Cales Coves, Prehistoric beach complex in Alaior, Spain.
Cales Coves is a small cove in Alaior, Menorca, with two rocky beaches at the foot of tall vertical cliffs. Nearly a hundred caves were cut into these cliffs, forming the island's largest artificial necropolis. The caves are now closed with metal doors.
During the Bronze Age, Menorca's inhabitants transformed over a hundred caves into burial chambers, creating the island's largest necropolis. This burial ground reflects intensive use of the site across multiple periods.
The name Cales Coves combines the Catalan words for coves. In the Cova dels Jurats, 22 Roman inscriptions record a religious pilgrimage held there each May. From the Middle Ages the caves sheltered pirates, and in the 1960s hippies, some nudist, lived in them until metal doors sealed the entrances in 2001.
The walk from the parking area to the coves takes roughly twenty minutes through natural terrain. The site has no restrooms, showers, or restaurants, so bring water and snacks for your visit.
The caves were used as a hideout by Mediterranean pirates from at least the Middle Ages, and in the second half of the 20th century by hippie groups, some of them nudists, until the caves were closed in 2001 as dangerous. Metal doors now block the entrances.
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