Discover the Talayots

Among the turquoise waters and the green Mediterranean plants we find the shades of grey of thousand-year-old rocks. The Talaiotic culture adds to Menorca’s palette of colours with an exclusiveness that makes it even more fascinating: Menorca and Mallorca are the only places in the world where it existed.Most of these prehistoric monuments recalling the life of the first civilisations to inhabit Menorca are from the 9th century BCE. Details like these make visitors even more curious, encouraging them to explore the island’s history “stone by stone”. Questions arise: What were these constructions used for?   

A possible route which amateur archaeologists will like runs along either side of the road crossing inland Menorca (Me-1). This is a route from east to west with strategic side trips. As there are so many Talaiotic remains, the idea is to focus on the best-conserved. Here are a few examples:

• Trepucó settlement (2 kilometres from Mahón)
• Megalithic burial site of Biniai Nou (5 kilometres from Mahón)
• Taula of Torralba d'en Salord (between Mahón and Alaior)
• Settlement of Talatí de Dalt
• Necropolis of Calescoves
• Naveta des Tudons (Ciutadella)
• Taula de Torretrencada (Ciutadella)

In any case, lacking an adventurous sixth sense, there are also guided tours to see the most iconic remains of the Talaiotic culture on Menorca, for added insight into this odd monument.