Virgin Statue at Monte Toro, Menorca

Monte Toro, the highest hill, or as locals call it, the only mountain in Menorca stands at 358 metres above sea level and from its summit there are spectacular views around the entire island. According to local legend the hill was named for a bull which discovered a statue of the Virgin hidden in a rocky ravine but it is more likely to be derived from the Arabic ‘Al Tor’ meaning the mountain. Rising steeply above the central town of Es Mercadal, the hill is capped by a church and convent and a large statue to the Virgin Mary. The Franciscan nuns here open their doors to the public from the first Sunday in May until October, and the summit is a popular place of pilgrimage for devout islanders.