The Island of Minorca (or Menorca), declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, remains largely untouched as it is controlled by the small local population who want to preserve the islands natural beauty. The Camí de Cavalls is an ancient path that surrounds Minorca and follows its coastline, connecting ancient watchtowers and lighthouses and taking you to isolated coves and through untouched gullies.
The Island of Minorca (or Menorca), declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, remains largely untouched as it is controlled by the small local population who want to preserve the islands natural beauty.
The Camí de Cavalls is an ancient path that surrounds Minorca and follows its coastline, connecting ancient watchtowers and lighthouses and taking you to isolated coves and through untouched gullies.
This is the best way to experience the heritage of the island and discover the most diverse ecosystem in the Mediterranean.
Price:
£ 895.00 per person, based on 2 people sharing a room
£840 per person for 4 or more people
Single supplement on request
Included:
Not Included:
When to go:
1st May – 30th June and 1st September – 31st October
Day 1: Arrival Mao (Mahon)
Tonight you will stay at a charming hotel situated near the historic center of Maó, offering magnificent views of the city’s natural port.
Day 2: Transfer to Es Grau and walk to Arenal del Castell -23km /6h- 6h30 walk
Leaving the beach at Es Grau behind, you enter the Albufera wetlands with its high level of biodiversity. The Morella lagoon is the largest, and is home to many tamarinds. Continuing along the coast, the path leads to Cap Favàrtix you pass through typical Minorcan agricultural surroundings.Overnight Arenal d’en Castell.
Day 3: Walk Arenal del Castell – Fornells -11km/ 3h walk
Today is an easy-going section of the Camí de Cavalls. Starting at the beach in Arenal d’en Castell, it follows the coast until Son Saura beach. Here there is a dune system and a marsh with vegetation in very good condition. The woods at s’Albufera des Comte are also of interest because of the great variety of plants. The Paleo-Christian basilica at Cap des Port de Fornells is also worth a visit.The Torre de Fornells (lookout tower) is visible on the western bank of the port’s mouth. Built in the early 19th century during the British domination, its aim was to prevent enemy or pirate vessels invading the island via the port. Overnight in the idyllic fishermen’s village of Fornells.
Day 4: Walk Fornells – Cala Els Alocs – 23.5km /6h walk
This route runs along one of the best preserved sections of the island’s coast. The entire area has been declared a SCI (Site of Community Importance) by the EC, as well as being awarded an SPA (Special Protection Area) distinction for birds. This section is of great geological value, as there are many different natural environments where biodiversity is concentrated.You follow through one of the most abrupt parts of the north coast, characterised by sloped terrain covering a long stretch of untouched coast. These steep slopes give rise to unique natural landscapes, such as those found at Cala Pregonda, where the yellow tinge of volcanic rocks attract At the end of the walk, transfer to Ferreries for overnight.
Day 5: Transfer to Els Alocs and walk to Cala Morell. 18km/ 5h walk
The route crosses scenes that are typical of Minorca’s north coast, with views of crystal clear waters providing a sharp contrast with the terracotta red of the rocks and the yellow sands.Following the coastline, the path leads to Cala Morell. There is an an important necropolis dating back to the Talayotic age on the impressive cliff face, formed by caves dug into the rock.At the end of the walk transfer to Ciutadella for overnight.
Day 6: Short transfer to Cala Morell and walk to Ciutadella 19km/ 5h30 walk
Gentle slopes characterise the land, apart from at Cala Morell where the deep gorge marks a strong contrast against the smooth terrain.Punta Nati has a historical lighthouse that was built during last century in order to reduce the vast number of shipwrecks caused when strong storms affected this part of the coast.Following the coastline, you reach Ciutadella’s port and its historic centre.
Day 7: Transfer to Son Xoriguer and walk to Cala Galdana 16km / 4h walk
Leaving Son Xoriguer, the landscape changes to reveal extensive rocks broken up by small coves; some of these beaches have rich dune foliage and provide a shelter for the many water birds.At Cala en Turqueta, oak woods come into view and will accompany the path along the south coast.The route alternates between dry areas and shaded and humid patches hidden within the gorges where vegetation is well protected from the wind.Overnight Cala Galdana.
Day 8: Walk Cala Galdana to Cala En Porter – 25km / 6h30 walk
This route crosses several of the island’s most important gorges. These geological formations, a typical feature of Minorca, reward those taking this path with some impressive views and landscapes.This section is ideal for admiring the beauty of Minorca’s south coast and the scenery varies considerably, showing the biodiversity in these ecosystems.Overnight Cala en Porter.
Day 9: End of the trip after breakfast
Transfer to Mao airport or extra nights can be arranged
Accommodation
Mahon : Hotel Mirador del Port ***
Mercadal/Arenal : Hotel Aguamarina ***
Fornells : Hotel S’Algaret Charming hotel **
Ferreries : Hotel Loar ***
Ciutadella : Hotel Albranca Charming typical hotel
Cala Galdana : Hotel Artiem Audax ***
Cala en Porter : Hotel Sa Barrera ***
Difficulty of walk:
The terrain is easy so as long as you can manage the mileage, it is suitable for everyone.
When to go:
1st May – 30th June and 1st September to 31st October.
July and August possible but please ask for costs as the hotels are more expensive and we would need to check availability.
