The famous harbour of Mahon is one of the largest in the world! Therefore of valuable strategic importance and guarded by forts and shielded by hills. So not surprising it caught the eye of the British Navy in the 18th century. Most of the highlights are also to be found harbourside with lively streets and busy shops. The British occupation is left it's mark by introducing Gin and the dairy industry to the island.
The streets of the old city are narrow so best to explore on foot. The bus dropped us off at the 'square' not particularly remarkable. Except maybe for an Obelisk marking those who fell in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Another imposing building is the Town Hall pictured above.Built on the site of a medieval fortress and was donated by the first British Governor.
There seemed to be a 'train' although not a real one to transport those who needed it down to the harbour , although it seemed to spend mosyt of the time stuck in traffic. The best way to see the harbour was by boat , in our case a glass bottomed one'. It took about an hour and was a bit disapointing as it clouded over and most of the glass bottom wasn't glass. I saw many more fish when snorkelling around the beaches of our hotel. Nevertheless it did give good views of the buildings in the harbour and a sense of history.
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