Cami de Cavalls - Best Stages?

Cami de Cavalls - Good to Know

The Camí de Cavalls path encircles the whole coastline of Menorca and is freely accessible to casual walkers,hikers,mountain bikers and horse riders.

What can you expect? - the fully signposted route consists of wildly varying sections made up from rough tracks, paths across farmland, surfaced and unsurfaced 'Camis' ( single track roads) and the occasional modern road where the route passes through a coastal development.

The path is well signed (to international standards ) with distintictive vermillion signs. Climate sun stroke/dehydration risks!, best seasons are spring and autumn. No water sources or wells along route.

It is a great way to see the beautiful coastline but the pathways are 'au natural' so take care close to cliff edges! and wear suitable footwear. You may find yourself in remote locations Safety and Consideration

Cami de Cavalls what to expect on the stages - Diverse Terrains!

It is possible to enjoy shorter easy to walk sections , longer remote and rugged stages for experienced hiking fans. In general the northern stages are wilder with some tougher routes with climbs/descents. Good planning is essential if you want to experience multiple stages.

You will see the history of the island's defence from invaders - Watch towers & civil war bunkers. Wild goats and tortoises.

Stages and Way Markers - key to exploring the Cami de Cavalls GR-223

The 184 kilometres of path is divided into 20 numbered stages ( 5 to 14 km ), each of which is clearly signposted and with information panels giving details of that particular stretch. - this and many guides will often refer to these stage numbers.

What makes the GR-223 route special?

Travelling the Cami de Cavalls you will experience a wonderfull cross-section of the diversity of Menorca's landscape. You can walk,horse-ride or cycle along impressive clifftop paths looking out over turquoise waters and amazing virgin beaches and coves. Rugged openscapes in the North, more sheltered greener paths in the south. The path leads through meadows and forests where pine trees, holm oaks and pines provide shade in the hotter summer months.

Accommodation for multi day trips

There are no overnight huts or such like travellers accommodation other than the existing infrastructure in the beach resorts along the route and inland/coast towns - careful planning is required. Allthough given the smallness of the island taxis inland to/from an accommodation base are around max., 20 euro Taxi one way means it's not as difficult as it may first seem.

Wild camping is not allowed, however the law does allow for bivouacking on the remote beaches/bays ( no fires and pack up before 6am ) . Organised walking / riding tours might be an option who will take care of this for you.

Best Places to stay - Inland Hotels

Outside the May - October months you will likely need to stay in Mahon/Ciutadella or one of Menorca's inland towns. If you want to mix relaxation with walks just in the local area with no transport hassles then we've picked out some recommended locations below that would make a great accommodation base. They have benefits of local all year food shops, Bars and Restaurants and also offer other attractions and yet more walking and exploring opportunities.

Ferreries makes a great base in the Western half of the island with a varied mix of walks and sights - Also has easy bus to Ciutadella

Accommodation in Ferreries

Guide to download

Cala en Porter makes a great base in the Eastern half of Menorca - Also has easy bus to Mahon

Accommodation in Cala'n Porter

Other Island towns and cities to consider

• Alaior
• Es Mercadal
• Es Migjorn Gran
• Es Castell
• Mahon
• Ciutadella

Hotels & Hostals along the GR223 - Cami de Cavalls

From mid April to mid Oct various beach resort accommodation is open and the Cami de Cavalls always passes through a beach resort. Single night stays are much more likely via

• The routes wil often be across stretches that have no refereshments possibilities so carry everything with you including mobile for emergencies.
• Always have swimwear with you- Along the Cami de Cavalls you will pass so many inviting beaches and bays to swim in as well as be able to enjoy shaded picknick spots overlooking the sparkling sea.

The route tries to be authentic following the known original paths. It is called a coastal route, though some stretches are slightly inland ( as that part of the coast was safe from invaders due to high cliffs ) or deep ravines which you need to go around.

Gates are clevery self closing but check they are shut for farm animals that roam free.

Please be respectful on other people's private land and keep to the path especially when paths go over farmland with growing crops.

Prohibido del Paso - no entry

Prohibido del Caza - is a very common sign mistakenly understood - it means no hunting on this land, not no entry.

Cami de Cavalls - Occasional Walkers / Family friendly stages

You can enjoy many parts of this network without being a regular walker. One of Menorca's delights is it's natural beauty and some surprising landscapes. Almost every beach resort will have a Cami de Cavalls path going through it so you can discover hidden treasures from your holiday resort.

From Cala Galdana you can reach some stunning coastlines and beaches along these stages. In Cala en Porter you will discover hidden fruit orchards anf tranquil valleys

Note that sensible footwear is required. Clay like soild will be slippy on stones so take care.

Suggested easier and Family friendly Cami de Cavall stages

Cami de Cavalls - Regular Walkers

The terrains are very varied. Some stretches are over open stoney ground,others leading through shading pine and mediteranean oak woods. Yet more with ups and downs and through valleys and gorges. Some may have all these! A beautiful diverse route is stages 16,17 Son Bou - Cala en Porter - Es Canutells.

Routes to combine with Cami de Cavalls

Walks and Trails

Mountain Bike trails

Cami de Cavalls - MTB Mountain Bikes

MTB tips

Pack a high visibility vest - so many of the connecting Camis have high stone walls and curves it will help make you more visible to any oncoming occasional cars

Most of the cycling routes are natural and unsurfaced roadways that a mountain bike/ off road capable bike is essential Mountain Biking and Hire on Menorca.

Note that not all stretches of the Cami de Cavalls are suitable for cycling ( not even extreeme riders ) so some pushing and carrying might be required. Walkers and Horse riders always have priority .

Mountain Bike Riding the Camis!

Cami de Cavalls - on horseback

Many parts of the Cami de Cavalls are open to horses but generally it is best to join a guided trek with one of the local companies below.

Recommended Cami de Cavalls stages

Menorca's landscape is surprisingly diverse and the Cami de Cavall vividly brings this to life - best is always subjective, especially natural beauty. Here are some inspirations from some of our favourites and recommendations:

Cala Galdana : Cami de Cavalls to Virgin Beaches

Stages you can enjoy with easy access

Cala Galdana by Bus : L51 Mahon, L52 Ciutadella and L53 from Ferreries

Two long routes east and westward starting at Cala Galdana ( so you can stock up on last minute water/food for trip) along the Cami de Cavalls path. Route will take you along stunning coastlines where you can visit four of the island's most attractive Virgin Beaches.

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.

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, Trebaluger, Escoxada . I.e the 'creme 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.

Cami de Cavalls stages you might like to take a pass on?

Why? less visually interesting,urban sections

• Cala en Blanes to Ciutadella
• Binibequer to Punta Prima
• Mahon to Sa Mesquida
• Son Parc to Playa den Fornells

Idylic swim stops and must see coves and beaches.

Planning single and multiple stages

Transport options for Cami de Cavalls

Improving all the time :-)

Good to know There are very few coastal roads on Menorca = unspoilt nature! so road journeys ( north /south coast sections in particular ) will frequently be from inland routes that spur off a central road - ME-1 or town. Many stages start/end or pass-through beach resorts with Taxis Ranks/Bus Services that operate mid April - Oct ( always check first! )

Menorca taxis can pick up / drop off at certain locations - Infos.

Drop off / Pick Up services

• Nuratravel.com offer 6 stages Departures (Ciutadella - Vía Perimetral , Mahón Bus Station ) are ~ 09:00 and pick-up at stage end at approximately 17:00 .

Menorca Bus Network for nearest Bus Stops

Menorca Road Network for Drop Off/Pick up points

Guided groups

If you prefer the company of others or enjoy the added interest of a knowledgeable local guide there are some emerging guided treks on offer. Some with pickups from your accommodation,meals and swimming stops.

Guide Privé à Minorque Cedric offers multiple options

camidecavalls360.com offer full logistics services including running stages.

Cami de Cavalls - Guides and Maps

Detailed descriptions of the routes and maps

Top beaches and swim spots accessible from Camí de Cavalls

The Cami de Cavalls trail is the perfect way to discover and swim in the most famous coves in the Balearics. Favourite / recommended swimming stops are:

Stages	Beach/Cove
Cap d’Artrux – cala turqueta	Es Talaier / Turqueta / Son Saura /
Cala Turqueta – Cala Galdana	Turqueta / Macarella / Macarelleta / Galdana
Cala Galdana – Binigaus	Mitjana / Binigaus
Es Grau – Favaritx	Tortuga / Presili

History of the Cami de Cavalls

The Camí de Cavalls, ('path of the horse' in Catalan ) is a rough track coastal path from medieval times that originally followed much of the entire Menorcan coastline . Originally created as miliray horseback supply route ( defence towers) and keeping an eye on the coast to defend against raids including pirates.

Origins - The path was created in the 18th century as a supply / patrol route for coastal defence of the island which with it's many beaches and coves was ripe for invaders to land at. Menorca's location and protective harbours meant is was highly prized as a strategic military point in the mediterranean. As such the english,spanish and french were fighting for occupation of Menorca for many turbulent years.

Check out our Cami de Cavalls in photos and video for more inspiration.

More GR-223 Camí de Cavalls inspirations and planning help

Taxis and Buses

Taxis on Menorca with rates - how to book

Menorca buses and connections - Tickets

GR-223 stage Photos and Infos.

Stage photos and tips from other walkers - stages 13 - 14

Interactive Map