It might be the ultimate destination for beach holidays, but Menorca has something for every taste. With its rich and tumultuous history, the island has much to offer in terms of culture… such as archeological sites even Indiana Jones would be curious about.

Amazing beaches, turquoise seas…if you daydream of holidays in Menorca, you are likely to picture yourself soaking up some rays…and rightly so. But if you need a break from lazy days on the beach, one of the many activities available around the unspoilt island is to visit its numerous archeological remains. Indeed, it is little-known that unique prehistoric sites can be found all over Menorca. These are well worth seeing on a Menorcan holiday, especially for families and history buffs. Here is our selection…

1-Cala Morell Necropolis

A group of 14 caves excavated in a cliff next to the small harbour of Cala Morell, this necropolis is one of the largest and most spectacular ones of the island. Used as a cemetery from the pre-talayotic era until the second century A.D., the settlement boasts a wide range of features including impressive columns, distinctive patios, as well as classical motifs of Menorcan architecture. Holiday-makers are particularly impressed with the fact that the large caves were all hollowed by man and not by nature.

2-Naveta des Tudons

You will only find navetas in Menorca. An intriguing type of burial monument, they are indeed exclusive to the island. Naveta means small ship, and it’s easy to see the stone construction gets its name from its shape - it resembles an upturned ship.

Although it is more than 3,000-years-old, the Naveta des Tudons is extremely well-preserved and is quite possibly the better-known prehistoric site of the Balearics. A possible explanation for this is its association with a tragic legend – it is said to have been built by two giants disputing the love of a young girl.

If for your holidays in Menorca you chose a villa or hotel in Ciutadella, you’ll be ideally located for a visit to the Naveta des Tudons, as it is just a few kilometres east of the town.

3-Talatí de Dalt

Situated moments from the city of Maó, Talatí de Dalt is one of the most significant prehistoric villages in Menorca. Built at the end of the Bronze Age, the village experienced the influence of key historical events in Menorcan history, from Roman conquest to Moor occupation. Its activity peaked between IV and II B.C when Phoenician business strived amongst talayotic communities in Menorca.

You will get to see many exciting monuments in this settlement, including talayots and taulas – megaliths that can only be found on the island. The purpose of these constructions is still a bit of a mystery, making the Talatí de Dalt a recommended stop for every holiday in Minorca.

4- Trepucó

Trepucó is another Menorcan talayotic settlement, found just two kilometers outside of Maó. Originally walled, it was spread across 5,000 square meters. Violently attacked during the second Punic War, it fortunately still has many interesting remains left to visit. The largest taula on Menorca can be found here, at the centre of a distinctive star-shaped wall. A few houses are also well-preserved and many domestic items found here during archeological digs now inhabit the walls of the Museu de Menorca.

5- Torre d'en Galmés

This talayotic settlement is located on the top of a hill close to Son Bou beach and overlooks the southern coast of the island. This strategic position was obviously meant to help defense when it was originally established, but tourists today get to appreciate the amazing view. On clear days, you can see all the way to the mountains of Majorca and across a large part of the Menorcan South coast. A holiday in Menorca wouldn’t be the same without bringing those memories back home with you. Torre d’en Galmés is still full of mysteries, so a tour of the visitor centre is recommended to discover its fascinating history.