3rd night in Arenal d’en Castell ▸ Club Hotel Aguamarina
Arenal d'en Castell▸Fornells
walking distance: 15,4 Km
ascent: ↗ 162 m
descent: ↘ 189 m
4th night in Fornells ▸ Hostal La Palma
Fornells▸Binimel-là
walking distance: 11,8 Km
ascent: ↗ 120 m
descent: ↘ 115 m
5th night in Ferreries ▸ Hotel Loar
Cami dels Alocs▸Cala Morell
walking distance: 16,3 Km
ascent: ↗ 323 m
descent: ↘ 287 m
6th night in Cala Morell ▸ Apartamento Sa Cala
Cala Morell▸Ciutadella
walking distance: 19,7 Km
ascent: ↗ 145 m
descensos totales: ↘ 183 m
7th night in Ciutadella ▸ Sagitario Hostal Ciutadella
departure day
ownwards airport transfer
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This programme is for you if you are in excellent physical condition; if you can cover steep slopes and have no vertigo or health problems; if you regularly do long walks and consider yourself a good sportsman, love nature and are respectful of the environment.
The origin of the Cami de Cavalls is linked to defensive and surveillance purposes. It is believed that its initial layout was established during the Middle Ages to facilitate the rapid movement of troops and cavalry around the island. This system allowed continuous surveillance of the coast to prevent and respond to pirate attacks and other maritime threats.
The British and French: During the 18th century, Menorca changed ownership several times between the British, French and Spanish. The British, in particular, improved and used the road to strengthen their coastal defences and facilitate communication between their various fortifications. Watchtowers and forts were built along the road, many of which can still be seen today.
With the definitive Spanish reconquest in 1802, the Cami deCavalls continued to be used for military and defensive purposes. The towers and fortifications continued to play an important role in protecting the island until the threat of an invasion diminished.
Today, the Cami deCavalls is also valued for its ecological importance.
The trail runs through protected natural areas, offering walkers spectacular views of the local flora and fauna. It is a green corridor that connects different ecosystems and landscapes of Menorca.
The Cami deCavalls, more than a path, is a living testimony to the history and resilience of Menorca, a cultural and natural jewel that invites you to explore and connect with the past and present of the island.
Cami deCavalls
Highlights of the trip:
Cami de Cavalls: a trail along the coast of Menorca
Crossing small beaches of surprising colours
unique small lodgings in charming enclaves
Menorca: Biosphere Reserve
Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO on 8 October 1993. This designation underlines the island’s natural and cultural wealth and its commitment to sustainable development.
Ecosystem Diversity: Menorca is home to a variety of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, cliffs, sea caves and unspoilt beaches.
The island is a vital habitat for many species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic.
Protected Species: The island is a refuge for migratory birds and native species such as the Mediterranean turtle.
There are also numerous marine species in the waters surrounding the island.
Cultural Heritage: Menorca has a rich archaeological heritage that includes prehistoric monuments such as talayots, taulas and navetas.
The influence of various cultures throughout history, including Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and British, has left a diverse cultural legacy.
Local festivities, such as the Fiestas de Sant Joan, are an integral part of life in Menorca.
Traditional crafts and gastronomy also form an important part of the island’s cultural identity.
Sustainable Development: The declaration as a Biosphere Reserve has promoted policies for the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
Reforestation projects, control of invasive species and protection of critical habitats are some of the initiatives underway. Menorcahas promoted a tourism model that seeks to minimise environmental impact and maximise benefits for the local community.
Ecotourism and outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, are popular with visitors.
Education and Science: The island is a living laboratory for scientific research in areas such as biology, ecology and environmental sciences.
Monitoring programmes are carried out to assess the state of the ecosystems and the effectiveness of conservation policies.
Educational programmes and awareness raising activities are carried out to involve the local community and visitors in the conservation of the island.
Initiatives such as workshops, talks and school activities help to promote greater environmental awareness.
The designation of Menorca as a Biosphere Reserve not only recognises its natural and cultural values, but also promotes a development model that balances conservation with the social and economic wellbeing of its inhabitants. This status helps to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the island’s resources and its beauty.
Cami deCavalls – Natural Heritage: Today, the Cami deCavalls is also acknowledged for its ecological importance. The trail runs through protected natural areas, offering walkers spectacular views of the local flora and fauna. It is a green corridor that connects different ecosystems and landscapes of Menorca.
Medieval origin of the Cami deCavalls:
The origin of the Camí deCavalls dates back to the 14th century, during the occupation of the Kingdom of Aragon. It was established as a means of communication and defence to protect the island from invaders and pirates.
The name Camí deCavalls translates as “Horse Path”, indicating its original use by mounted soldiers patrolling the coast.
Deterioration and Disuse
Over the centuries, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Cami de Cavalls fell into disuse. The modernisation of infrastructures and the development of new roads made the path less necessary for transport and defence purposes. Much of the path deteriorated, and some sections were even privatised or blocked by new constructions.
Recovery Process – Initiatives of the 1990s
The recovery of the Cami deCavalls began in earnest in the 1990s, driven by growing environmental awareness and interest in sustainable tourism.
Citizen and Political Mobilisation: Local organisations and citizens’ groups began to advocate for the restoration of the path. In 1996, the Consell Insular de Menorca, the island’s local government, took the initiative to recover and reopen the path.
Agreements and Expropriations: There was a long process of negotiation and, in some cases, expropriation of private land occupying parts of the road. This process was complicated and required a lot of time and effort to resolve legal disputes and obtain the consent of the landowners.
Restoration and Signage: Restoration work was carried out, including the cleaning and repair of the path, the construction of bridges and footbridges, and the installation of appropriate signage for hikers.
Inauguration and Current Use
The Cami deCavalls was officially reopened in 2010. Today, the trail is divided into 20 stages and stretches for about 185 kilometres around the island. It is used by hikers, cyclists and horse riders alike.
Arrival in Menorca and transfer on your own to the hotel in Maó.
Informative video call to explain all the details of each stage.
+ Hostal Jume Urban Rooms (...or similar - Maó)
2
Day 2
1st stage: Maó ▸ Es Grau
After breakfast, you can leave your luggage at the reception desk and start your first stage walking northwards. After crossing the historic centre and skirting the large inlet that forms the port of Maó, the path heads towards the sea.
Along the east coast, the path crosses a series of small coves that follow one after the other until Es Grau.
Leaving the Binillautí cove behind, the Cami de Cavalls leads through an area of abandoned fields and undergrowth until it reaches Es Grau, an old fishing village nestled in a sheltered cove that gives its name to the place.
14 km | ↗ 221 m | ↘ 247 m
Apartamento Es Grau (or similar - Es Grau)
3
Day 3
2nd stage: Es Grau▸ Arenal d'en Castell
Today's stage is the longest of this route through the north of Menorca. Leaving Es Grau behind, the path heads towards the Favàritx lighthouse, located in the northeast corner of Menorca.
The still photo of the islet d'en Colom follows one after the other during the progress of this stage and disappears at the turn of Cap de Favàritx, at which point the route heads west.
The old military barracks lead off the stretch of coastline, from where the path penetrates inland until it reaches the extensive bay of Cala Addaia and finally S'Arenal d'en Castell.
21,6 km | ↗ 324 m | ↘ 301 m
Club Hotel Aguamarina (or similar - Arenal d'en Castell)
4
Day 4
3rd stage: Arenal d'en Castell ▸ Fornells
The third stage will take you to Playa de Fornells Beach, located between two large promontories in the northern half of Menorca. The path enters a wooded area after leaving Arenal d'en Castell.
After reaching the bay of Fornells, extensive cultivated areas follow one after the other with great views of the sheltered cove. The path heads north through former salt marshes, now a tourist and residential centre for Menorcans.
15,4 km | ↗ 162 m | ↘ 189 m
+ Hostal La Palma (or similar - Fornells)
5
Day 5
4th stage: Fornells ▸ Binimel-là
Today's stage is slightly shorter although it crosses lonely places of extreme beauty. Leaving Fornells Beach behind, you will reach the Punta de Sa Cova Ses Orelles, where an ancient Roman camp is located.
The path follows the coastline along an endless number of beaches and coves with intense turquoise-blue waters. At ‘Cap de Cavalleria’ the path crosses the remains of an old Roman camp, a bunker of the Spanish Civil War and continues along the coast to Cala Binimel-là. Here the driver will be waiting for us to take us to Ferreries in a short transfer of 15 minutes.
11,8 km | ↗ 120 m | ↘ 115 m
+ Hotel Loar (or similar - Ferreries)
6
Day 6
5th stage: Cami dels Alocs ▸ Cala Morell
Another short transfer will take you to the Cami des Alocs, from where you will take the Cami de Cavalls on its itinerary for the next stage towards the west.
The route to Cap de Ferro is a stretch with gentle cliffs facing the ‘tramontana’, the wind that comes from the north and lashes this part of the Mediterranean. Once past Punta Rotja, the beautiful coves and small beaches return, offering a refreshing swim for the walker.
A little further on, Cala Morell appears to put an end to today's stage. If there is no accommodation available, a driver will take you to Ciutadella where you will spend the next night.
16,3 km | ↗ 323 m | ↘ 287 m
+ Apartament Sa Cala (or similar - Cala Morell)
7
Day 7
6th stage: Cala Morell ▸ Ciutadella
The last stage starts at Cala Morell, on the way to Ciutadella, in the extreme west of Menorca.
We can already feel the air of civilisation as we approach the port city, but before reaching Ciutadella we are still surprised by Cala Santandria and Caleta d'en Gorries.
The route skirts the Port de Menorca and enters the old part of the city, ending at the last accommodation on this journey.
19,7 km | ↗ 145 m | ↘ 183 m
+ Sagitario Hostal Ciutadella (or similar - Ciutadella)
8
Day 8
Departure or extension
Transfer on your own to the airport or extension of your stay on the island.
TOUR LOCATION
Travel the entire north coast of Menorca along the Cami de Cavalls, from Maó to Ciutadella in 6 stages.
It is also possible to book some additional days, before or after the hiking week, or an additional week to relax.
Difficulty
To successfully achieve the 6 stages from Camí de Cavalls it is necessary a good physical condition, a healthy condition and steady walk and. According to the year season, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is necessary to have suitable warm clothes permanently, to be removed as layers if necessary. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.
Trails
Menorca has a well signposted network of trails. All sections where from our tours are perfectly marked. In addition to the detailed map of the island, you will get from us precise indications of each route and assistance from the hotline on your walks.
We recommend
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the tours, it is necessary to have food and drink enough, as well as sun protection, a cap, wind jacket and, in the winter months, warm clothing.
Luggage transfer
We move your luggage from one accommodation to next, so on your hikes you should only carry a backpack with the essentials of the day. For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.
You can book at any date!
fly to Menorca
other options to think about
The regional airline Air Nostrum, a subsidiary of IBERIA, offers multiple daily connections (45-minute flight) between Mallorca and Menorca.
If you cannot find a direct flight with suitable times or prices, you can explore the option of flying to Mallorca (an island that, due to its importance as a tourist destination, has a wide range of flights) and connecting from there to Menorca 😉
Alberto
Responsable de organización
Do you have any questions? I am happy to help you. I will answer any questions you may have!
Book early! ...and get a 6% discount for bookings more than 90 days in advance, between October 1st and April 30th
865 € ▸ 816€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 235 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 1395 € ▸ 1310 €
The Balearic Islands apply a tourist tax that will be collected at each establishment upon arrival. This tourist tax ranges from €2 to €3 per person/accommodation, depending on the type of establishment and the time of year. Our prices do not include this tourist tax. Want to know more? Follow the linkTourist Tax
Any arrival date is possible - You decide your travel dates and when to start. However, we must first request availability to the accommodations.
Booking: With an initial payment of 150 € (per person), book now and guarantee your trip. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
What does this programme include?
Accommodations - 7 nights in different small charming hotels or apartments, B&B basis
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device
+ Private transfers - all necessary luggage & persons transfers for each stage, except on arrival & departure day
Support 24h - we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or enquiry you may have
What is NOT included?
▸Flights to/from Menorca island
▸Airport transfer on arrival & departure days
▸Tourist tax
▸Lunches & Dinners
Cancellation Policy
▸ Up to 14 days before the date of arrival, 100% refund.
▸Between 13 and 7 days before the arrival date, 50% refund, or free of charge dates change.
▸ Between 6 and 3 days before the arrival date, 25% refund, no date changes permitted.
▸48 hours before the arrival date, 0% refund, no date changes permitted.