18th century, the greatest prize was the harbor at Mao. The world's second largest natural harbor, 5km long and up to 900m wide, was wrongly believed to provide an impregnable Mediterranean base. The best way to see the harbor is on one of the one hour boat tours that leave from the foot of the harbor steps in summer. The water is deep but it remains incredibly clear and from a glass bottomed boat you can see the sea bed.

From the water you get the best views of the 18th century houses lining either side. High on a cliff between Mao and Es Castell is the Hotel del Almirante, a plumed Georgian villa that was the home of the British Admiral Collingwood. Facing it on the north shore is Sant Antoni, where Nelson is said to have stayed in 1799.

Between Mao and the harbor entrance are three islands. The first. Ilia del Rei (King's Island). was the first place to be 'liberated' by Alfonso III; when the British built a hospital here, it was known as 'Bloody Island'. Next comes Ilia Plana (Flat Island). a former quarantine island; this function was taken over in 1900 by the largest island, Lazareto, whose high walls were designed to prevent infections from reaching Mao. South of Lazareto, at the entrance to the harbour, are the ruins of Fort Sant Felip.