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Planning to visit Menorca? Villas dotted all around this wonderful island offer the best kind of independent accommodation in order to make the most of your Mediterranean getaway. While you're certainly likely to spend a good deal of your time on the beach, no holiday would be complete if you didn't spend at least a little time getting to appreciate the historical roots of the island. Here are three of the more important historical sites you can visit. Talaiotic Settlement at Torre d’en Galmes To the ancient people who once inhabited Menorca, villas were not an option; instead, they created their settlements of sturdy stone towers and dwellings. These stone formations were really nothing more than large rocks piled on top of each other, yet incredibly some of these structures survive to this day in remarkably good condition. Most notable of these settlements is Torre d’en Galmes, the largest Talaiotic site on the island. It comprises stone watchtowers called talaiots, which is the term we use today to label the culture responsible for their construction back in the Iron Age. The table-like taulas are common around this site as well, and involve a vertical slab of stone supporting a horizontally positioned stone – creating what at first glance appears to be a table. Numerous other structures, most notably smaller dwellings, are also dotted around the site. Even if you're not staying in the immediate vicinity, this important site is well worth a visit. Roman Basilicas of Son Bou and Fornas de Torello In the mood for more ruins of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the island? Temples and various other structures of Roman origins can be found within easy access of many of the Menorca villas, but it is the ruined basilicas of Son Bou and Fornas de Torello that make it to the top of this list. The former Christian basilica at Fornas de Torello is mostly flattened now, and surrounded by a wire mesh fence to protect the crumbling rocks. However, a wonderfully well-preserved floor mosaic has managed to survive the ravages of time. In it are two lions and a palm tree, portraying death and life in a way that is heavily influenced by Jewish tradition. A simple stone fence surrounds the site at Son Bou and you can still see the outline of the basilica itself, with various rooms and an altar. The Ancient Road of Cami de Cavalls Last, but definitely not least, is the ancient path of Cami de Cavalls – a route that was once used by cavalry to patrol and protect the island against foreign invaders. The trail of the Cami de Cavalls was cut out of the dirt and rock to connect watchtowers, fortresses and cannon sites protecting the island. This not only gives the road great historical value, but also allows travellers the opportunity to take in the stunning sights and sounds of Menorca as they traverse its winding paths. The route itself previously went through many privately owned farms and plantations, but the Spanish government purchased the passage from the owners – allowing the ancient route to be used by everyone. These three sites are easy to access no matter where you choose to book your Menorca villas. Take the time to visit them and you’ll find it a lot easier to understand and appreciate the historical roots if this lovely island. Author Plate Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of great Menorca villas for your holidays. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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