Illa del Rei Hospital | Maó, Spain

Fundació Hospital Illa del Rei

Isla del Rey, also known as Illa del Rei or "King’s Island," is a small islet located in the middle of Mahón harbor, on the northeastern coast of Menorca, Spain. The island holds great historical value, particularly for its 18th-century military hospital and the ruins of a 6th-century early Christian basilica. In 1711, during the British occupation of Menorca, Admiral John Jennings commissioned the construction of a military hospital on the island. Its location was chosen for strategic and health reasons—offering both protection and isolation to prevent the spread of disease. Over the years, the hospital served various military powers, including British, Spanish, French, and American forces. It remained active until 1964, when a new hospital facility was built in Mahón. Next to the hospital, a medicinal garden was used to grow herbs and plants essential for treating patients. Although it fell into disuse after the hospital’s closure, recent volunteer-led restoration efforts have brought the garden back to life, reviving traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and their historical uses. Today, Isla del Rey is a site of cultural and ecological importance, attracting visitors from around the world. It is accessible by boat from Mahón and offers guided tours that explore its historic buildings, archaeological remains, and ongoing restoration projects. A visit to the island is a journey into Menorca’s past, where nature, medicine, and history come together in a truly memorable setting.