Salinas de La Concepción

The “Salinas de La Concepción,” on the north coast of Menorca, are historic salt pans founded in 1853 and abandoned in the 1990s. After years of decay, a restoration launched in 2022 aimed to revive traditional salt production while preserving the original layout and techniques. The project rebuilt walls, restored clay basins by hand, and reinstated the historic system of channels and evaporation ponds. Production resumed in 2023, bringing back artisanal methods and reconnecting the site with the local community.
Set within the Menorca Biosphere Reserve, the project also integrated environmental measures such as bird habitats and water filtration. It now supports local employment, education, and sustainable tourism. Recognised as a model for heritage and landscape recovery, it received the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Awards 2026 for successfully combining conservation, ecology, and the revival of traditional craft.