Naveta des Tudons: history and Practical Visitor's Guide

La Naveta des Tudons is a prehistoric collective burial site, built of dry stone and shaped like an inverted ship, located on the Maó–Ciutadella highway (Me-1, km 40), about 4 or 5 kilometers from Ciutadella. General admission costs €2, and the monument can be viewed from the outside; visitors are not allowed inside the chamber. It is accessible by car, with a walk of about 400 meters from the parking lot, and admission is free on Mondays.

It is one of the most iconic monuments of Talayotic Menorca, the site inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in September 2023, and an easy stop to combine with a morning of heritage sightseeing in Ciutadella. This guide compiles the history and practical information verified in October 2026. The hours, admission fees, and pet policies are the official 2026 figures from the Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca (FFTM); it’s a good idea to confirm them before you go, as they are updated every year.

La Naveta des Tudons at a Glance

What is the Naveta des Tudons?

A naveta is a type of funerary structure found only in Menorca. The name comes from nau, “ship” in Catalan, because its silhouette resembles an upside-down boat. The Naveta des Tudons is the best known and is among the best preserved.

It was built using the cyclopean technique: large blocks of limestone fitted together dry, without mortar. It has an elongated floor plan, a rounded apse, and a slightly concave façade. Inside, there is an antechamber and two superimposed chambers—the lower and upper chambers—connected by a small vertical shaft. The most commonly cited dimensions are approximately 14 meters long, 6.5 meters wide, and 4.5 meters high, although sources differ by a few decimal places.

History of the Naveta des Tudons

When was it built?

Sources date it to between 1200 and 750 B.C., during the late Bronze Age and the early Talayotic period. Radiocarbon dating of the human remains narrows the range to between 976 and 822 B.C., according to Bonnin Sansó’s blog. Some authors place the origin of its use in the pre-Talayotic period, and there are isolated burials from the Roman and Islamic eras.

What Was Found Inside

The excavations uncovered the remains of at least 100 people, of various ages and both sexes, along with grave goods: bronze bracelets, bone buttons, pottery, and small vessels for offerings. Many of the artifacts are housed at the Museu de Menorca in Maó, so if you’d like to see them, it’s a good idea to combine your visit with a trip to the museum.

Excavation and Restoration

It was excavated and restored in the mid-20th century. Sources cite the 1950s and 1960s; official information from Menorca Talayòtica mentions work carried out in the 1960s under the direction of Lluís Pericot and Maria Lluïsa Serra, focusing on the roof and the apse, which had been looted. Before that, the naveta served for centuries as a shelter for livestock.

The 2018 Act of Vandalism

In March 2018, 81 stones were found covered in graffiti. The Island Council commissioned a team of restorers to clean them, a task that was completed in about a month. This is yet another reason to respect the fenced-off area and not touch the stones.

World Heritage Site

The naveta is part of Talayotic Menorca, a group of prehistoric sites that UNESCO inscribed on the World Heritage List in September 2023. It is one of the icons of the complex and one of the easiest to visit.

The Oldest Building in Europe?

Many guidebooks present it that way, but this claim should be taken with a grain of salt: some sources mention it with a “it is said,” while others qualify it as “the oldest surviving building.” What is clear, however, is that it is about 3,000 years old and in excellent condition.

The Legend of the Giants

According to tradition, two rival giants competed for a young woman, and the tragedy is said to explain why a stone is missing from the doorway. It’s a folk tale, not a historical fact, but it will help you picture the place.

Tickets and Prices for the Naveta des Tudons

Prices are the 2026 rates published by the Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca (FFTM). 

Naveta des Tudons Schedule

How to get to the Naveta des Tudons

The Naveta is located next to the main road between Maó and Ciutadella, at kilometer 40, and is about a 5-minute drive from Ciutadella. There are signs along the road, and the parking lot is equipped for cars and buses.

• By car: take the Me-1 toward Maó and follow the signposted turnoff at km 40.

• On foot from the parking lot: about 400 meters along a path through the fields to the monument.

• By public transportation: there is no bus that goes all the way to the naveta. If you don’t have a car, consider taking a taxi or joining an organized tour.

• Facilities: there is an information booth and restrooms next to the parking lot.

If you’re starting from the Cala Santandria area, the route usually goes along the Ciutadella ring roads to the Me-1 toward Maó; in the summer, you’ll encounter some traffic.

What to Expect from the Visit

The visit is simple but focused: you walk around the exterior of the naveta, read the informational panels featuring photographs of the restoration, and observe the stone construction technique. As a general guide, allow about 30 minutes in total, including the round-trip walk.

• Interior closed: for safety and conservation reasons, you cannot enter or climb the monument.

• Guided tours: the official website mentions private guides, such as those from Talaia Cultura and Nurarq, who help visitors understand the Talayotic context.

• Accessibility: official information indicates that the site is not suitable for people with limited mobility; the path is unpaved and about 400 meters long.

• With children: The walk is short and usually easy, and children under 8 are admitted free of charge.

• Heat: In summer, it’s best to go first thing in the morning and bring water and a hat, as the route is outdoors.

• Pets: Pets are allowed on a non-retractable leash no longer than 1.5 meters, provided they have a valid vaccination record and liability insurance. Dogs considered potentially dangerous (Royal Decree 287/2002) are not permitted; small animals must be carried in a carrier, and feeding the animals is not allowed. The FFTM reserves the right to refuse admission.

What to See Near the Naveta des Tudons

There are two uncrowded Talayotic archaeological sites in the surrounding area:

• Torretrencada: a Talayotic settlement featuring a taula with a lateral support column, lacking enclosing walls.

• Torrellafuda: a freely accessible site, featuring a talayot, an enclosed taula, and the remains of dwellings, set in a holm oak forest.

To round out the heritage tour, you can add the Lithica marés quarries, which we describe in our guide to visiting Líthica Menorca.

A half-day itinerary: naveta, quarries, and Ciutadella

1. 9:00 a.m. Naveta des Tudons. Arrive first thing in the morning, when there are fewer people and it’s cooler.

2. 10:00 a.m. Torrellafuda or Torretrencada. If you want to see a Talayotic settlement, both are nearby.

3. 11:00 a.m. Lithica. The marés quarries give you an idea of where Menorca’s stone comes from; check out the guide at Lithica for tickets and hours.

4. 1:30 p.m. Eating in Ciutadella. Check out where to eat in Ciutadella .

5. Afternoon. Historic center with What to see in Ciutadella in one day or relax at Cala Santandria .

Where to stay to discover Talayotic Menorca?

If you’re looking for a place to stay that combines heritage, coves, and cuisine, Rivelian Grand Menorca is located near Cala Santandria in Ciutadella. You can check out the rooms and suites to choose the one that best suits your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Naveta des Tudons

WhatWhat is the Naveta des Tudons?

It is a prehistoric collective burial site made of dry stone, shaped like an inverted ship, built about 3,000 years ago. The navetas were collective tombs and are a type of monument found only in Menorca.

How much does it cost to enter the Naveta des Tudons?

General admission is €2, and reduced admission is €1.20. Children under 8, tour guides, and visitors on Mondays enter for free.

What are the hours for the Naveta des Tudons?

According to the official 2026 schedule, it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. and closes at 3:15 p.m. (2:00 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is free on Mondays. It is a morning visit.

Can you go inside the Naveta des Tudons?

No. The interior is closed for safety and conservation reasons; it can only be viewed from the outside.

Where is the Naveta des Tudons, and how do I get there?

It is located at km 40 on the Maó–Ciutadella highway (Me-1), 4 or 5 km from Ciutadella. You can get there by car, and from the parking lot, it’s about a 400-meter walk; there is no bus service.

How old is the Naveta des Tudons?

About 3,000 years old. It dates from between 1200 and 750 B.C., and radiocarbon dating of the remains narrows the range to between 976 and 822 B.C.

Is the Naveta des Tudons a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

It is part of Talayotic Menorca, the site that UNESCO inscribed as a World Heritage Site in September 2023.

Can you bring a dog to the Naveta des Tudons?

Yes, provided they are on a non-retractable leash no longer than 1.5 meters, have a valid vaccination record, and are covered by liability insurance. Dogs considered potentially dangerous are not permitted.

Sources: FFTM – 2026 Rates , FFTM – 2026 Schedules , FFTM – Access with Animals , Talayotic Menorca – Naveta des Tudons , Menorca.info – Talayotic Menorca, World Heritage Site , Menorca.info – celebration of the designation (2023) , Wikipedia – Naveta des Tudons.