Menorca has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993. Reserves in the MaB (Man and the Biosphere) programme recognise areas that combine nature conservation with human activity; in Menorca, that includes its farmland of dry-stone walls. To get to know it, the best places are s’Albufera des Grau, Favàritx, the Algendar gorge, Monte Toro and the coast along the Camí de Cavalls.
S’Albufera des Grau, the heart of the reserve
A lagoon, dunes, woodland and coast, with three short, flat, waymarked trails that start at the Rodríguez Femenias visitor centre on the Maó–Es Grau road (km 3.5). They suit families.
From April to October the centre opens Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 to 19:00 and Friday to Monday 9:00 to 15:00; the trails are free. More on s’Albufera des Grau.
Recommended itinerary
5 days
Nature and hiking
Menorca on foot
Five days of trails: s’Albufera des Grau, the red north, the Algendar gorge and the southern Camí de Cavalls.
Cap de Favàritx
A cape of black, heavily eroded slate that looks almost lunar, with a lighthouse from 1922, inside the same nature park. From mid-May to 30 September you go up on bus L43.
It is a protected area with no bars and no shade. More on Favàritx lighthouse.
The Algendar gorge
One of Menorca’s longest gorges, between Ferreries and Cala Galdana: rock walls, orchards and a small stream with water most of the year. The lower section is walked from the beach.
Much of the rest is on private farms: respect the signs. Cooler than the coast, it is a good plan on hot days. More on the Algendar gorge.
Monte Toro and the inland landscape
From the 358 metres of Monte Toro, Menorca’s highest point, you see Fornells bay, the north coast and, on clear days, Mallorca. The road up and the sanctuary are free.
Go up first thing or at sunset, with a clear sky. More on Monte Toro.
The coast and the Camí de Cavalls
The Camí de Cavalls links coves, lighthouses and defence towers along about 185 km of coast: the best way to see it on foot. The northern stages are the wildest.
The sections you can do in a day, in the best sections of the Camí de Cavalls.
Visiting responsibly
Stay on waymarked paths, leave no litter, don’t climb walls or fences —much of the land is private— and respect the summer access rules for Macarella and Favàritx.
Recommended itinerary
3 days
Charming places
Lighthouses and villages of Menorca
Three days, three coasts: Favàritx and Es Grau, Monte Toro and Cavalleria, Ciutadella and Punta Nati.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
5 days
Nature and hiking
Menorca on foot
Five days of trails: s’Albufera des Grau, the red north, the Algendar gorge and the southern Camí de Cavalls.
3 days
Charming places
Lighthouses and villages of Menorca
Three days, three coasts: Favàritx and Es Grau, Monte Toro and Cavalleria, Ciutadella and Punta Nati.
