If you’re wondering what’s the highest point in Menorca? Then we’ll get straight to the point it’s Monte Toro or commonly known as El Toro. However, you probably want to know what’s the best way to visit Mont Toro. So read on below.
Menorca is a relatively flat island and if you’ve looking for beautiful mountain top sunsets then they’re aren’t many at all to pick from. But, beautiful sunsets can be seen from many Menorcan resorts to the south of the island, for example Cala Galdana, Santo Tomas or Cala Blanca.
If you’re looking for your mountain top sunset, then head no further than the highest point in Menorca – Monte Toro (El Toro). Monte Toro in Menorca stands at relatively tame 358 metres (1,175 ft). Although its diminutive size, compared to many other points on the island it stands tall and given this, provides beautiful views of the island and a great sunset and sunrise.
From the beautiful blue Mediterranean sea in the distance, with the coastline piercing out to it, lush greenery and foliage to the odd Finca or two and even coastal resorts in the distance. One of the best spots on Menorca for any keen photographer. Or, those looking for a a place to unwind from the relatively busy capital, Mahon.
Top Tips Before Visiting The Highest Point in Menorca – Monte Toro (El Toro)
- If you’re visiting by car, it’s free to park at the summit and there are no parking charges
- There’s café at the summit (Sa Posada del Toro) – serving a variety of food and drink to choose from
- Also a toilet at the top of Monte Toro in the café, which costs if you’re not a customer
- There’s a small gift shop
- You can visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Mount Toro for free
- There’s an impressive defence tower to see as well
- Wear sun cream and take additional sun cream with you
- Sunsets and sunrises. We’d recommend sunsets with maybe a glass or two of Prosecco to enjoy too
- You’re not above the clouds so views won’t always be perfect. Particularly earlier and/or later in the season (before June and September onwards)
- We recommend 1-2 hours is needed at the summit, at most
Search accommodation on the island of Menorca here.
Car to Monte Toro (El Toro)
Visiting Monte Toro by car is the most advised option. Due to a variety of factors including limited transport to the summit, the generous free parking at the summit and also the convenience and additional time you save by driving a car or scooter to the top.
Not only this, as if you’re hiring a car it may provide you the opportunity to visit some other areas of the island, such as the capital Mahon, or even the beautiful intimate coastal resort of Santo Tomas.
To visit Mont Toro by car head for the town of Es Mercadal which is quite central to the island. Access by car to Es Mercadal can be by various routes, but typically you’ll be using the main road the runs through the heart of the island, the Me-1. Although if from Fornells you’ll be using the Me-15 road.
From Es Mercadal to visit the summit head onto the Me-13 straight to the top through the winding roads. From the centre, only around 3-4 kilometres and shouldn’t take too much more than 10 minutes to reach the summit.
For those brave enough to walk, you may spot them on the side of the road – so please do be aware of their presences and keep an eye out.
As mentioned above in the top tips for Monte Toro, the car park is free on Monte Toro and there are usually more than enough spaces spread across the two car parks.
If you’re interested in hiring a car in Menorca, you can search for Menorca car hire here.
Bus To Monte Toro (El Toro)
Unfortunately there is no direct public bus taking you from any city or town to the summit of Monte Toro (El Toro). But don’t let this deter you.
The closet town to Monte Toro (El Toro) on Menorca is Es Mercadal. Which is relatively well connected from various buses on the island, see bus lines and routes below.
From Es Mercadal you can then either take a taxi to the summit or even walk. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from your immediate location. This may be the more efficient, definitely easier, but also it could be relatively cost effective, particularly if you are a family of four.
Your best bet however would be either renting a scooter or a car for the day. Not only will this be the most cost effective way to visit the highest point in Menorca but also allow you to visit some of the other beautiful location on the island, such as some of the best beaches in Menorca.
Line 1 – Maó – Hospital Mateu Orfila – Alaior – Es Mercadal – Ferreries – Ciutadella. And the opposite for the return route.
Line 41 – Es Mercadal – Fornells – Tirant – Son Parc – Arenal d’en Castell – Maó. And the opposite for the return route.
Line 51 – Maó – Alaior – Es Mercadal – Ferreries – Cala Galdana. And the opposite for the return route.
Line 72 – Ciutadella – Ferreries – Es Mercadal – Es Migjorn – Sant Tomàs. And the opposite for the return route.
All these bus routes, including stops and other information can be found on the official website here.
Walk To Monte Toro (El Toro)
The last option and probably our most least advised to reach the highest point in Menorca, is to walk, or hike to the summit.
From Es Mercadal the walking route is to take the same route as by car, follow the winding Me-13 road to the top.
This option isn’t advised for various reasons. You will be walking alongside a relatively busy road. If you decide to walk, we recommend walking into traffic to ensure if a car doesn’t spot you, you should spot them.
Menorca as an island can get very hot, just take a look at our weather in Menorca guide. And thus, walking in the peak summer months of during June, July or August is not best advised, with limited shade and the need for staying hydrated there are easier options.
The History Of Monte Toro (El Toro)
Monte Toro holds cultural and religious importance for the island. At the summit you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Toro (Our Lady of El Toro). A pilgrimage site and place of worship, attracting both locals and visitors who come to pay their respects and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The name Monte Toro (El Toro), possibly owes itself to an old story and belief that many years ago a bull protected the summit and blocked the way to anyone close by.
Several monks, drawn to the summit attempted to ascend the 358 metres. To their shock their found the bull there, defending the summit.
However, to their shock, instead of attacking the monks the bull spotted their religious crosses and guided them to a cave. In this cave, the monks discovered the image of the Virgin of the Bull, the island’s current patron saint.
Others believe a more traditional story. The name either deriving from Arab invasions and influence over time, with ‘Tor’ loosely translating to hill, height or high place. Alternatively, Catalan influence, with ‘turó’ in Catalan, meaning hill. But also el toro, meaning the bull.
We’ll let you make your mind up!
If you’re to visit now, it will be a much more relaxed environment than the monks.
The sanctuary and small church at the summit, built around 1670, await your visit. Inhabited by Franciscan nuns of the Misericordia offering days of service for reflection and gathering of the different Menorcan occasions.
