Visit megalithic structures and collective tombs dotted around the island’s landscape, an ancient testimony to a unique culture stretching far beyond the beautiful beaches.
There’s more to Menorca than its beaches of fine sand and turquoise waters; its 216 kilometres of coastline switch between sheer cliffs and golden coves, with activities that appeal to every kind of visitor. Declared a Biosphere Reserve on 8 October 1993, the island combines sustainable development with the conservation of a rich natural and cultural heritage. Aside from the summer, Menorca is a year-round destination: walks along the historic Camí de Cavalls, cycling routes, and a 0 km cuisine, with the lobster stew and Maó cheese being the stars of the show. One of the most amazing things about this wonderful island is its 1,600+ prehistoric monuments dotted all over the landscape, forming Talayotic Menorca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023 for its outstanding universal value.
Talayots: the cyclopean towers
Talayots are circular or square megalithic tower-like structures, built without mortar from large blocks of limestone, up to five metres high and 25-30m in diameter. Erected between the 9th and 5th centuries BC, they were used as observation points, community centres and possibly ceremonial sites.
The main talayots and settlements
- The Talayotic settlement of Trepucó (Mahón): covering an area of around 49,240m², this is one of the largest on Menorca. Only two talayots still stand today (1000-700 BC), along with the remains of the outer wall with two square towers, the taula enclosure (a religious structure featuring a T-shaped construction) and the remains of dwellings from the post-Talayotic period (650-123 BC). Its imposing taula, excavated in 1930 by the archaeologist Margaret Murray and subsequently restored with reinforcements (which are being questioned today), maintains its horseshoe shape and the large blocks of stone that make it one of the island’s most remarkable monumental sites. Recent excavations in the west part have brought to light polylobed houses with a central courtyard and peripheral rooms, whose sudden abandonment preserved various domestic utensils intact, and these are now on display in the Museum of Menorca. The largest talayot and the taula are also framed within a star-shaped dry-stone fortification, built in the 18th century during the siege of St Philip’s Castle.
- Torre d’en Galmés (Alaior): the largest Talayotic settlement in the Mediterranean, with three talayots, a hypostyle room (room of columns), a rainwater collection system and a visitor centre. The settlement was inhabited from the Naviform period (1700-1400 BC) until Late Antiquity and also includes Islamic remains from the 12th century AD.
- Torralba d’en Salort (Alaior): renowned for its 4.3m-high taula, two talayots and underground silos, inhabited from the Bronze Age until Roman times.
- Talatí de Dalt (Mahón): 4km from the centre, inner columns and burial caves can still be seen.
- Settlement of Son Fornés (Es Mercadal): includes a talayot, necropolis and ceramic workshops, evidence of Talayotic everyday life.
Useful info
- Access: all these settlements lie alongside the Me-1 road or local roads, with signposts and parking.
- Visiting: most exteriors are free to access; Torre d’en Galmés and Trepucó charge an entry fee of between €3 and €6 with an optional audio guide.
- Some tips: wear comfortable shoes, take water and suncream; the megalithic silhouettes are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Navetas: boat-shaped tombs
Only in Menorca will you find navetas, collective tombs shaped like inverted ships. Built between 1050 and 850 BC, and so called as the word means ‘little ship’ in Catalan, they each have a small front entrance leading into a burial chamber.
Many navetas are in the open air, signposted and free to access, although the Naveta des Tudons has an entry free (€2) and set visiting hours. Plundering and early excavations reduced the information available, and current research is therefore focused on contextual studies and non-invasive exploration.
Must-sees
- Naveta des Tudons (Ciutadella): the oldest fully preserved prehistoric monument in Europe, where bone remains and grave goods were discovered; entry costs €2, hours: 10:00–18:00.
- Navetas of Rafal Rubí (between Mahón and Alaior): two navetas, easily accessible, alongside the Me-1, free to visit.
- Son Mercer de Baix (Ferreries): Son Mercer de Baix is the most iconic Naviform site on Menorca. Occupied from the Early Bronze Age (around 1400 BC) until the Talayotic culture (approx. 1000 BC), it consists of several boat-shaped dwellings. It rises above the Son Fideu ravine, in Ferreries, an enclave of outstanding natural beauty.
- Biniparratxet Petit (gardens of Mahón Airport): the first stop on the megalithic tour for visitors flying to Menorca, with a hypostyle room and a central courtyard.
More megalithic highlights
Before the talayots came the dolmenic period (2100-1600 BC), with a passageway of dolmens such as Ses Roques Llises. Subsequently, taulas (600-300 BC), T-shaped megalithic structures, appeared in ritual enclosures: those at Trepucó, Torralba and Torretrencada are the best preserved. Lastly, the hypogea and burial caves (500-123 BC) at Cala Morell and Calescoves complete an outstanding burial landscape.
Archaeological tour from east to west
- Biniai Nou (neolithic tomb, 5km from Mahón)
- Talayot de Trepucó and taula of the same name (Mahón)
- Torre d’en Galmés (Alaior)
- Naveta des Tudons (Ciutadella)
- Torralba d’en Salort (Alaior)
- Calescoves and Cala Morell (coastal necropolis)
- Torretrencada (Ciutadella)
Spread this circuit out over 2 to 3 days to enjoy a few stops at unspoiled coves and local museums.
Museums and living experiences
The Museums of Menorca (Mahón and Ciutadella) house Talayotic ceramics, bronze jewellery and household utensils to complement the outdoor sites. Experimental archaeology workshops also enable you to carve stone or reproduce ancient ceremonies, an ideal activity for families and groups.
Menorca is the gateway to an open-air museum, the only one of its kind in the Mediterranean. Book your flights and see the prehistoric age come alive on the island: behind every talayot and naveta you’ll discover the ingenuity and spirituality of the communities that shaped this landscape over 3,000 years ago. Your Talayotic adventure awaits!
