SANTA AGUEDA

Climbing Menorca's third highest hill today, there is little to suggest that it once supported the island's most significant fortress Built by the Romans and strengthened by the Moors, the castle on Santa Agueda's summit was the last Muslim stronghold to resist the Catalan conquest in 1287.

The buildings have fallen into disrepair and only the serious archaeologist would recognize the Roman, Arab and Spanish influences but it is still worth the walk up here for the views, which stretch to both Mao and Ciutadella and along the windswept north coast. As a bonus, the path to the summit takes you along the best-preserved Roman road in Menorca. To get there, take the Binisues road, signposted off the C721 3km west of Ferreries; after another 3km, park by an old white schoolhouse and go through the gate to begin your walk. The climb to the summit takes a brisk 20-30 minutes. This is a popular picnic spot, much used by local families at weekends.