Naveta de Ses Arenes de Baix

The stones of Ses Arenes de Baix were laid without mortar more than three thousand years ago, to hold the dead of a whole community. Navetas like this one are found only on Menorca, and the best known of them draw tour groups all day.

This one is little known and little publicised. It has been excavated, and an information board stands about 40 m from the tomb to explain what was found. Getting in takes some luck, because the site sits on private land. If the gate is open, you get a Bronze Age burial chamber with only the Menorcan countryside around it.

• The naveta is on private property. By law the access gate must be left open on set days, but those days are not posted, so you may find it shut.
• The nearest car park is about 860 m away in a straight line; the rest of the approach is on foot.
• There are no toilets and no drinking water nearby. Bring water, especially in summer.

The naveta lies in the countryside of Ciutadella, on a private estate. The nearest car park is about 860 m away in a straight line, and from there the approach is on foot.

By bus, the nearest stops are La Vall, Algaiarens, platja and POICI - Sabaters, both about 3.4 km away in a straight line, which makes for a long walk either way.

Access is through a gate on the estate. By law it must be left open on set days, but those days are not posted. An information board stands about 40 m from the tomb. There are no toilets and no water nearby, so fill a bottle before you set out.

Best: spring and autumn, early or late in the day. Avoid: midday in high summer.

The approach from the car park is on foot with no drinking water nearby, Menorca's summer sun is hard at midday, and low morning and evening light picks out the texture of the dry-laid stone.

Naveta de Ses Arenes de Baix stands on private property. By law the access gate must be left open on set days, but those days are not posted, so you may arrive to find it shut. Do not climb over or force it.

Once inside, close any gates behind you and keep off the walls. The tomb is a protected prehistoric monument, and its stones are laid without mortar.