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Menorca: an unmissable, paradisiacal Mediterranean island where nature, light and life converge.
In 1993, this Balearic island was declared a Biosphere Reserve due to its rich landscape and biodiversity; however, Menorca has much more to offer than its natural beauty: it is a land rich in culture, tradition and history, as attested by the many artefacts attributed to the Talaiotic culture, a society that existed only on the easternmost Balearic Islands during the Iron Age.
Come and discover Menorca’s history with us and prepare to be blown away!
The first traces of human life on the island date back to 2100 B.C., but it was between 1000 B.C. and 700 B.C. that Menorca’s emblematic constructions began to appear: we are talking about Talaoits, megalithic structures made without cement or mortar which resemble towers and were likely used for defensive purposes.
We invite you to step into another era and undercover the many artefacts on the island which date back to the Talaoitic period. Here are our recommendations, reachable either on foot or by bike:
1. Sa Naveta des Tudons – Located 6 km away from the Menorcan town of Ciutadella, this is Europe’s most remarkable and ancient megalithic chamber tomb. It dates back to 1200 B.C. and is one of Menorca’s main tourist attractions.
2. Poblado Torre d’en Galmés – Located on a hill 5 km from the municipality of Alaior, this town offers fantastic views of the southern coast of the island and the opportunity to see 3 talaiots (stone towers), a taula (a horseshoe shaped stone monument that presumably represents a religious site), private talaiotic houses constructed in the characteristic circular fashion and a hypostyle room (a room covered by stone flags supported by a central column). Another Talaiotic village, Torralba d’en Salort, is located close by and it preserves the most famous T-shaped enclosure of the island, the “taula de Torralba”, famous for its size (it is almost 5 metres tall). This taula once contained objects of interest such as an altar and other religious artefacts which are now exhibited at the Menorca Museum in Maó.
3. Talatí de Dalt – This settlement dating back to 1300 B.C. is located 4 km far from Maó. During excavations, ceramic artefacts and older architectural structures were uncovered, proving that many cultures have called this land their home throughout history.
4. Torretrencada – Not far from the town of Ciutadella, Torretrencada features the best-preserved T-shaped taulas in Menorca, in addition to a well, man-made caves and burial sites. Hidden in a small forest of wild olive trees close by, you find Torrefullada: a small talaiotic site which preserves the remains of a Cyclopean wall, rubble-filled stonework that once encircled the site.
5. Poblado de Son Catlar – Covering over 37,500 m2, this was one of the largest settlements on the island with a long defensive wall and four watchtowers.
Menorca is synonymous with peace and relaxation and it offers a unique environment blessed by the warm sun, sandy beaches and ancient history. Hotel Zafiro Menorca is located only 8 km from the town of Ciutadella and can accommodate you in refurbished apartments. Come and explore the island, discover hidden corners and a lush nature. Hotel Zafiro Menorca allows you to practise a range of sports activities, and it includes indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, a small pool with a pirate boat and slides for the children, and, in the evening, kiddies’ disco so the kids can have fun dancing… Do not miss out on such an exciting holiday!
