The island’s standing-stones are windows that look back to the culture of Menorca’s oldest known inhabitants. Archaeological remains scattered across the island that provide an excellent insight into Menorcan pre-history.
The pre-Talaiotic and Talaiotic cultures refer to the customs and skills of the pre-historic inhabitants of the Balearic Islands up to the Roman conquest (123 BC). Most of the archaeological remains that have been excavated –of which most are on Menorca – correspond to the so-called Talaiotic culture that can be dated from around 1,000 BC. The name ‘Talaiotic’ is derived from the word talaiots, which refers to the tronco-conical stone towers, probably used as houses, look-out points and for defence, built by these people. The architectural heritage left by the pre-Talaiotic and Talaiotic cultures is very diverse and includes the characteristic navetes, taules and burial chambers. Discover Menorca provides a guide to the most worthwhile Talaiotic sites, some of which are less well known. If you follow us on Facebook and Twitter you will receive news of the sites we add to the list.
See all the megalithic monuments
Talayotic Minorca. World Heritage Nomination
Map of most important megalithic monuments of Menorca
See the map Menorca talaiòtica in Google maps
Discover the most important megalithic monuments of Menorca
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The Naveta des Tudons is a pre-Talaiotic funeral building in use from 1200 to 750 BC. It consists of a collective tomb that was found to contain the remains of at least 100 graves... -
This spectacular necropolis with 14 burial chambers hewn from the bare rock is to be found in a small gully just before Cala Morell to the north of Ciutadella. -
Torre d’en Galmés is one of the largest Talaiotic sites in the Balearic Islands and is well worth a longish, unhurried visit to ensure that you appreciate all its finer points. -
Torrellafuda is a small Talaiotic site with unrestricted access that stands in a shady old wild-olive grove. You will find the remains as soon as you begin to walk along the access track. -
A visit to the Talaiotic settlement of Talatí de Dalt, which blends in so harmoniously with its surroundings, is always a memorable experience.
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The site of Son Catlar is of great interest as the only Talaiotic settlement in the Balearic Islands whose surrounding cyclopean wall is all but intact. -
Despite being somewhat hidden-away and smaller than other Menorcan sites, the Talaiotic settlement of Torretrencada is still well worth a visit. -
Torralba d’en Salort is remarkable for its enormous taula and its enclosure. This taula is one of the largest on Menorca and is perfectly preserved. -
Covering 5,000 m2, Trepucó is one of the largest Talaiotic sites in Menorca, even although only a small part of the original settlement has been preserved.
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