The Talayotic culture, which developed in Menorca from the end of the Bronze Age, left hundreds of sites all over the island; since 2023, «Talayotic Menorca» has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The must-sees are the Naveta des Tudons, Torre d’en Galmés, Talatí de Dalt and the Cales Coves necropolis, and the best introduction is the Museu de Menorca.
What the Talayotic culture is
It is Menorca’s prehistoric culture, known for its talayots (stone towers), its taula enclosures and its burial navetas, found only on this island. The Naveta des Tudons was used roughly between 1200 and 750 BC.
Its villages were lived in for centuries: Torre d’en Galmés from the end of the Bronze Age to Roman times. To make sense of it all before you go, visit the Museu de Menorca.
The Naveta des Tudons
A two-storey communal tomb shaped like an upturned boat, 5 km from Ciutadella, where the remains of more than a hundred people were found. From May to October entry costs €2 (free on Mondays).
You park by the road and walk 500 metres. More on the Naveta des Tudons.
Recommended itinerary
1 day
History and culture
Ciutadella in a day
The naveta, the marès quarries, the old capital, an unspoilt cove and sunset at Punta Nati.
Torre d’en Galmés
One of the largest Talayotic villages in the Balearics, 5 km from Alaior: three talayots, a taula enclosure, houses and a water-collection system. It has a visitor centre; allow an hour.
In summer it opens 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, and from November to Easter access is free. There is little shade: go early. More on Torre d’en Galmés.
Recommended itinerary
4 days
History and culture
Menorca history route
Four days of talayots, British fortresses, museums and the old capital, from east to west.
Talatí de Dalt
4 km from Maó, among wild olive trees, a small but very complete village with an unusual taula: a column has been leaning against it, in balance, for centuries. 45 minutes is enough.
From April to October, €4 entry; the rest of the year, free access. More on Talatí de Dalt.
Cales Coves
Menorca’s largest prehistoric necropolis: about 90 burial caves carved into the cliffs of two coves, 15 minutes’ walk from the car park. You can’t go inside the caves.
Wear closed shoes and bring water: there are no facilities. More on Cales Coves.
How to plan your visits
Over two days: the east (Talatí de Dalt and the Museu de Menorca) and the south and west (Torre d’en Galmés, Cales Coves and the Naveta des Tudons). In summer, go early; in winter, almost all are free.
Prices and seasons for each site, in Menorca prices.
Recommended itinerary
4 days
History and culture
Menorca history route
Four days of talayots, British fortresses, museums and the old capital, from east to west.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
4 days
History and culture
Menorca history route
Four days of talayots, British fortresses, museums and the old capital, from east to west.
2 days
Charming places
Menorca in winter: a weekend
Saturday in the west and centre, Sunday in Maó and Favàritx: what’s open from November to March.
