Naveta des Tudons - red and white striped textile
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Naveta des Tudons

4.4
·1k reviews·Ciudadela de Menorca, Spain

Menorca's ancient Naveta des Tudons, a unique Bronze Age funerary monument shaped like an inverted boat.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Naveta des Tudons - red and white striped textile

Naveta des Tudons

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Menorca's ancient Naveta des Tudons, a unique Bronze Age funerary monument shaped like an inverted boat.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A spectacular and well-preserved example of ancient Menorca, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Access & Parking

Ample parking is available right at the site, with a short, well-marked 5-minute walk to the monument.

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

A small admission fee grants access, and it's free on Mondays!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Boat Shape

The Iconic Boat Shape

The entire structure

Marvel at the unique inverted boat shape, a testament to Bronze Age engineering and Menorca's ancient past.

The Collective Tomb

The Collective Tomb

Interior of the Naveta

Imagine the lives of those interred here, with remains of up to 100 individuals found within.

Night Sky Photography

Night Sky Photography

Surrounding area

Capture stunning astrophotography with the ancient monument silhouetted against the Milky Way.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

To truly appreciate the Naveta des Tudons, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. This avoids the midday sun and the few tour groups that arrive. The site is best experienced with a sense of quiet contemplation.

Respect the Ancient Site

This is a significant archaeological site, considered one of the oldest structures in Europe. Stick to marked paths, especially when livestock are present in surrounding fields, and avoid littering to preserve its integrity for future visitors.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sa Naveta des Tudons ✨ 🏚️¡El edificio más antiguo de Europa! 🪦Se encontraron los restos de al menos 100 individuos en su interior, junto a sus ajuares funerarios ☠️ “Viaja con GNV y descubre Menorca desde el mar con historia” ⛴️
angelinesshow
384 likes • 12.6K views

🚗 Easy Access & Parking

Ample parking is available right at the site, with a short, well-marked 5-minute walk to the monument. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

A small admission fee grants access, and it's free on Mondays! Reddit

Sa Naveta des Tudons is one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in Menorca. Built around the 9th century BC with the cyclopean technique (stones stacked without mortar), it served as a collective tomb. Inside, archaeologists found the remains of about 100 people, along with bronze bracelets, ceramics, and unique funerary objects. Its upside-down ship shape gave it the name naveta — and it’s ...
spanish_express
25 likes • 325 views
LA NAVETA DES TUDONS - LEYENDA DE BALEARES ¿Conocías este curioso lugar? . . . #leyendasurbanas #leyendasdeespaña #leyendas #mitosyleyendas #mitologia #navetadestudons #baleares #islasbaleares #islasbalearesespaña🇪🇸 #balearesislands #curiosidades #cuentalaleyenda #cuentalaleyendaque #cuentos #cuentoscortos
perusiastudio
18 likes • 340 views

📸 Astrophotography Gem

The Naveta is a magical spot for night photography, capturing the Milky Way. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Stick to the Path

When livestock are present, stay on marked paths to respect the site and animals. Reddit

prehistoric night . La naveta des tudons, lugar mágico para pasar la noche. Aunque en la mitad de la sesión, la óptica que hacía el Time-lapse se empañó, @marilenamm y yo no parábamos de hacer fotos con diferentes perspectivas. . @nikonusa Nikon D800 @irixlens irix 15mm Blackstone @leofoto.es @manfrottoimaginemore . . .  #timelapse #nightskyphotography #milkywaychasers #milkywaytimelapse #time...
pepegarcia.photographer
323 likes • 3.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Access & Parking

Ample parking is available right at the site, with a short, well-marked 5-minute walk to the monument. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

A small admission fee grants access, and it's free on Mondays! Reddit

📸 Astrophotography Gem

The Naveta is a magical spot for night photography, capturing the Milky Way. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Stick to the Path

When livestock are present, stay on marked paths to respect the site and animals. Reddit

💧 No Facilities Onsite

Bring water and snacks; there are no toilets or cafes directly at the monument. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Naveta des Tudons to be a fascinating and well-preserved glimpse into Menorca's ancient past, praising its unique boat-like structure and historical significance. The easy access, ample parking, and affordable entry fee, especially the free Monday visits, are frequently highlighted as positives. Some note the lack of onsite facilities, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and educational stop for history enthusiasts.

"Interesting stone monument located a small walk from the main road. Monument itself is situated within a walled area accessed through a field which has livestock so something to be aware of. No toilets/cafe etc although some picnic benches located my the monument on the outside of the wall. Plenty of car parking and a gated entrance with a small hut to obtain info and pay for admission."

Jonny Techno

"The Naveta d'Es Tudons is a spectacular and well-preserved example of ancient Menorca. This impressive stone structure, dating back over 3,000 years, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past. Its unique boat-shaped design and historical significance make it one of Menorca’s must-see archaeological sites.

Getting there is easy and convenient, there’s a parking area right on site, and it’s just a short 5-minute walk along a well-marked path to reach the Naveta. The peaceful surroundings and clear signage enhance the experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the site and its remarkable construction."

Mateusz R

"For anyone interested in bronze age humans this is a vitally important site. It's very simple but a perfect example of a funeral chamber (upturned ship). Pleasant walk from the car park which is clearly marked off the highway and some picnic benches under the trees. It's free on Mondays, small entry fee otherwise."

Laura Brown

What People Like

Unique ancient structure
Easy access and parking
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

No onsite facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Naveta des Tudons is conveniently located near Ciutadella. There's a dedicated parking area right on site, making it easily accessible by car. From the parking, it's a short, pleasant 5-minute walk along a clearly marked path to reach the monument. Reddit

While direct public transport routes might be limited, it's often included in guided tours of Menorca's prehistoric sites. Check local bus schedules for routes that pass near Ciutadella and may offer a connection. Instagram

The most straightforward approach is by car, utilizing the provided parking. The walk from the car park is easy and well-maintained, suitable for most visitors. Reddit

Naveta des Tudons is part of Menorca's rich Talayotic heritage. Other nearby prehistoric sites and the charming city of Ciutadella are worth exploring. Instagram

Yes, a rental car is an excellent way to reach Naveta des Tudons, with ample parking available. This offers flexibility to explore other parts of Menorca at your own pace. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Naveta des Tudons is typically open daily, with hours often extending from around 9:00 AM to 7:15 PM, though it's always best to check current times before your visit. Instagram

The admission fee is very reasonable, usually around 2 Euros per person. It's also worth noting that entry is free on Mondays! InstagramReddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Naveta des Tudons, especially outside of peak tourist season. Tickets can be purchased at the small hut near the entrance. Reddit

Yes, Naveta des Tudons offers free entry on Mondays, making it a great budget-friendly option for history enthusiasts. Reddit

The admission ticket grants you access to the Naveta des Tudons monument and its immediate surroundings. Informative staff are often available at the ticket office. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the Naveta itself, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age funerary monument shaped like an inverted boat. You can explore its exterior and learn about its history as a collective tomb. Instagram+1

A visit to Naveta des Tudons is quite brief, typically taking around 15-30 minutes to walk around, take photos, and absorb the historical significance. Instagram

No, there are no restrooms or cafes directly at the Naveta des Tudons site. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving and bring your own water and snacks. Reddit

Yes, children can visit Naveta des Tudons. The short walk and the unique shape of the monument can be engaging for younger visitors interested in history. Instagram

The monument is photogenic from various angles, especially during sunrise and sunset. For unique shots, consider astrophotography at night, capturing the Milky Way. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and creating beautiful golden hour shots. Nighttime is spectacular for astrophotography. TikTokInstagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the site and other visitors. Professional shoots might require special permits. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire structure. For night photography, a tripod and a camera capable of long exposures are essential. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is often restricted at historical and archaeological sites to protect them and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Capture the monument against the sunrise or sunset, or experiment with long exposures to show the movement of stars at night. The surrounding landscape also offers scenic views. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Naveta des Tudons is a great stop for families looking to introduce children to history in a tangible way. The unique boat shape is often a hit with kids, sparking their imagination about ancient times. The short, easy walk from the parking lot means little legs won't get too tired. Instagram

While there are no playgrounds or specific child-focused activities, the site itself is an open-air museum. Encourage kids to imagine who lived there and what life was like thousands of years ago. Remember to bring snacks and water, as facilities are limited. It's a quick but memorable educational experience. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Naveta des Tudons is incredibly budget-friendly. The admission fee is minimal, and it's free to enter on Mondays, making it an excellent value for history buffs. InstagramReddit

Combine your visit with a picnic lunch, as there are benches available outside the monument. Since it's a short visit, it won't eat into your day or budget significantly, leaving more time and money for exploring Menorca's beautiful beaches and other attractions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystery of the Naveta des Tudons

The Naveta des Tudons is more than just an ancient structure; it's a window into Menorca's prehistoric past. Constructed around the 9th century BC using the cyclopean technique (large stones stacked without mortar), its distinctive inverted boat shape gives it its name, derived from 'nau' meaning ship. This architectural marvel is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved monuments of its kind in Europe. Instagram+2

Originally serving as a collective tomb, the Naveta des Tudons yielded significant archaeological finds. Inside, the remains of at least 100 individuals were discovered, alongside their funerary objects, including bronze bracelets and ceramics. These discoveries offer invaluable insights into the burial customs and daily lives of the island's Bronze Age inhabitants. Instagram+1

While its exact purpose beyond a tomb is debated, the sheer ingenuity and scale of the Naveta des Tudons highlight the advanced societal organization and architectural capabilities of the ancient Menorcan people. It stands as a powerful symbol of the island's rich Talayotic culture, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. Instagram+1

Capturing the Magic: Photography at Naveta des Tudons

Naveta des Tudons offers a unique canvas for photographers, especially those interested in astrophotography and landscape photography. The monument's ancient silhouette against the night sky, particularly the Milky Way, creates breathtaking scenes. Many visitors have shared stunning timelapses and long-exposure shots, showcasing the stars moving above this prehistoric structure. TikTokInstagram

For daytime photography, the golden hour around sunrise and sunset provides soft, warm light that accentuates the texture of the stones and the monument's form. Experimenting with different angles can reveal the subtle nuances of its construction and its integration with the surrounding landscape. The clear signage and easy access make it convenient to find the best vantage points. Reddit

When photographing, remember to be respectful of the site. While personal photography is encouraged, always stay on marked paths and avoid disturbing the environment. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the full scale of the Naveta, and for night shots, a tripod is essential for stability and sharp images. TikTok

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