Cami deCavalls North

The northern route of the Camí de Cavalls (GR-223) follows Menorca's tramuntana coast, from Maó to Ciutadella. It covers roughly stages 1 to 10 of the trail: Maó – Es Grau – Favàritx – Arenal d'en Castell – Son Parc – Fornells – Binimel·là – Els Alocs – Algaiarens – Cala Morell – Punta Nati – Ciutadella. In total, it spans around 100 kilometres of the trail's full 185 kilometres.

Most hikers complete the northern section in 4 to 6 days, depending on pace and where they stay overnight. The official stages range from 5 to 14 kilometres, so it's common to combine two short stages into a single day. A comfortable itinerary would be: day 1 (Maó–Favàritx), day 2 (Favàritx–Son Parc), day 3 (Son Parc–Binimel·là), day 4 (Binimel·là–Algaiarens) and day 5 (Algaiarens–Ciutadella).

The stage between Binimel·là and Els Alocs (stage 7) is considered the toughest of the entire Camí de Cavalls. Although it's only about 8.9 kilometres long, the terrain is very rugged, with constant climbs and descents through ravines, rocky ground, and a total lack of shade and supply points. It's best tackled well rested, with plenty of water and proper hiking boots.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal: mild temperatures, fewer crowds and the landscape at its best. In summer, the heat and lack of shade on the north coast can make the stages very demanding, and in winter the tramuntana wind blows hard along this shoreline, although the trail remains passable all year round.

The tramuntana is the northerly wind that frequently batters this coast of Menorca and has shaped its landscape: low, wind-bent vegetation, eroded cliffs and a wilder coastline than the south. On days with strong tramuntana, take extra care along the clifftop sections (especially between Favàritx and Cala Morell) and protect your skin and eyes from airborne sand.

The north is the least populated area of the island, so planning is essential. The only settlements with services along the route are Es Grau, Arenal d'en Castell, Son Parc, Fornells and Cala Morell. Between Fornells and Els Alocs, and between Algaiarens and Ciutadella, there are no fountains or shops, so it's recommended to carry a minimum of 2 litres of water per person per stage (3 in summer).

Yes. The Camí de Cavalls is an officially certified long-distance footpath (GR-223) with consistent waymarking: wooden posts bearing the trail's mark, signposts at the start of each stage and the classic white-and-red GR stripes. In addition, the traditional Menorcan wooden gates (which must always be closed behind you) mark the passage between private estates.

No. The Camí de Cavalls is a public right of way protected by law (Law 13/2000 on the Camí de Cavalls), and travelling it on foot, by bike or on horseback is free and open to all. No booking or fee is required, although you must respect the rules of the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park and the Biosphere Reserve.

No. Wild camping and bivouacking are prohibited in Menorca, including on the unspoilt northern coves such as Pregonda and Cavalleria. Overnight options include accommodation in the coastal settlements (Es Grau, Fornells, Son Parc, Cala Morell), rural hotels (agroturismos) inland, or transfer services that pick hikers up at the end of each stage and drop them off again the next morning.

The northern section concentrates some of Menorca's most iconic landscapes: the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the Favàritx lighthouse with its lunar slate scenery, the bay of Fornells, the reddish beaches of Cavalleria and Binimel·là, the iconic Cala Pregonda with its golden islets, the twin coves of Algaiarens (La Vall), the settlement and prehistoric caves of Cala Morell, and the arid landscape around the Punta Nati lighthouse.

The Camí de Cavalls allows mountain biking and horse riding, but the north is its most technical sector. Stages such as Binimel·là–Els Alocs and Els Alocs–Algaiarens include rocky stretches and ravines where many cyclists have to carry their bikes. Intermediate riders often opt for inland variants on those sectors, while the rest of the northern route is demanding but rideable.

Menorca has bus lines (TIB) connecting Maó and Ciutadella with Es Grau, Arenal d'en Castell, Son Parc and Fornells, especially in high season. However, points such as Favàritx, Binimel·là, Els Alocs and Algaiarens have no public transport, so many hikers rely on taxis, transfer services specialising in the Camí de Cavalls, or leaving a car at each end of the stage.

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Camí de Cavalls, preferably on a lead, as the trail crosses working farmland with sheep and cattle as well as bird-nesting areas. Inside the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, dogs must be kept on a lead, and in summer bear in mind that many beaches restrict access for animals, and that heat and lack of water pose a real risk to them.

The essentials: trekking footwear with good soles (the terrain is very rocky), high-factor sun protection, a cap or hat, sunglasses, a windproof jacket (for the tramuntana), swimwear and a lightweight towel, a minimum of 2–3 litres of water, food for the whole stage, a basic first-aid kit, a fully charged phone and an offline map or GPS track, since mobile coverage drops out on several stretches between Fornells and Cala Morell.

The north is Menorca's wild side: dark slate and sandstone cliffs, red and golden beaches, the tramuntana wind, fewer services, and tougher, lonelier stages. The south, by contrast, offers the postcard coves of white sand and turquoise water (Macarella, Turqueta, Mitjana), shady pine woods, more tourist hubs and a generally gentler profile. Many hikers consider the north the most authentic and spectacular part of the trail.