Menorca/Minorca
If you are into ancient natural maritime harbours, this is one for you. Sailing into Mahon, you are sailing back in history. It’s magical! The entrance is protected by huge fortress, La Mola. It was built by the Spanish in 1850 but by the time it was completed it was outdated for the soldier lead attacks as artillery technology had advanced dramatically. That said, as a defensive deterrent it did is job. It was never attacked. It’s fascinating to explore, especially the underground galleries. The larger Vickers guns were added in 1930 just before the Spanish civil war.
If you want to visit the fort and are without transport. You can anchor your boat in the small bay close to the fort and take the dingy ashore.
The natural inlet, just 0.3 miles wide at its entrance, slices a channel into the island for 3 miles. The protection is superb. No wonder the British Navy loved it and in 1711 built a naval hospital on a small mid-stream island half way along the inlet. Today it has been restored by a group of dedicated volunteers who informed me it was the first of its kind. Something Wikipedia seems to have missed! It’s worth visiting on a Sunday morning when the volunteers are present and offer tours and some simple snacks.
The island is smaller and quieter than the more popular Majorca and is all the better for it. It felt unspoilt, even in the main town.
A Dragon's Tale 