Menorca has been inhabited since ancient times . To give us this certainty are the numerous archaeological evidences present on its territory. Among these, the most notable are those produced by the megalithic civilization and by the Talayotic civilization .
We refer in particular to the Torre d'en Galmés and the Naveta d'Es Tudons . The first is a prehistoric village still in excellent condition located in the southern part of the island ; the second is the largest collective tomb in Menorca , and is located a few kilometers from Ciutadella .
Invaded first by the Carthaginians and subsequently occupied in 123 BC by the men of the Roman consul Quinto Cecilio Metello Balearico , the island suffered over the course of its history the domination of various peoples: Vandals , Byzantines , Arabs , Aragonese and English .
Definitely returned to Spain thanks to the Treaty of Amiens (1802), Menorca is today one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world. Although Ibiza and Formentera record much higher numbers, the second of the Balearics is no different despite having focused on a different target. The island is in fact frequented mainly by hikers (the Camí des Cavals is one of the most popular trekking routes) and in general by those who prefer to enjoy a holiday dedicated to relaxation and nature .
The capital Mahón and Ciutadella are not the only two towns to visit during your stay in Menorca. On the island, in fact, there are many places that deserve to be explored. Among the most characteristic are undoubtedly the fishing village of Es Fornell, on the northern coast, and Binibèquer Vell, a tourist complex that is very reminiscent of the typical seaside villages overlooking the Mediterranean. If you are passionate about photography, Es Castell is the place for you: from this village which is located not far from Mahón, in fact, you can admire (and capture) the suggestive Minorcan sunrise.
Menorca is also synonymous with beaches. Along its coast there is a succession of coves and beaches where you can swim and be pampered by the sun's rays, and this in total tranquility. Among the most famous it is impossible not to mention Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana, Cala en Turqueta and Cala Morell.
If you think the Menorca tour is over here, you will soon have to change your mind. A short distance from the aforementioned Torre d'en Galmés it is possible to observe what remains of the early Christian basilica of Son Bou, dating back to the 5th century. Moving inland, a visit to the Santuario de la Virgen del Toro, an Augustinian monastery located on the mountain of the same name (358 meters) is a must. The road that will allow you to reach the sanctuary starts from Es Mercadal, a village where the famous Menorcan sandals are made.
You cannot leave the island if you have not granted yourself an excursion to discover the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park: it is an area of about 2000 hectares thanks to which Menorca was nominated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Nature Reserve. Inside the park you will also find Cap de Favàritx, a promontory that hosts one of the lighthouses of Menorca (the other notable lighthouse is located in Cap de Cavalleria, another suggestive place that we suggest to visit).