Menorca has had a long and tumultuous history.
In this article, I’ve selected the most remarkable archaeological and historical sites to explore in order to better understand this unspoilt gem of the Balearics :
- best talayots
- Roman ruins
- Arab ruins
- defensive towers
- and much more…
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Menorca:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Menorca: DiscoverCars
My favourite sea activity: transparent kayak
My favourite excursion in Menorca: a half-day catamaran trip
My favorite places to stay:
- Cala’n Porter, close to the village of Alaior – my favourite hotel: Osprey Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
- Port Mahon, the most convenient for exploring – my favourite hotel: Catalonia Mirador or view top rated hotels
- Cala Galdana, the liveliest – my favourite hotel: Ilunion Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
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3 best talayots in Menorca
Let’s start with the Talayots (also spelled talaiots), Menorca’s most famous archaeological sites.
These are Bronze Age megaliths specific to the islands of Mallorca and Menorca.
At the end of the second millennium and the beginning of the first millennium BC, the Talayolitic culture was in full swing. These were circular or square constructions. Archaeologists estimate that there are at least 274 of them.
Following is my selection of the 3 best sites to consider for your Menorca itinerary.
- About
Did you know that the Naveta d’Es Tudons is the oldest prehistoric monument in Europe?
This is also what makes it a famous site in Menorca and more generally in the Balearic Islands.
Built in the Bronze Age, this ancient collective burial tomb is almost 14m long and is still perfectly preserved. Its discovery is more or less recent, dating only from the middle of the 20th century.
If you love ruins and archaeology, this is an emblematic site not to be missed in western Menorca, part of the island’s Talayotic heritage. You’ll notice that its shape is reminiscent of an upturned boat, hence the name ” naveta ” in Catalan, meaning boat. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Naveta d’Es Tudons = 45min drive
From Ciutadella to Naveta d’Es Tudons = 15min drive
Easy access and good-sized parking lot - Prices and times
Prices: €2 per adult / €1.20 per child aged 8 to 15 / free for children under 8. This is a popular venue in Menorca, think about booking your slot in advance!
#2 – Torre d’En Galmès
- About
Minorca really is a goldmine when it comes to archaeological sites! Torre d’En Galmès is one of the oldest Talayotic villages. In fact, it was occupied from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, a period spanning just under 4 millennia!
Almost 900 people are thought to have lived in this village, which is organized into 3 tower-like structures known as talayots. Its elevated position in relation to the other talayotic villages in the western zone might suggest that it was a strategic location on the island at the time, in comparison with the other towns.
Your visit will then be organized in 2 parts: first the interpretation center with an educational video on talayotic culture and then the ruins of the prehistoric village itself.
The 2 areas are separated by 500m, so you can drive or walk from one to the other. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Torre d’En Galmès = 25min drive
From Ciutadella to Torre d’En Galmès = 40min drive
Easy access and good-sized parking lot - Prices and times
Prices: €3 per adult / €1.80 per child aged 8 to 15 / free for children under 8. This is a famous venue in Menorca, think about booking your place as soon as possible!
#3 – Son Catlar
- About
Son Catlar is also a major Talayotic village in Menorca, covering more than 42km2 !
You’ll see that this village features a wall of around 900m still standing that surrounds and delimits the enclosure of the Talayotic site. Dating from the 1st century BC, this wall is still preserved in its entirety.
It’s one of the few remaining intact walls that has enabled archaeologists to understand the layout of Talayotic villages. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to hear and even observe many species of birds in this corner of the island. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Son Catlar = 1h drive
From Ciutadella to Son Catlar = 15min drive
Access very narrow, difficult road (dry stone walls – prefer a narrow or city car)
Free outdoor parking is available close to the estate access. You’ll then have to walk to reach the wall and the Talayot towers, as well as the monolithic monument a little further on. - Prices and times
Access is free and admission is free.
Other talayots to consider if you want to see more
And there are others to explore all around the island, sites of varying degrees of excavation. They include:
- Settlement (or Poblat in Catalan) of Trepucó (2km from Port Mahon)
- Biniai Nou megalithic tomb (5km from Port Mahon)
- Taula de Torralba d’en Salord (between Mahón and Alaior)
- Settlement (or Poblat in Catalan) of Talatí de Dalt
- Calescoves necropolis
- Taula de Torretrencada (near Ciutadella)
Need to rent a car in Menorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
5 ruins in Menorca worth visiting (and archaeological sites)
But the island of Menorca has much more to offer, thanks to its rich history.
Listed below is my selection of other archaeological sites to discover: Roman ruins and more.
#4 – Cala Morell necropolis
- About:
Did you know that the Cala Morell necropolis in the northwest of Menorca served as a cemetery for its inhabitants for several centuries until the 2nd AD? Carved out of the rock, this natural wonder is made up of 14 caves – impressive, isn’t it? Each cave has its own distinctive features: flat or uneven floors, columns or unique pieces. Architectural ornaments can be seen at the entrances to some of the caves. Access is free of charge. The site, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985, is still wild and unspoilt like much of the island, so I recommend a daytime visit to admire as many details as possible on the spot. It’s also one of Minorca’s most beautiful caves. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Cala Morell Necropolis = 45min drive
From Ciutadella to Cala Morell Necropolis = 15min drive
To reach the location, after joining the main Me-1 road, then head in the direction of Cami de Cala Morell and then reach Carrer Lira. A small, popular parking lot with limited spaces is available nearby along the road. - Prices and times
Access is free and admission is free.
#5 – Santa Agueda Castle in Ferreries
- About:
In the 10th century, Andalusian Muslim occupation began in the Balearic Islands, annexed to the Caliphate of Cordoba. On the summit of Santa Agueda in Menorca, near the village of Ferreries, one of the most important defensive complexes in Muslim Andalusia was built over a period of 3 centuries. Santa Agueda Castle was a strategic location on the island, with panoramic views over western and north-western Menorca. Marvel at the fortification complex made up of 3 enclosures, covering an area of 6.5 hectares, surrounded by just under 2km of walls and 37 defensive towers. A dozen of these have been preserved in good condition. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Chateau de Santa Agueda = 45min drive
From Ciutadella to Chateau de Santa Agueda = 25min drive
To reach the location, after joining the main Me-1 road, then take the direction of Cami des Alocs. - Prices and times
Access is free and admission is free.
#6 – Early Christian Basilica of Cap des Port in Fornells
- About:
Discovered in 1958, excavations at the Early Christian Basilica of Cap des Port near Fornells on Menorca’s north coast began in 1975. Its construction is thought to date back to the late 5th or early 6th century. Don’t miss the crypt and its sumptuous murals. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Fornells = 35min drive
From Ciutadella to Fornells = 40min drive - Prices and times
Access is free and admission is free.
#7 – Paleochristian Basilica of the Illa del Rei
- About:
The Illa del Rei is a place where different eras meet through art, history, botany and architecture. I loved being able to admire these monuments that cultivate memories and bear witness to the richness of this islet at the crossroads of civilizations and historical upheavals.
Did you know that the Illa del Rei is home to the remains of an early Christian basilica built between the 5th and 6th centuries? On this impressive site, you’ll have the chance to see its mosaic-adorned naves (currently preserved at the Menorca Museum), pillars, columns and even the ruins of a Roman villa. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Illa del Rei = 20min boat ride
The Illa del Rei can only be reached by boat from the natural harbor of Mahon, the capital. - Prices and timetables
Return boat shuttle €7 per adult and €3 for children under 18
Free for children under 3
You can pick up tickets directly at Mahon harbor, but the return adult fare is €10. Visiting the islet is free, guided tours can be booked on site or online at the official website here. Don’t forget to check for updates.
#8 – Cova de S’Aigua cave
- About:
La Cova de s’Aigua means ” water cave ” in Catalan. It’s an original natural cave with a rich prehistoric past and a secluded lake of extraordinary clarity.
Guided tours are available for an underground exploration that takes you along a route dotted with multiple geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. Get ready for the highlight of the show: the crystalline lake, whose rugged rocky floor promises an almost supernatural beauty. The guided tour, offered in several languages, will immerse you in the history of this ancient cave. Its preservation and development have required major efforts to make it accessible to visitors. - Location and access
From Port Mahon to Cova de s Aigua = 50min drive
From Ciutadella to Cova de s Aigua = 15min drive
The road is easy to get to, but parking is limited and will only be available in the nearby alleyways.
The tour includes stairs down to the cave and the crystalline lake it houses. The route is marked out, and it is forbidden to leave the guided itinerary or touch the geological formations.
The caves are not very large, so if you’re prone to claustrophobia it’s not ideal. Be very careful if you go there with your children, who must remain under your supervision at all times. - Prices and times
Prices: from €10
Every day from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm – closed from early November to early May
The tour is guided (in several languages) and lasts about 45min
Book your ticket now!
Where to stay in Menorca?
I recommend staying either close to one of the 2 main towns, Ciutadella or Port Mahon, or in one of the charming little villages all over the island. You’ll enjoy good restaurants, typical markets and their picturesque atmosphere. For example, you could opt for:
- Hotel Gran Melia Villa Le Blanc Hotel in Santo Tomas – View photos & availability
- Hotel Catalonia Mirador des Port, overlooking the natural harbour of Mahon – View photos & availabilities
- Hotel Smoix Hotel, in the old town of Ciutadella – View photos and availability
Minorca’s best tours
Menorca has had a tumultuous history, with numerous occupations (Roman, Arab, British, etc.).
Its location was strategic in the Mediterranean Sea.
That’s why, from the 10th century onwards (and later), a vast network of towers was built around the island to monitor the seas and communicate in case of attack.
You can see many of them all around the island.
Here are my favorites.
#9 – Fornells Tower
Built at the very beginning of the 19th century under British occupation, the Fornells defensive tower is one of the must-see places to visit in Fornells. It was a strategic location for defending the port of Fornells and Sant Antoni Castle.
During your 4-part visit, you’ll discover :
- first of all, the tank,
- the first floor, where the army stored food and weapons,
- the 1st floor (or reconstructed bedroom level), where you can immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of the troops,
- and the terrace where the artillery was stored and which also served as a lookout post for Menorca’s surroundings.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Easter to the end of October.
Adult ticket price: €2.40
Child ticket price between 8 and 15 years old and over 65 years old: €1.45
Free for children under 8 years old
Don’t wait any longer to book your slot!
#10 – Torre de Sa Mesquida Tower
On the northeastern tip of Menorca, Sa Mesquida is a small fishing village whose beach has been the scene of historic moments of conquest. Little known, the cove and beach are not always crowded. The turquoise water makes you want to dive into the waves ! From the sand, you can enjoy views of the village and the Torre de Sa Mesquida defensive tower, a British legacy dating back to 1799.
#11 – Addaia Tower or Cala Moli Tower
Built by the British in the 18th century, the Cala Moli Tower or Addaia Tower is a coastal defensive construction located between Moli cove and Port Addaia, on the peninsula separating the 2 coves.
On the first floor, you can admire an ancient cistern buried in the ground. This space also served as a storage area for ammunition, supplies and gunpowder.
#12 – Remains of a watchtower on Monte Toro
Monte Toro is the highest point on the island, offering incredible 360-degree panoramic views all around Menorca. I loved the sanctuary and the remains of an ancient Gothic church. Among the ruins, defensive watchtowers dating back to medieval times have been discovered by archaeologists and researchers.
#13 – Tour of Sant Nicolau Castle in Ciutadella
The Tower of Sant Nicolau Castle in Ciutadella was designed to defend the coastline and watch over the mouth of the port of Ciutadella. Built in the late 17th century, it has an octagonal base. Access is via a wooden bridge leading to the gate.
#14 – Fort Malborough in the village of Es Castell
Built in 1710 during the British occupation of Menorca, the Marlborough Fort is located near the Cala de Sant Esteve, in the village of Es Castell to the east of the capital Port Mahon. This fort was one of the major sites of the struggle between Spain, Great Britain and France for possession of Menorca’s territory. Discover the remains of a well-preserved 18th-century defensive military building. Did you know that this fort was carved directly into the rock? A remarkable British legacy in Menorca, the tour of this military construction is immersive, with a section devoted to the re-enactment of the siege of Fort Marlborough, complete with uniformed soldiers and special effects.
Book your place now!
From guided tours are also available if you’d like to find out more with a local guide.
#15 – Cova des Coloms cave
The Cova des Coloms is the largest cave on the island of Menorca. It is accessible from the Es Migjorn Gran urbanization to the south, and is located in the Binigaus ravine. A short hike is required to gain access. The site is unsupervised and in the middle of nature. Go during the day to take advantage of the clear daylight, and bring a picnic if your hike lasts longer.
It is quite impressive, with a ceiling height of 24m and a length of 110m. Its central chamber has long been home to many pigeons, giving the cave its name. Sometimes, birds even take shelter here. The cave is thought to have been used as a burial space during the post-Talayotic period, from the 6th to the 2nd century BC. Access is free 24 hours a day, every day.
My favourite activity in Menorca
I highly recommend the Binibeca: guided transparent kayak tour.
In just 2 hours, you’ll experience an unforgettable moment: a glimpse of the turquoise waters without diving, in the magical coves, caves and beach of Binibeca.
Windmills
Around the island, but especially inland, you’ll also notice the ruins of numerous windmills (and a few restored ones).
Pzr example, as you drive up to the village of Es Castell, you’ll spot some of Es Castell’s traditional old windmills. They are more commonly known as the Es Cami Vell and Santa Creu windmills. Restored in 2022, these 2 mills are among the 5 flour mills that once existed in the village of Es Castell. They were used to grind harvested grain and, until the 19th century, played a major role in Menorca’s economy.
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Plan your trip to Menorca:
Best-of:
- 35 best things to do in Menorca
- Menorca’s most beautiful landscapes
- Menorca’s most beautiful villages and towns
- Best beaches in Menorca
- Menorca hidden gems
- Best museums in Menorca
- Best caves
- Best calas
- Markets in Menorca
- Best restaurants
Useful tips:
- Where to stay in Menorca
- Best luxury hotels in Menorca
- Best family hotels in Menorca
- Best boutique hotels
- Tips for driving in Menorca
- Renting a car in Menorca
- My itineraries in Menorca – coming soon
- Road trip in Menorca – coming soon
Towns:
- Port Mahon: Things to do – Best hotels
- Ciutadella: Things to do – Best hotels
All my advice in this article was put into words with the help of Myriam.
