Torre d'en Gaumes

The extensive prehistoric settlement of Torre d'en Gaumes contains several well-preserved Talaiotic buildings. Most of it dates from around 1400 BC, though there is an even older sepulcher nearby and evidence of habitation until Roman and perhaps medieval times. Get there by following the signs from the Alaior - Son Bou road. As soon as you leave this road, the three towers are visible in the distance, 2km away down a country lane. A paved road leads around the site, making this the one prehistoric site in Menorca which is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, though the path is bumpy in places and there is no access to the precinct.

Besides the three talaiots, there is a taula whose horizontal stone has collapsed, enabling you to appreciate its design, with a carefully hollowed out centre to fit on top of the vertical stone. (It is possible that the hollow was enlarged at a later date for use as a Roman sarcophagus.) Nearby is the best-preserved example of a hypo-style chamber, a roofed building with columns, possibly used as a dwelling but more likely as a sheep shelter or grain store. There is also an ingenious water storage and filtration system, probably Roman, with channels dug into the rock beneath a large flat surface. This is a peaceful spot, with wild flowers growing among the ruins and views stretching from Monte Toro to the south coast.