Michael’s foot was 100% better, so it was an early start for both Sula Mac and Nimue as we both set sail for Menorca.  Although, the closest point from Majorca to Menorca is approximately 20 miles, we wanted to spend some time in Mahon (the capital) on the East coast, which was some 60 miles away. 

 Apart from a 3 hour sail, we motor sailed for a further 7, arriving early evening into a lovely anchorage just inside the entrance of Puerto de Mahon (Mao) harbour, called Cala Taulera.  Our anchorage in Cala Taulera was perfect, being very well protected and surrounded by the fort of Isabel 11 at La Mola  – more about that later....

  Leaving Porto Pollensa

Evening sunset in Cala Taulera (Mahon, Menorca)                   Nimue at anchor in Cala Taulera

Menorca – in brief!

Menorca is only 26 miles long and 11 miles wide and is the oldest of the Balearic islands.  It lies in the path of the NW tramontana/mistral gales and is sometimes known as the ‘Windy Isle’.  When the wind is blowing the North coast is dangerous and sailors should give it a wide berth.  Menorca has noticeably fewer tourist developments than the other Balearic islands and where such facilities exist they generally cater more for the ‘quality’ rather than the ‘quantity’ market.  Viewed from offshore, many parts of Menorca appear barren, due to the rocky cliffs.  However these cliffs are broken by innumerable calas, which offer many attractive anchorages.

Mahon is steeped in history, some of it from the British occupation.  Menorca boasts the largest natural harbour (5.5km long, 1.2km wide and 20m deep) and due to this and it’s position in the centre of the Meditteranean, Mahon has been a prize that many nations have coveted and traces of the long British occupation during the 18^th century are unmistakable.  Many of the older streets and houses have sash windows and have a very English appearance.  During the last period of British occupation Lord Nelson, who was in temporary command of the Mediterranean Fleet, spent a few days on Golden Farm on the North side of the harbour (see picture below).  Local tradition declares that Lady Hamilton was a guest in the house at the same time!

In order to learn more about the history of Mahon, we spent a well worth hour on a Glass Bottom Boat tour of Mahon harbour, which also happen to pass through our anchorage in Cala Taulera.

The only downside to the anchorage, was that it was nearly a 2 mile dinghy ride into Mahon itself.  This presented no real problems, as the sea was always fairly calm, although we would not have attempted it in a blow!

Once ashore we had a good look round the city and also enquired to the cost of a ‘stern to’ berth alongside the harbour wall, but it was now July and costs have more than doubled.  We were quoted €120 + electricity + water for 1 night – forget it!!   

View of Mahon Harbour                                                              Typical Mahon street

Naval Base founded in the 18th century by the British             Mahon harbour moorings

The following set of pictures were taken from the Glass Bottom Boat

Bathing house used by ladies in the 19th Century                                       Golden Farm the best example of 18th century British colonial style 

Little Venice a very special house "Sir Richard Branson"                               Isla Plana first American base in the Med. from 1820-1845

has stayed here.

Canal Sant Jordi built by the Spanish Army in the 19th Century en route into Cala Taulera. The same cala looking toward the canal entrance.

La Mola seen in the distance. A gigantic defence fortress built by the Spanish during the same period & also used as a prison.