Boutique hotel in a converted 17th-century watchtower on Menorca's north coast, with just 20 rooms and spectacular views over the sea to Cap de Cavalleria. The dramatic isolated setting and excellent restaurant make this one of Menorca's most characterful hotels.
Torre de Tramuntana is a boutique hotel on the north coast of Menorca, near the fishing village of Fornells, constructed around a converted 17th-century defensive watchtower that stands at the edge of a promontory overlooking the channel to Cap de Cavalleria. The tower itself — built as part of Menorca's coastal defence network against pirate raids and Ottoman naval threats — is the physical centrepiece of the property, and its thick stone walls and castellated top have been preserved as a visible reminder of the island's turbulent history. The hotel has 20 rooms distributed between the restored tower and a series of annexe buildings designed in Menorcan vernacular style, all with whitewashed facades and shuttered windows looking out over the sea or the scrubland landscape. Rooms in the tower occupy the former watch levels and have the most atmospheric interiors, with curved stone walls and slit windows offering dramatic coastal views. The hotel's restaurant has a strong regional reputation for its treatment of fresh Menorcan seafood, particularly caldereta de llagosta — the island's famous lobster stew — which is sourced directly from Fornells fishermen. The outdoor pool sits on a terrace above the rocky shoreline. Fornells village, approximately 3 kilometres away, is one of Menorca's most appealing communities, known for its colourful fishing harbour, seafood restaurants, and the calm, shallow waters of Port de Fornells bay, popular for kayaking and sailing. The north coast of Menorca is wilder and less visited than the south, and the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring Cap de Cavalleria, the island's northern tip.
Amenities
- sea views
- restaurant
- pool
- historic building
Location
Ctra. de Tramuntana, 07748 Fornells, Menorca
40.0456, 4.0125 View on map
Highlights
- Converted 17th-century coastal watchtower on Menorca's wild north coast, 3km from the fishing village of Fornells
- 20 rooms in the historic tower and vernacular annexes with sea views over the Cap de Cavalleria channel
- Restaurant known for Menorcan caldereta de llagosta using fresh lobster sourced directly from Fornells fishermen
- Outdoor pool on a terrace above the rocky north coast shoreline with panoramic sea views
- Ideal base for exploring Cap de Cavalleria, Menorca's dramatic and rarely visited northern tip
Tips for visiting
- Request a tower room for the most atmospheric stay with curved stone walls and original coastal watch-room character
- Caldereta de llagosta should be ordered 24 hours in advance — the restaurant sources it fresh from Fornells port
- Fornells village harbour is a 3km drive and worth an evening stroll and drinks on the waterfront
- The road to Cap de Cavalleria passes through protected landscape and reaches a lighthouse above dramatic cliffs — a must-do excursion
- The north coast experiences stronger tramuntana winds than the south; book a south-facing room if wind noise is a concern
Accessibility
The 17th-century watchtower has very limited accessibility due to its original construction with spiral stone staircases and uneven surfaces throughout. The annexe buildings are more accessible but still involve exterior steps and uneven ground. The property is largely unsuitable for wheelchair users; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Torre de Tramuntana's historical significance?
The watchtower was built in the 17th century as part of Menorca's coastal defence network to provide early warning of pirate raids and Ottoman naval activity. It is one of several surviving watchtowers around the Menorcan coastline and has been carefully preserved as the centrepiece of the hotel conversion.
Is a car necessary to stay at Torre de Tramuntana?
Yes. The hotel is in a rural north coast location 3 kilometres from Fornells and approximately 25 kilometres from Mahón. Public transport does not serve the area, and a rental car is essential for exploring the surrounding coastline.
What is Fornells known for?
Fornells is a picturesque fishing village on Menorca's north coast known for its colourful harbour, fresh seafood restaurants, and the caldereta de llagosta lobster stew that has made it one of the island's most celebrated dining destinations. The sheltered bay is also popular for kayaking and sailing.