Menorca: Talayotic sites, lighthouses and turquoise coves
Across Menorca from Maó to Ciutadella: prehistoric sanctuaries, the slate cape of Favàritx, Monte Toro, Fornells and the coves of the south coast.
- Distance
- 83 km (51 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 08 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Spain
- Updated
- July 30, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 83 km (51 mi) with 8 stops, from Maó to Ciutadella. About 1 h 08 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Spain
Route description
Car ferries sail to Maó and Ciutadella from Barcelona, and to Ciutadella from Alcúdia in Mallorca, a crossing of a few hours. Menorca is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and much of its coast is protected; wild camping and overnight parking of motorhomes outside campsites are not allowed. Start in Maó, which has one of the longest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; boat trips leave from the quay.
Just west of Maó off the Me-1, the Talayotic village of Talatí de Dalt shows a taula sanctuary, dry-stone houses and caves. The prehistoric sites of Menorca are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Then head north to the s’Albufera des Grau natural park and Cap de Favàritx, where a lighthouse stands on dark slate. From mid-May to September private cars are not allowed on the last stretch and a small bus runs from Maó.
Cross to Fornells, a fishing village on a deep, sheltered bay known for lobster stew and calm water for kayaking. Then drive south to Es Mercadal and the winding road up Monte Toro, the island’s highest point, with views over the whole island. The Me-1 is the only main road and runs 45 km from Maó to Ciutadella; everything else is narrow country lanes between stone walls.
The south coast has the famous coves: Cala Macarella and Macarelleta are reached from car parks south of Ciutadella, which close when full in summer, when a bus runs from town. The Camí de Cavalls footpath links the coves along the whole coast. Finally, stop at the Naveta des Tudons and end in Ciutadella, the old capital, with a cathedral, palaces and a narrow harbour. The loop is about 120 km.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Maó
Spain - 26 km
Talatí de Dalt
HistoryMaó, SpainA Talayotic village with a stone T-shaped taula sanctuary, part of the UNESCO-listed prehistoric sites of Menorca. Small entry fee and a short dirt track from the Me-1.
- 315 km
Cap de Favàritx
ViewsMaó, SpainA lighthouse on dark slate rocks that look almost lunar, inside the s’Albufera des Grau natural park. From mid-May to September the narrow road is closed to private cars and a small bus runs from Maó.
- 416 km
Fornells
Spain - 510 km
Monte Toro
ViewsEs Mercadal, SpainMenorca’s highest point at 358 m, topped by a sanctuary and a statue, with a view over almost the whole island. A winding paved road climbs from Es Mercadal to a car park at the top.
- 620 km
Cala Macarella
NatureCiutadella, SpainA white-sand cove with pine woods and turquoise water, linked by a cliff path to smaller Macarelleta. In summer the car park closes when full and a bus runs from Ciutadella.
- 710 km
Naveta des Tudons
HistoryCiutadella, SpainA Bronze Age collective tomb shaped like an upturned boat, one of the oldest roofed buildings in Europe. Car park on the Me-1 a few kilometres east of Ciutadella and a short walk.
- 86 km
Ciutadella
Spain
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Maó → Cap de Favàritx · 21 km · 0 h 17 minOn the way: Talatí de Dalt.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Son Bou (17 km).
- Day 2: Cap de Favàritx → Monte Toro · 26 km · 0 h 22 minOn the way: Fornells.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Son Bou (8 km); Càmping s'Atalaia (11 km).
- Day 3: Monte Toro → Ciutadella · 35 km · 0 h 29 minOn the way: Cala Macarella, Naveta des Tudons.Overnight nearby, for example: Càmping s'Atalaia (14 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, August and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Menorca: Talayotic sites, lighthouses and turquoise coves?
3-day road trip of about 83 km (51 mi) with 8 stops, from Maó to Ciutadella. About 1 h 08 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Menorca: Talayotic sites, lighthouses and turquoise coves?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Menorca: Talayotic sites, lighthouses and turquoise coves start and end?
It starts in Maó and ends in Ciutadella.
Which countries does Menorca: Talayotic sites, lighthouses and turquoise coves pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Menorca: Talayotic sites, lighthouses and turquoise coves?
OpenStreetMap lists 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Son Bou and Càmping s'Atalaia.
When is the best time for Menorca: Talayotic sites, lighthouses and turquoise coves?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, August and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
