Castillo de San Felipe, Mahon

Castle, Historic Site and Tunnel in Mahon

Castillo de San Felipe
Castillo de San Felipe
CC BY-SA 3.0 / SSANTY

Castillo de San Felipe sits on the south side of the entrance to Mahon's deep natural harbour, built to control one of the Mediterranean's most strategic ports. What looks modest from the outside quickly turns into a surprisingly immersive visit once you step into the fort's underground world of hand-dug galleries and military engineering.

Most visits happen as a guided tour, which is the best way to understand what you're seeing and to access the tunnel network safely. If you're exploring the harbour area on a walking tour, pair the castle with viewpoints around the mouth of the port for a fuller sense of why this location mattered so much.

History and Significance of the Castillo de San Felipe

Castillo de San Felipe was conceived in the mid-16th century as Menorca's coastal defenses were strengthened to protect Mahon's harbour from repeated threats in the western Mediterranean. Its position at the harbour entrance made it a key military asset: whoever held this point could help control naval movement in and out of the port.

Over the centuries, the fortification’s story became tightly linked to the island’s strategic tug-of-war between European powers, especially during periods of British influence in Menorca. The castle’s military logic is still readable today in its layered defenses, lines of sight, and the extensive subterranean spaces designed for protection and movement.

In modern times, the site has been partially recovered and opened to the public through guided visits, with a focus on interpreting the surviving structures and the underground galleries that give the castle its distinctive character.

Things to See and Do in the Castillo de San Felipe

The headline experience is the underground “city” of tunnels and chambers. Walking through the galleries gives you a visceral sense of how soldiers moved, sheltered, and operated under bombardment, and it’s the part of the visit that most surprises first-timers.

Above ground, look for remaining defensive lines and vantage points that frame the harbour entrance. Even where the original structures are incomplete, the scale of the fortification becomes clearer when you pause to imagine overlapping fields of fire and the way the site was designed to funnel movement.

If you enjoy context, treat the guided narration as part of the attraction. A good guide turns stone corridors into a living story of strategy, daily life, and the island’s shifting geopolitics.

How to Get to the Castillo de San Felipe

The nearest airport is Menorca Airport (MAH), a short drive from Mahon and the harbour area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Mahon on Booking.com.

Menorca does not have a mainland-style rail network, so there are no practical train routes into Mahon; visitors typically arrive by plane or ferry and then use buses, taxis, or a rental car to get around. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car, you can drive to the harbour-side area near Es Castell and follow local signs toward the castle meeting point for guided visits. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Castillo de San Felipe

  • Official website: https://www.consorciomilitarmenorca.com/es/que-hacer-en-menorca/visitar-castillo-san-felipe-menorca/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €8; Seniors: €5; Children (6–11): €0 in winter / €2 in summer.
  • Opening hours: (Winter) November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026; Guided visits only; advance reservation required. (Summer) May 1 – October 31; Guided visits only; advance online reservation required.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the shoulder seasons or on a weekday tour slot for cooler temperatures and a less rushed feel in the tunnels.
  • How long to spend: Plan around 2 hours for the guided visit, plus extra time before or after for harbour viewpoints and photos.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven surfaces, steps, and narrow sections in the underground areas; it may be challenging for limited mobility.
  • Facilities: Facilities are limited on-site; bring water and use restrooms beforehand in Mahon/Es Castell.

Where to Stay Close to the Castillo de San Felipe

Base yourself in central Mahon if you want the easiest mix of restaurants, harbour walks, and quick transport to tours around the port.

Catalonia Mirador des Port A reliable harbour-view option that keeps you close to the waterfront promenade and evening dining.

Hotel Can Roca A smaller, characterful stay that suits travelers who prefer a quieter, local-feeling base in town.

ARTIEM Capri A comfortable pick with a wellness-leaning vibe, good for unwinding after a day of walking and touring.

Sindic Hotel Boutique style in a central location, ideal if you want to be steps from cafés and easy taxi pickups.

Hotel Hevresac A design-forward option that feels special without being far from the historic core and harbour access.

Is the Castillo de San Felipe Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like places that feel different from the typical “walk the walls” castle visit. The guided format and the underground galleries deliver a memorable, story-driven experience that’s hard to replicate elsewhere on Menorca.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike confined spaces, struggle with uneven footing, or prefer fully restored monuments with lots of signage and open roaming, you may find the tour format and subterranean focus less enjoyable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (288)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with many visitors highlighting the guided tour as the standout element. Travelers frequently praise the guides’ passion and knowledge, the surprising scale of the underground tunnels, and how much historical context you get during the visit. The main complaint is logistical: occasional confusion about opening status, limited access without advance booking, and frustration when information online appears out of date.

Jan Sedlacek
a year ago
"The guided tour with Fernando is most definitely worth it, he's the one of the best and most passionate guides I've ever met."
Sam Klj
3 years ago
"Thie place is a must to visit in Menorca! From outside you think you won't see much but you will get a big surprise with underground city! Specialthanks to Franando that explains the story behind the castle and makes everything 💯 times more attractive!..."
Tony Dean
3 years ago
"Interesting place, you need to book a tour to visit. Guide is very nice and helpful, tour is interesting and the guide is very knowledgeable. Youexperience both above ground areas and the many kilometres of tu els below, all hand dug and despite the heavy bombing the underground is still largely intact. Not a lot left of the castle but enough to get an idea of its size and strength. 8 euros a head makes it pretty good value for the 2 hour tour...."

For Different Travelers

Castillo de San Felipe works best when you match the visit to your travel style: it's guided, time-specific, and more about atmosphere and storytelling than ticking off a long checklist of rooms.

Families with Kids

Kids who enjoy “secret tunnels” and adventure-like settings often love the underground sections, especially when the guide keeps the pace lively. It’s a great way to turn history into something tangible rather than abstract.

That said, very young children may tire during a full guided visit, and parents should be ready for darker, cooler passages and occasional bottlenecks. If your family prefers flexible wandering, confirm the tour structure before committing.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the castle is a fun contrast to beach time: it’s moody, atmospheric, and sparks conversation about the island’s past. Pair it with a harbour-side sunset walk afterward for an easy, memorable half-day.

If you’re planning a relaxed, slow itinerary, choose a tour time that doesn’t cut into your best dining hours. The experience is more “shared discovery” than romantic scenery, but it’s a strong addition to a Menorca trip.

Budget Travelers

The visit can be good value because the guided interpretation adds depth you don't have to pay extra for elsewhere. If you're traveling without a car, staying central in Mahon helps keep transport costs down.

Budget travelers should plan ahead for booking so you don't waste time (or money) showing up when tours aren't running. Combine it with free harbour viewpoints and a self-guided walk around Mahon to round out the day.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the site connects Menorca’s local story to bigger Mediterranean power politics. The defensive logic of the harbour entrance becomes clear once you see the setting in person.

To go deeper, treat the tour as a starting point and then explore other military heritage sites around the port area. Seeing multiple fortifications helps you understand the networked nature of the defenses.

FAQs for Visiting Castillo de San Felipe

Getting There

It’s at the entrance of Mahon’s harbour on the Es Castell side of the port area. Plan your transport around the tour meeting point rather than the city name.
Some travelers do, but it can be a long walk depending on your route and the heat. A taxi or bus is often more practical if you’re on a timed tour.
Parking is typically easier outside the densest parts of Mahon, but availability varies by season and time of day. Arrive early so you’re not rushing to the start time.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, visits are commonly organized as guided tours with limited capacity. Book ahead so you don’t miss out on your preferred day.
Sometimes there may be last-minute availability, but it’s not something to rely on. Treat advance booking as the default.
Discounts can apply depending on season and age group. Check the official booking page for the exact categories before you go.

Visiting Experience

It can feel enclosed in places, with darker corridors and narrow sections. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces, consider whether a tunnel-focused tour suits you.
Moderate effort is typical due to uneven ground and some steps. Wear stable shoes and be ready for cooler air underground.
Light rain usually isn’t a dealbreaker, and the underground sections are sheltered. In heavy weather, tours may change, so confirm before traveling out.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Expect roughly two hours for the standard visit. Build in buffer time for meeting, check-in, and getting back to Mahon.
Many tours accommodate multiple languages depending on the group. If you need a specific language, confirm during booking.
Yes, it pairs well with a harbour walk and other fortifications around the port. Keep your schedule flexible in case tour times are fixed.

Photography

Photography is usually possible, but low light makes it challenging. A phone with night mode helps, and be mindful not to slow the group.
Tripods can be impractical in narrow passages and may not be permitted on a moving tour. If you’re serious about photography, ask the operator in advance.
Harbour viewpoints near the entrance to the port give the best sense of the castle’s strategic position. Aim for late afternoon light for softer contrast.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility is limited due to steps, uneven surfaces, and tunnel sections. If you have mobility needs, contact the operator to discuss what’s feasible.
Facilities can be limited at the monument itself. Plan to use restrooms before you arrive.
Storage is not guaranteed on a guided visit. Travel light and bring only what you can comfortably carry.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Don’t count on on-site food options. Eat in Mahon or Es Castell before or after the tour.
Head back to the harbour for a relaxed meal and a stroll along the waterfront. It’s an easy way to decompress after the underground sections.
Bringing water is a good idea, especially in warmer months. Drink before the tour and carry a small bottle if allowed.

Safety & Timing

Arrive at least 10 minutes early so the group can start on time. Late arrivals may not be able to join once the tour begins.
The tunnels can be dim and uneven, which may be uncomfortable for some visitors. If you’re prone to dizziness, take it slow and tell the guide if needed.
Because visits can be tour-based and seasonal, always rely on your confirmed booking details. If in doubt, contact the operator before making a long trip.

Nearby Attractions to the Castillo de San Felipe

  • Fortaleza de Isabel II (La Mola): A vast 19th-century fortress with dramatic coastal views and a strong sense of scale.
  • Museo Militar de Menorca: A compact museum that adds context to the island’s defensive history.
  • Port of Mahon waterfront: A scenic harbour promenade for boat-watching, cafés, and sunset strolls.
  • Es Castell (Cales Fonts): A charming waterside area known for relaxed dining and an evening atmosphere.
  • Cala Sant Esteve: A small bay near the harbour mouth that’s great for a quick coastal walk and photos.

The Castillo de San Felipe appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Mahon!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Winter) November 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026; Guided visits only; advance reservation required.

(Summer) May 1 - October 31; Guided visits only; advance online reservation required.

Price:

Adults: €8; Seniors: €5; Children (6-11): €0 in winter / €2 in summer.

Address: 07720 Sant Felip, Balearic Islands, Spain
Mahon: 4 km
Telephone: +34 626 05 47 02
Official Website

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