Tuesday 18 June 2019

We were up and out early to go to Mahon, by bus, which takes 45 mins inward and 15 mins back to Addaia, because of the pickup and drop off points.

Mahon is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe, being six kilometres long. This with its position in the Med made it of strategic importance and hence fought over by several nations, during the 18th century. Each left it’s mark on the architecture and fortifications in the port. It is said that the British left the legacy of Menorca’s most popular drink: gin. The Golden Farm on the north shore of the port is thought to have been where Lord Nelson spent time with Lady Hamilton.

There is a lot of marina capacity, but next weekend, when we would want to go in with Equinox, there is regatta, so berths are at an expensive premium. We decided we can do our larder restocking on two bus trips in. We will then only need to go in on passing, to get fuel, next week.

The organ at Iglesia de Santa Maria

Typical narrow streets leading down towards the water

The highlights for us were the walk along the waterfront promenade and a visit to the two municipal markets, one of which is in the former crypt of the church in the centre of the old town. There, lots of locally made goodies could be had. It doesn’t quite match the charm of Ciutadella, but has its own personality.

We came to the conclusion that the bus timetables must have been published with guesswork about the times. Our return bus departure turned out to be at a different time to two other times we had been given, fortunately later, so we didn’t miss the bus, but had to wait a while. As there are only three buses a day, we were happier with this outcome.

Addaia is a very quiet place, and very English. Apparently there are lots of Brits living here, or have holiday homes. It is rather upmarket. Down the road 2 kilometres away is a holiday complex, with large hotels, water parks etc. It was folk from the latter, who mainly filled the bus.

Back to the boat, we returned to the peace and tranquillity of this delightful little harbour.

Distance covered today	0	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	885	nautical miles
Distance covered 2019	885	nautical miles
Tricia (and Steve)