Talayotic Menorca: a guide to talayots, taulas and navetas

Menorca has one of the densest concentrations of prehistoric monuments in the Mediterranean. Since 2023, Talayotic Menorca has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the island has been a Biosphere Reserve since 1993. This guide explains what the Talayotic culture is and how to visit its sites.

What is the Talayotic culture?

It is the culture of the communities that lived in Menorca from the Bronze Age until the Romans arrived in 123 BC. It takes its name from the talayots, the large stone towers that dominated each settlement. These communities left behind a landscape full of dry-stone buildings that you can still explore on foot.

What you will see

Talayots: stone towers, often at the highest point of the settlement.

Taulas: T-shaped monuments made of two huge slabs, one standing upright and one laid across the top. They are found only in Menorca and stand at the centre of a horseshoe-shaped enclosure.

Navetas: collective tombs shaped like an upturned boat. The Naveta des Tudons, near Ciutadella, is the best-known example.

Burial caves and hypostyle halls: cemeteries carved into the rock, such as Cales Coves and Cala Morell, and halls roofed with slabs resting on pillars.

Sites not to miss

Torre d'en Galmés (Alaior): one of the largest settlements on the island, with views over much of Menorca.

Torralba d'en Salord (Alaior): one of the best-preserved taulas.

Trepucó and Talatí de Dalt (Maó): settlements a few minutes from town, with striking talayots and taulas.

Naveta des Tudons and Son Catlar (Ciutadella): the most iconic naveta and a walled settlement.

Cales Coves (Alaior): a cemetery of caves opening onto a small cove.

To put it all in context before or after your visit, the Museu de Menorca in Maó holds finds from these sites.

Tips for your visit

Some sites have opening hours and an entrance fee in high season, so check before you go. Bring water, closed shoes and sun protection: many sites are in open countryside with little shade. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times, especially in summer. Do not climb on the monuments or move stones: they are fragile and protected.

Related activities

Below you will find the guided tours, talks and exhibitions coming up in the next few days that are linked to the island's heritage.