The Poblat de Trepucó is one of the most impressive and well preserved prehistoric sites in Menorca, Spain.
Incredible preserved, this town still stands in the middle of a field halfway between the city of Maó and Sant Lluís, near the Aeropuerto de Sant Lluís (San Luis Aerodrome).
The feel of the place, specially at sunrise and dusk, is breathtaking. You are roaming around a town built thousands of years ago, able to run your hands around the main Taula (a large T-shape structure), or climb the large Talaiot, a rock structure that the sign at the site indicate could have been used as a signaling system (you will find them all over the island, specially near the coast). Some of the living quarters are still almost intact.
Some people I been to it with dismiss the site when compared to other places like the Giza Pyramids, completely missing the point and its beauty, and with its verdant, isolated location, it blows away them away.
A "must stop" if visiting Menorca. Photographer's delight in the morning and Sunset, specially during spring and fall. Caveat: Comfortable shoes, water, hats (some local pastries help).
Getting to it can be tricky for somebody not familiar with Menorca's travel grid. There are 3 main ways to access the site:
* From Maó, take the Cami Trepucó (Me-4) from the Maó roundabout (you will be in the right path if you go past a cemetery), South, South until you spot the signs to it or the Talaiot itself.
* From Maó, take the road to Sant Lluís (starting at the big plaza and bus depot) South. Turn on the roundabout to the Camino de los Barrots (?. Tricky), merge to the Cami Trepucó, same as before.
* From Sant Lluís, take the road to Maó North, past the Aerodrome and the industrial complex. Turn on the roundabout to the Camino de los Barrots (still tricky), merge to the Cami Trepucó South, same as before.
* From Es Castell (Villa Carlos), take the road to Maó North. At the very first roundabout go West, until literally run into it (no, I just hit the outer modern wall, but I got there =/ ).
There are three other ways, but you will need a local friend to guide you.
* The Good: Beauty, history, incredible views, an once in a lifetime stop if visiting. Go cycling to really enjoy the views to it and the site, or trek to it from Maó or Es Castell. If you take a cab, I will find you and smack you silly.
* The Meh: Parking (isn't always?). Reaaally windy during La Tramontana(?), so be careful climbing the Talaiot, specially kids. Raining?. Mud, mud, mud. No facilities/WC at present time.
* The Bad: GPS, a good detailed map or local help, or you going to do a lot of involuntary sightseeing. /=)
Highly recommendable. read more