Walks and Treks
Enjoying Menorca on foot. Walks and treks across the island.
At the latest when your aircraft approaches the island airport or from ariel map images ( like the one below ) you will see just how sparsely populated Menorca is , how natural it remains and that its's cross crossed by a myriad of 'hidden' footpaths, tracks and narrow stonewall lined lanes. Much of the island's inland beauty can be enjoyed in short walks and longer treks.
You will be able to explore the coastline along the Camis de Cavalls, deep lush limestone gorges, pine forests, rolling hill scapes, pre-historic sites and idylic remote beaches. In 1993 Menorca was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Over 40% of the island is protected.
There are some great specialist walking guides on offer.
Watch out for the wild tortoises underfoot!
Camìs and the Camìs de Cavalls
Camis, the original road system of the island when horse and cart was the norm.
Menorca Tips
The island has an extensive network of the original bridalways/little roads ( " Camìs" ) built long before the arrival of the motor car. There have been extensive projects to re-open these and signpost them as part of walking and cycle tracks. Still only suitable for off road Bicycles. Best to just go. The island is so small you'll never get lost!
Menorca Holiday Tips
Here are a collection of walks and cycling trips done ( with regular updates ) and described by others on clear maps with points of interest on the way in photographs.
Walks and Cycling Treks
Cami de Cavalls routes like this one from Cala Galdana to Sant Tomas or Cala Galdana to Cala Turqueta will often have a rewarding beach along the way for a quick dip, so don't forget lots' of water and to pack swimwear/towel in your rucksack.
Cala Galdana : Cami de Cavalls to Virgin Beaches
Two long routes east and westward starting st Cala Galdana ( so you can stock up on last minute water,food for trip) along the recently opened and signposted original Cami de Cavalls. These original paths will take you along stunning coastlines where you can visit several of the islands most attractive Virgin Beaches. Bus no. 51 Mahon-Cala Galdana , Bus no. 52 Ciutadella-Cala Galdana and No. 53 From Ferreries.
Westward to Cala Turqueta 4.3 Km one way ( approx 3 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain easy ) also passing Cala Macarella virgin beach. Startpoint in Galdana is signposted at steps next to Hotel Audax,ewestern end of resort.
Eastward to Santo Tomas 4.4 Km one way ( approx 4.5 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain medium ) more up/down and also passing Cala Mitjana, Tebaluger, Escoxada . I.e te crem del creme of south coast virgin beaches. Startpoint in Galdana is along Avinguida de la Punta ( 3rd Left turn ).
Menorca Holiday Tip You could also have a friend drop off/pick up at either end as Turqueta/Santo Tomas is accessible by car.
Valley and Gorges to walk
Binigaus
The Binigaus Valley is very attractive and offers a couple of extra rewards for the walker. Cova des Coloms and the beautiful virgin beach of Binigaus at its coastal entrance.
Country House at Binigaus Nou
Cova des Coloms
Along the Barranc de Binigaus ( Binigaus Ravine ) you will find a spectacular cave called Covas des Colom also known as the 'Cathedral cave' due to the sheer height of its ceiling (24 meters high!). Previously used as a place of pre-historic worship. Binigaus valley is reached in land from Es Migjorn Gran ( follow the red arrows down a track starting at the old cemetery ) and from the coast from behind Binigaus beach.
Algendar Gorge
One of the most spectacular gorges on the island. About 6 kilometers long starting just outside Ferreries stretching to the south coast behind Cala Galdana where the river meets the sea. The easiest access point is at Cala Galdana. The gorge is cut out of one of the soft limestone plateaus so typical of the island.
Nature Parks
S'Albufera National Park is a lakeland, wetlands and marsh area of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by hills. It is protected habitat for wildlife, particularly birds. It is a stop over point on a major migratory route between Europe and Africa making it a favourite with birdwatchers.
S' Albufera Nature Reserve
S'Albufera Parc Natural - is a wonderful place for an early morning or evening walk (avoiding the summer heat) . Footpaths lead, through pleasant lakelandscapes and woodlands to the sand dunes behind the beautiful beach at Es Grau. Walk on further to the fishing village of Es Grau to enjoy beachside sunsets at the waterside Cafe Bars.
The park has a visitor centre and guided walking tours are available. Routes through the park are sign posted and scenic walks which can be taken at any time of the year without a guide.
The area around here is also great for walking and exploring. Follow the Cami de Cavalls from Es Grau beach past watchtowers to the coves of Cala Tamarells and Cala de sa Torreta. Further along you will come across the taula and talayot remains (pre-historic stone structures ) at Sa Torre Blanca.
The pretty authentic village of Es Grau lies inside the park making a good starting point ( long stay Car Parking) or even better still, returning point to sip a drink while the sun sets at one of the little Bar Restaurants near the beach.
Pre-Historic Sites
The island is covered with sites.
Guided Walking Tours
If you prefer the company of others or enjoy the added interest of a knowledgeable local guide there are some emerging walking tours on offer. Some with pickups from your accommodation,meals and swimming stops.
Walking Tour Service Companies
| Company | Services | Location | |||
Menorca Viva  |
Guided excursions, transport included,with meals and swim stops | www.menorcaviva.es |
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Menorca by Joan F Lopez Casasnovas
Includes attractive sets of photographs - translated from the spanish original. "As someone who has been visiting Menorca for more than 40 years I was utterly spellbound by the photographs in this book. I don't even know where half these places are so I have much more to explore."
Recommended walking guide books
Walk! Menorca by David Brawn
A personal and definitive guide (with GPS way points ) to walks on Menorca. New updated 2nd Edition published September 2009. 160 page full colour paperback guidebook with Colour photographs. Includes : Menorca - The Living Museum. Flora & Fauna. The Quirky Side of Menorca's Land Ownership. Location Maps. Walking Maps with Information and map Legend.
Menorca Tour and Trail Map by David Brawn
THE walkers map to the island. Superbly detailed large scale map of Menorca. At 1:40,000 scale this is the largest, most detailed, up-to-date map of the island that you can buy. 4th Edition is available in 'Super-Durable' and 'Map-Paper’'versions. Completely new for our 4th Edition are all the new walking routes from our new Walk! Menorca, the ancient Cami de Cavalls dispatch rider route around the island with both the opened and projected sections, the new cycling routes being promoted by the Consell de Menorca. A must for those wishing to explore the Cami de Cavalls
Landscapes of Menorca by Rodney Ansell
"Menorca is a peaceful island, free from most of the excesses of its neighbouring Balearic islands. Walks take you to some beautiful scenery, both inland and along the truly idyllic coastline. Rodney Ansell, the author, also tells you how to find the amazing prehistoric monuments to be found scattered all over the island. These will fascinate anyone with the imagination to conjure up visions of the ancient history of Menorca."
Includes 45 long and short walks, 18 picnic suggestions and 2 car tours
