dossier

Coastal Trails of Menorca

COASTAL TRAILS OF MENORCA - DAY BY DAY

Morvedra Nou Hotel AAAA, near Ciutadella

Located 4mi/7km from Ciutadella in the south west corner of the island, the Morvedra Nou is a beautifully converted traditional farmhouse. The landscaped gardens are stunning in springtime, and the pristine bedrooms are located in the converted stables. Each room has air conditioning and heating, satellite TV, mini-bar, direct telephone, a hairdryer and a safe. All rooms have a bath with a shower over. Decoration is wooden beams and exposed stonework giving the rooms a rustic appearance in keeping with the country views around the hotel. Each room also has a terrace that is perfect for relaxing outside.

Further details on the hotel website.

Friday  Arrive in Menorca

On arrival in Menorca, pick up your hire car and drive (1 hour) to the hotel in time for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Saturday  Santa Galdana Bays Walk  12km/7.5mi/4hr

A classic bay hopping walk from Santa Galdana winds on paths dotted with pink orchids and gladioli over three breezy headlands, dipping down to pristine pine fringed beaches to Cala Turquesa - named for its shimmering turquoise water . After a shady picnic, choose to return to Santa Galdana to end the walk, or stroll the country lanes back to the hotel, before a taxi back to the car.

Sunday  North Coast Trail  11km/7mi/4hr

The dramatic red and purple rocks of the north stand in real contrast ot the bays of the south. From a poppy strewn headland, the Cami de Cavalls leads along a series of beautiful lonely windswept beaches, before a farm track loops back inland through a host of golden asphodels. On the way back, perhaps drop into Fornells – a chic village with a pretty port for a drink, or drive up Monte Toro (357m) for panoramic views of the entire island!

Monday  Punta Prima to Sant Esteve  11km/7mi/3.5hr

You can taste the salt spray along this stunning coastal path leading to Torre d’Alcaufar - a restored lookout tower . Perhaps enjoy lunch in Alcaufar before the Cami de Cavalls leads past fig trees and fortified farmhouses to the fortress of Sant Esteve – set on a tiny inlet - ending at a local café. After a short taxi ride back to the car  – relax with a swim in the hotel pool before dinner.

Tuesday  Es Grau and Torre Blanca  11km/7mi/4hr

Tamarisk, rosemary and yellow broome line the coastal path from the tiny village of Es Grau - good views of crumbling watchtowers and distant lighthouses. It’s then a short detour inland to visit the 4m high taula of Torre Blanca dating to 3BC. Your final stretch takes you in to the Es Albufera Nature Reserve - look out for egrets and herons - and back via Mahon’s pretty streets to your hotel for dinner .

Wednesday  Sant Tomas Cave Walk  9km/6mi/3hr

From the golden sand beaches of Sant Tomas on the south coast, a path lined with white cistus and yellow crown daisies leads between lush terraces to the Cueva des Coloms – a gigantic limestone cave – ideal for echoes and shady picnics. From the top of the valley a pine scented track leads back down to the beach for a swim. On returning to the hotel, relax on your terrace with a cold drink as the sun goes down.

Thursday  Son Xoriguer  13km/8mi/3.5hr

Today’s route takes you back down to the south coast and across low creamy rocks covered in bright yellow seapoppy, wild thyme and pink cistus. Lunch by the sea in Son Xoriguer - lots of swimming options - then back via the former capital of fascinating Ciutadella.

Friday  Leave Menorca

Drive back to the airport to drop off the car and depart.

WALKING DETAILS

Walks on this holiday are mostly coastal trails. Many surfaces are loose stone with some sandy paths. Inland sections are on easy country tracks and farm trails. Walking boots essential.