Torre de Fornells

Torre de Fornells is a coastal defence tower guarding the entrance to Fornells bay, in the municipality of es Mercadal on Menorca. Built at the turn of the 19th century during the last period of British rule on the island, it remains one of the most recognisable reminders of that era along the northern coast.

What is the history behind the tower?

The British built the tower between 1801 and 1802, during a period when Menorca was once again under their control. Its purpose was straightforward: watch over the entrance to Fornells port, prevent enemy ships from landing troops on the shore, and back up the defence of the nearby Sant Antoni fort. Together these fortifications were meant to seal the bay off from any attack coming from the sea. Once the British period ended, the tower lost its military role and stood abandoned for decades. It was finally bought by the Ajuntament des Mercadal in 1994, and handed over to the Consell Insular de Menorca two years later. Following restoration work, the tower opened to visitors in 2000 and has been open as a heritage site ever since.

What will you see inside?

The tower has a distinctive tapering, truncated-cone shape - it is one of the largest structures of its kind built by the British on Menorca. The walls were raised using a dry-stone technique, with the exterior reinforced by sandstone blocks, giving the tower a rugged yet solid appearance.

Inside, the structure is divided into four levels, each with its own purpose. At the bottom sits a cistern, used to collect rainwater - a vital resource for a garrison cut off from the rest of the island. Above it were the stores for food and weapons, while the next floor served as living quarters for the soldiers stationed there. At the very top, on the open terrace, artillery pieces were mounted, and from here the garrison kept watch over the surrounding area - the view takes in both the port entrance and a wide stretch of coastline.

How do you get there?

The tower stands right by the port in Fornells, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot from the village centre, walking along the waterfront. Fornells sits within the es Mercadal municipality, in the northern part of Menorca, reached via a local road connecting the coast to the island's main route. For visitors touring Menorca by car, it's an easy stop to pair with a walk around the village itself, known for its fish restaurants and bay views.

When is the best time to visit?

Fornells and its surroundings come alive mainly during the summer season, when the bay fills with sailing boats and windsurfers, and the weather makes waterfront walks pleasant at any time of day. Spring and early autumn, by contrast, are quieter, letting you take in the view from the tower over the bay and the surrounding hills without the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Torre de Fornells built? The tower was built between 1801 and 1802, during the last period of British rule on Menorca.

What was the tower used for? It watched over the entrance to Fornells port, prevented enemy ships from landing troops, and supported the defence of the nearby Sant Antoni fort.

Can you visit the tower today? Yes, after restoration it opened to the public in 2000 and has functioned as a heritage site open to visitors since then.

Where exactly is the tower located? It stands right next to the port in the village of Fornells, within the es Mercadal municipality on Menorca's northern coast.