DAY 1
Arrive Menorca / Mahón
Menorca has excellent flight links from most UK and European countries. Flight time from London is about 2h30. The airport is 4.5km from Mahon and taxis and regular buses are available .
Mahón is a historical port city of narrow lanes situated on the hill overlooking the blue waters of the bay. Occupied by English, French and Spanish troops over a period of 150 years (from the late 17th to the early 19th centuries), there is plenty to explore and the city centre boasts an interesting mix of architectural styles.
Walk: Optional city stroll
Overnight: Small 3* Hotel, Mahon
Your hotel is located in the heart of Mahon. The Hotel has 16 spacious rooms, each individually decorated and well equipped. Frescoes and paintings depict the island’s history and good service make this a welcoming hotel.
DAY 2
Walk from Es Grau to Port d’Addaia
Your day begins with a transfer to the fishing village of Es Grau, just outside S’Albufera Natural Park, where you join the Cami de Cavalls. Your first walk takes you through marshes and dunes, which surround a huge freshwater lake.
Once past Cape Favaritx, the landscape becomes more rugged. The only splash of colour in this stark landscape are the bright pink blooms of Carpobrotus. The terrain changes again as you walk through an area of salt water marshes before arriving in the holiday town of Port d’Addaia. A short transfer brings you to your hotel in Fornells, Menorca’s northernmost fishing village.
Walk: 19 km, 5-6 hrs, 350 ascent/descent
Overnight: Restaurant with Rooms, Fornells
This lively cafe right on the town square has simply decorated but comfortable rooms, which overlook the swimming pool. Enjoying coffee & breakfast on the town square is a delight.
DAY 3
Fornells to Cala S’Alocs
A short taxi transfer brings you to Cap de Cavalleria, where you pick up the Camí de Cavalls for a splendid walk along the rough, isolated coastline of the island’s most mountainous area.
The terrain alternates between rocky cliffs and low marshlands, and you traverse Mediterranean woodlands which are home to a wide variety of birds. Along the way, you can stop for a rest at a café on the beach, before reaching Cala S’Alocs, where you’ll be met for the transfer to your accommodation in Cala Morell.
Walk: 17 km, 5-6 hrs, 600m ascent, 600m descent
Overnight: Farmstay, Cala Morell
Juan and Esperanza welcome you to their beautiful farm for the next two nights. Nestling in lovely surroundings the farm has eight beautifully decorated rooms, a swimming pool and the menu features local produce.
DAY 4
Walk from Cala S’Alocs to Cala Morell
You start your walk today at Platja Cala Pilar. Today the route winds through a flatter landscape and open farmland. This is an area famed for the production of Queso de Mahón, a local cheese, made at the old farmsteads which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today’s walk is relatively easy and you should have time this afternoon to relax around the swimming pool at the Agroturismo.
Walk: 14 km, 4 hrs, 200m ascent, 200m descent
Overnight: Farmstay, Cala Morell
DAY 5
Walk from Cala Morell to Cales Picas
Today’s route starts in Cala Morell, and takes you into an area littered with ancient dwellings from the Talayotic period.
Surrounded by typical Mediterranean vegetation – rosemary, rockrose, chamomile - you walk toward a dry limestone plateau, where the tramuntana wind blows constantly across fields enclosed by high walls. No modern houses in sight, just the strange pyramidal structures from earlier times. Your route ends in Cales Piques, where you catch a bus (or continue on foot) to the pretty port town of Ciutadella.
Walk: 14 km, 4.5 hrs, 250m ascent, 250m descent
Overnight: Comfortable 2* Hotel, Ciutadella
Perfectly located in the centre of Ciutadella, the medieval capital of Menorca, your modern hotel has 42 comfortable bedrooms and is the perfect base to explore this beautiful medieval town.
DAY 6
Walk from Son Xoriguer to Cala Galdana
After a short transfer to Son Xoriguer you continue your walk along the coast of Menorca. You will enjoy a day of lovely walking through woodlands of oaks, firs and wild olive trees and pass gorgeous coves such as Platges de Son Saura or Cala en Turqueta. So make sure you pack your swimmers! After lunch the terrain becomes more rugged, and you traverse deep ravines, or barrancos, to reach the coastal village of Cala Galdana.
There should also be time for an optional excursion into the Barranc d’Algendar, Menorca’s most spectacular gorge, and time for a swim at the pool or in sea!
Walk: 15 km, 4.5 hrs, 250m ascent / descent
Overnight: 4* Resort Hotel, Cala Galdana
Situated less than 100m from the white sands and crystal clear waters of Cala Gladana Beach this large 4* spa and wellness hotel boasts several restaurants, a huge pool and large spa. The perfect spot to relax after a good day’s walk.
DAY 7
Walk from Cala Galdana to Son Bou
The last day of the walk is a varied and interesting journey. You begin your walk on the beach at Cala Mitjana, cross Migjorn plateau, home to the Mediterranean species, Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hernanni) and later after leaving the Camí dels Cavalls visit the ruins of the 5th Century Paleo-Christian chapel at Son Bou. Where we will meet you for your transfer back to Mahón.
Walk: 14 km, 4.5 hrs, 350m ascent / descent
Overnight: Small Hotel, Mahon
DAY 8
Departure Day
Your holiday finishes after breakfast when you depart from the hotel. The airport is a short taxi ride and buses are also available.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point along the walk or in Mahon, a great base to relax for a few days. If you would like to extend your stay in the Balearic Islands this trip combines very well with our walking or cycling holidays on Mallorca (Ferries daily) to make a two week holiday.
Tailor Made Holidays
We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange tailor made walking holiday.
Grade & Fitness
This walking tour is graded easy to moderate. Long walking routes, but very little ascent / descent. Well-marked walking paths. Walks of 4-6 hrs, average ascent/descent of 250m. You should have a reasonable level of walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.
Navigation
The walks on this holiday are well marked and we supply route notes and maps. You should be comfortable reading a map and following directions.
Accommodation
You will stay in five carefully selected hotels, guesthouses and farm stays as you make your journey around the island. These range from large four star resort hotels to small restaurants with rooms. Each is different and offers a warm welcome and an authentic experience of Menorca.
Alternate Accommodation
During high season, you might be booked into different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as transfer and room costs are not shared.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning. One dinner is included. Lunch and dinner are not included on other days. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. Your route notes have details for each day. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Transfers
Local taxi transfers are included on days 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 as required by the itinerary.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.
How fit do I need to be?
The walking is easy to moderate but some days are long, although with little ascent & descent so you shoudl enjoy a good level of walking fitness.
Which is the best airport to fly to?
Menorca, which is served by low cost, charter and scheduled airlines.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially in Spring and Autumn. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
When is the best time of year?
The best months for walking are April through June and September, October & November.
