Discover Alaior: Talayotic Culture and Coastal Landscapes

Alaior brings together medieval urban history and Talayotic archaeology with contemporary art and the natural surroundings of Son Bou. When planning your trip, the seasonal dates of events are just as important as the differences between the nature trails: they range from birdwatching and flora to geology and coastal landscapes.

Old Town and Talayotic Settlements

The Church of Santa Eulàlia crowns the hill on which Alaior was built. Historically, it served as a refuge for the local population during attacks. In the medieval old town, winding, steep streets define the townscape. Pati de sa Lluna is a former Franciscan cloister; Palau de Can Salort is a former manor house.

The Talayotic settlements also offer different archaeological experiences. Torre d’en Galmés extends over 12 acres. The settlement includes three talayots dating from 1000 to 800 BC, as well as a taula sanctuary dating from the 4th century BC, built from large stone slabs.

Torralba d’en Salort comprises two talayots, a hypostyle hall, the remains of dwellings and an enclosure featuring a taula as its centrepiece. The east-facing taula is 5 m tall and considered the best-preserved on Menorca. The settlement is among the most spectacular and best-preserved on the island.

Art, Craftsmanship and Seasonal Dates

LÔAC, Alaior Art Contemporani, was founded in 2021. Its contemporary art collection includes works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Joan Miró, Miquel Barceló, Marina Abramović, Jaume Plensa, Antonio Saura and Antoni Tàpies. On Menorca, LÔAC is the only public exhibition of a private collection of this kind. Exhibition details may change over time.

The horse takes centre stage at the Festes de Sant Llorenç. The festival takes place on the weekend after 10 August; the exact dates may vary from year to year. A Qualcada, led by the Fabioler and featuring horses and riders in traditional dress, makes its way through the streets of Alaior and ends with the Jaleo.

The seasonal Mercat de Nit d’Alaior takes place in the historic centre. It begins in June and ends in the first half of September; the exact operating dates may change. Stalls offer items including paintings, jewellery, fashion jewellery, macramé and gifts. Cultural, gastronomic and leisure activities are usually held alongside the market.

A seasonal route exploring Alaior’s craft and industrial heritage visits a bakery, a fashion jewellery workshop, a shoe factory, a woodworker and a cheesemaker. Check the latest dates and booking arrangements in advance. The Centre d’Estudis Locals d’Alaior also organises themed guided tours; check the dates and availability for these as well.

Son Bou: Beach, Wetland and Trails

At 2,400 m, Son Bou is Menorca’s longest beach. Long walks along the shore are possible all year round, although beach conditions may vary. Behind the beach lie a dune system and the significant Son Bou wetland. Many birds stop there during migration. Both areas are protected as an Área Natural de Especial Interés.

The Son Bou ornithological trail is 5.5 km long and passes through a wetland, a sandy coastal strip with its associated dune system, and the lower sections of two ravines. Numerous bird species can be spotted along the way; which species are present varies by season. The 2 km botanical trail runs from Son Bou beach to Punta Redona. It highlights the dune system, coastal salt marsh, coastal meadow, endemic flora and the vegetation of the rocky coast. Comparing the two trails by length, the botanically focused route is shorter, while the ornithological trail covers a greater distance.

The Son Bou geological route follows the beach on foot as far as the municipal boundary of Es Migjorn Gran. Along the way, you can see the dune system, coastal karst and former Marès quarries in the coastal area. Trail conditions may vary seasonally. The Camí de s’Alblagai offers a different rural perspective: along a paved section, you can see features of Menorca’s agricultural and livestock farming traditions, particularly dry-stone walls. The end of the section coincides with the Talayotic settlement of Torralba d’en Salort; check access to the archaeological site separately.

Cales Coves

Cales Coves is home to 90 tomb caves carved into the rock, the largest concentration of such tomb caves on Menorca. A path from the small car park leads to the beach in about 20 minutes. Suitable footwear is recommended; there are no services at the beach.

Discover More Destinations

Cala En Porter, Sant Jaume, Cala En Bosch, Cala en Blanes, Biniancolla, Es Castell, Cap D'en Font, Torre Soli Nou

For the main travel overview: Menorca.