dossier

Coastal Trails of Menorca

Day 1 -Arrive in Menorca

On arrival in Menorca, pick up your rental car and drive to the hotel (1 hour). Victoria, the hotel owner, will chat about the week over pre dinner drinks.

Day 2 - Gorges of Son Mercer (12km/7.5mi/5hrs)

Hidden in Menorca’s lush interior, a country track leads past rustling wheat fields before descending into a picturesque gorge filled with acres of cherry orchards – and ideal for a picnic. Explore the fascinating pre-Talaiotic ruins of Son Mercer village before dropping into lovely Ciutadella – the old Spanish capital –for a real sense of history. Enjoy a dinner of fresh sole fillets in butter and lemon sauce tonight, followed by some delicious Ciutadella ice cream for dessert.

Day 3 - Santa Galdana Bays Walk (12km/7.5mi/5hr)

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.

Day 4 - North Coast Trail   5.5mi/9km/4hr

The rugged limestone north is a real contrast to the south.  From apoppy strewn headland, the Camide Cavalls leads along a series ofbeautiful lonely windswept beaches, before a farm track loopsbackinland through a host of golden asphodels. On the way back, perhapsdrop into Fornells – a chic vil-lage with a pretty port for a drink, ordrive up Monte Toro (357m) for panoramic views of the entireisland!

Day 5 - Punta Primato Sant Esteve (10km/6mi/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.

Day 6 - Sa Torreta Coastal Walk 7mi/11km/4hr

Tamarisk,rosemary, and broome line this coastal path along several azure easternbays. Look out for egrets and herons from a nearby wetland reservebefore reaching Sa Torreta, a prehistoric village abandoned in 3BC. Youmay see wild tortoises on the way back, before passing crumblingwatch towers with views of distant lighthouses. Take time to exploreMahon’s pretty streets before heading back to the hotel for dinner.

Day 7 - Sant Tomas Cave Walk (8km/5mi/4hr)

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.

Sunday - Leave Menorca

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

Travel:Car hire is essential on this holiday. You collect your EuropcarGroup B air-conditioned hire car to begin your holiday and returnyour car hire to Mahon Airport at the end of your stay.

Extra nights:

Morvedra Nou; $151 half board, singles $214 (May 2008 departures), $204 half board, singles /$299 (June 2008 departures).  $148 half board, singles $212

(October 2008 departures), $197 half board, singles $288 (September 2008 departures).  $153 half board, singles $217 (May 2009 departures), $204 half board, singles $301 (June 2009 departures)

 

All extranight prices are per person, per night based on 2 people sharing adouble room.

Roomupgrade: Not available on this holiday.

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