Talayotic Menorca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on September 18, 2023
Forget the white-sand beaches for a moment: Menorca’s true treasure lies in its prehistoric monuments. Navetas, talayots and taulas await to tell a story that spans over 3,000 years.
Talayotic Prehistory of Menorca
Human activity in Menorca dates back to the Bronze Age, when the island’s first communities built cyclopean monuments for rituals and daily life. Stone, ever-present in each site, now serves as a portal to the past: a simple walk among these ancient walls is enough to feel the heartbeat of a millennia-old island.
Talayotic Menorca: UNESCO World Heritage Site
On September 18, 2023, the Talayotic Menorca nomination was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This milestone encompasses navetas, taulas, talayots, and other remnants that showcase the architectural genius of our ancestors. For more information, visit the official website of Menorca Talayótica.
Key Sites Near Ciutadella
Naveta des Tudons
Dated between 1200 and 750 BC, this boat-shaped funerary monument is unique in the world and the most photographed site in Menorca. Easily accessible from the main road, with parking next to the site.
Son Catlar
SettlementJust 5 km from Ciutadella, its nearly 900 m of cyclopean wall, three talayots, taula, and hypostyle hall make it one of the best-preserved Talayotic settlements in the Balearic Islands.
Coastal Settlement of Cala Morell
Set on a rocky peninsula, this 13-house village features exceptional defensive planning and is a rare coastal example of non-cyclopean prehistoric architecture.
Necrópolis of Cala Morell
Next to the settlement, 14 funerary caves carved into the stone are freely accessible year-round and allow visitors to appreciate the local geology.
Other Archaeological Treasures
Beyond Ciutadella, highlights include Torralba d’en Salort, home to the tallest taula on the island, and Torre d’en Galmés, one of the largest settlements in the Balearics, complete with an interpretation center.
Tips for Your Visit
- Plan ahead: check opening times and entrance fees.
- Dress accordingly: wear suitable shoes and clothing—many sites have uneven paths and rustic terrain.
- Respect the surroundings: stay on marked paths, follow the signs, and help preserve the landscape.Talayot Map available on the official site.
