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Camí de Cavalls pathS’Albufera des GrauCala PregondaAlgendar gorgeCala Macarella
  • Nature and hiking
  • 5 days

Menorca on foot

For those who come to walk: five routes of 2 to 4 hours, one per area, combined with a swim and a good meal at the end. The lagoon and Favàritx, the red coves of the north, the Algendar gorge and Cala Mitjana, the most beautiful stage of the Camí de Cavalls and a spare day in the centre.

Overview

Length
5 days
Activity level
Active 6 to 12 km a day on stony paths, with little shade
Type of experience
Nature and hiking, Beaches and coves

Itinerary

Day 1The lagoon and Cape Favàritx

  1. Morning

    09:00–11:30

    Maó

  2. Midday

    12:00–15:00

    Maó

  3. Afternoon

    16:00–19:00

    Maó

Days 2 to 5 are in the full itinerary

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  3. The same email includes the PDF with every detail: times, how to get there by car or bus, where to eat, a rainy-day plan and a card for each place. It works offline.

A look inside the PDF

  • Cover
  • Each day, with times
  • A card for each place
  • Phone numbers and tips
Real pages from the “Lighthouses and villages of Menorca” itinerary. Yours has the same layout, with the days and places of your route.

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What’s included

  • A plan for every day with approximate times, from morning to night
  • Online itinerary to mark each place as visited during your trip
  • Downloadable PDF with every detail, to use offline too
  • How to get from one stop to the next: time, distance, parking and bus
  • Several places to eat in each area, in case one is full
  • An indoor alternative for rainy days
  • Summer and winter opening hours and access restrictions
  • A card for each place with the day and time of your visit, car parks and bus lines
  • Distance, time and difficulty of each walk
  • What to do if it rains: stages you can swap

Places you’ll visit

Tap a place to see its card without leaving the itinerary.

  • Nature and hiking

    The heart of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve: a lagoon, dunes, woodland and coast with waymarked trails and birdwatching hides.

  • Beaches and coves

    A small fishing village with a very calm, shallow beach, the gateway to the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park.

  • Charming places

    A black-and-white striped lighthouse on a cape of dark slate, inside the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park. One of Menorca’s most striking landscapes.

  • Beaches and coves

    An unspoilt cove in the north with reddish sand and rocks and islets off the shore. You reach it on foot from Binimel·là in about 35 minutes.

  • Charming places

    A fishing village in the north, at the end of a large, calm bay. It’s famous for its lobster stew and its 18th-century defence tower.

  • Charming places

    The lighthouse at Menorca’s northernmost point, above 90-metre cliffs. From here you see the north coast, the natural harbour of Sanitja and, on clear days, Mallorca.

  • Nature and hiking

    One of Menorca’s longest gorges, between Ferreries and Cala Galdana: rock walls, orchards and a small stream with water almost all year.

  • Beaches and coves

    A large shell-shaped cove with every facility, at the mouth of the Algendar gorge. Calm water, ideal for families.

  • Beaches and coves

    A white-sand cove surrounded by cliffs and pines, a short walk from Cala Galdana. Much loved for its crystal-clear water.

  • Nature and hiking

    The historic path that circles Menorca along the coast: 185 km in 20 waymarked stages. It links coves, lighthouses and defence towers.

  • Beaches and coves

    Menorca’s most famous coves: white sand and turquoise water between cliffs and pines. Macarelleta, smaller, is 10 minutes away on foot.

  • Beaches and coves

    An unspoilt cove south of Ciutadella with white sand, turquoise water and pine woods down to the shore. No buildings around it.

  • Charming places

    Menorca’s highest point (358 m), in the centre of the island. At the top are the sanctuary of the Virgin of El Toro and a viewpoint from which you can see almost all of Menorca.

  • History and culture

    One of the largest Talayotic villages in the Balearics, with three talayots, a taula enclosure, houses and a water-collection system. It has a visitor centre.

  • Beaches and coves

    Menorca’s longest beach, with almost 3 km of sand, dunes and the remains of an early Christian basilica by the shore.

Related guides

The s’Albufera des Grau lagoon surrounded by vegetation

Nature and hiking · Maó

S’Albufera des Grau Nature Park

The heart of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve: a lagoon, dunes, woodland and coast with waymarked trails and birdwatching hides.

What to do

Three short, waymarked trails leave from the visitor centre and take in the lagoon, the woodland and the hides. They’re flat and suitable for families.

The centre has an exhibition on the park’s landscapes: a good option if it rains.

Practical information

Municipality
Maó
Location
Rodríguez Femenias visitor centre, Maó–Es Grau road, km 3.5
Best time
Morning
Opening hours
Visitor centre: from April to October, Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 to 19:00 and Friday to Monday 9:00 to 15:00; shorter hours in winter. The trails are open to all.
By car
From Maó, 8 min along the Es Grau road to km 3.5. Free parking next to the visitor centre.
Parking
Free car park next to the visitor centre
By bus
Line L23 Maó–Es Grau runs along the park road: footpaths lead from Es Grau to the lagoon. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

White houses and boats of Es Grau by the water

Beaches and coves · Maó

Es Grau

A small fishing village with a very calm, shallow beach, the gateway to the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park.

What it’s like

The beach sits in a sheltered bay, with sand and water that stays shallow for many metres: one of the best for small children.

The village has restaurants with terraces over the water, and paths lead from here to the lagoon and the Camí de Cavalls.

Practical information

Municipality
Maó
Location
9 km from Maó
Best time
Morning and midday
By car
From Maó, 15 min (9 km). Free parking at the entrance to the village.
Parking
Free car park at the entrance to the village
By bus
Line L23 Maó–Es Grau, all year round, more often in summer. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

Favàritx lighthouse with black and white stripes on the dark rocky cape

Charming places · Maó

Favàritx lighthouse

A black-and-white striped lighthouse on a cape of dark slate, inside the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park. One of Menorca’s most striking landscapes.

A cape of slate

Unlike the rest of the north coast, the rock here is black, heavily eroded slate, which gives the cape an almost lunar look. The lighthouse, from 1922, has become one of the island’s most recognisable images.

Close by are the coves of Presili and Tortuga, which you reach on foot along the Camí de Cavalls.

Before you go

It’s a protected area: there are no bars and no shade. In summer, plan your visit around the shuttle bus times and bring water.

Practical information

Municipality
Maó
Location
Cap de Favàritx, north of Maó, inside the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park
Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Seasonal access
From mid-May to 30 September you can’t drive up: bus L43 from Maó bus station (first departure around 9:45 and last return around 19:45; €3.60 ticket). From October to mid-May you can drive there.
By car
From Maó, 25 min (16 km) along the Fornells road and the Favàritx turn-off. Only from October to mid-May: in season the road is closed to cars.
Parking
From October to mid-May, a small car park at the end of the road
By bus
Line L43 Maó–Favàritx from Maó bus station, from mid-May to 30 September. Stops at the lighthouse and at the beach paths. Bus timetables: Favàritx bus

See the details

Reddish rocks and turquoise water in Cala Pregonda

Beaches and coves · Es Mercadal

Cala Pregonda

An unspoilt cove in the north with reddish sand and rocks and islets off the shore. You reach it on foot from Binimel·là in about 35 minutes.

What it’s like

Its reddish colour, the pines and the islets give it a different feel from the southern coves. There are no facilities.

In July and August the Binimel·là car park fills up before midday: it’s best to arrive between 9:00 and 10:00.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
North coast of Es Mercadal
Best time
Morning (in August, first thing)
By car
From Es Mercadal, 25 min (13 km); the last 2 km are a dirt track. Binimel·là car park and a 35-minute walk.
Parking
Binimel·là car park (dirt track for the last 2 km); then 30–40 minutes on foot along the Camí de Cavalls, with no shade
By bus
No bus goes there: you need a car or a taxi.

See the details

Fornells harbour with boats and palm trees in front of the white houses

Charming places · Es Mercadal

Fornells

A fishing village in the north, at the end of a large, calm bay. It’s famous for its lobster stew and its 18th-century defence tower.

What to see

The harbour promenade, with fishing boats and terraces, leads to the Fornells tower, a British defence tower from the late 18th century overlooking the mouth of the bay.

The bay, shallow and sheltered, is one of the island’s best places to try kayaking or paddleboarding.

The caldereta

Lobster stew (caldereta) is the village’s best-known dish. It’s expensive and worth booking, especially in summer. Several restaurants close in the winter months.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
Fornells bay, 9 km from Es Mercadal
Best time
Midday (for lunch) or afternoon
By car
From Es Mercadal, 12 min (9 km) along the Me-15; from Maó, 35 min. Free parking at the entrance to the village.
Parking
Free car park at the entrance to the village
By bus
Line Es Mercadal–Fornells–Son Parc–Arenal d'en Castell–Maó, and the Fornells–Es Mercadal line, which connects with the Maó–Ciutadella bus. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

Cavalleria lighthouse, a white tower beside the keeper’s house

Charming places · Es Mercadal

Cavalleria lighthouse

The lighthouse at Menorca’s northernmost point, above 90-metre cliffs. From here you see the north coast, the natural harbour of Sanitja and, on clear days, Mallorca.

The wildest north

The lighthouse was built in 1857 on the cape that closes the island to the north. Around it, a landscape of low scrub and rock falling sheer into the sea, home to seabirds.

On the way you pass the natural harbour of Sanitja, where there was a Roman settlement, and Cavalleria beach, with reddish sand.

Tips

The tramontana wind blows hard: hold on to your hat and stay away from the cliff edge.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
Cap de Cavalleria, north of Es Mercadal (CF-3 road)
Best time
Afternoon and sunset
By car
From Es Mercadal, 20 min (15 km) along the Me-15 and the CF-3 road. Parking next to the lighthouse.
Parking
Car park next to the lighthouse; in July and August arrive before midday
By bus
No bus goes there. The nearest is the Fornells bus: take a taxi from there.

See the details

Rock walls and vegetation in the Algendar gorge

Nature and hiking · Ferreries

Algendar gorge

One of Menorca’s longest gorges, between Ferreries and Cala Galdana: rock walls, orchards and a small stream with water almost all year.

The gorge

The lower stretch, from Cala Galdana, is an easy walk among riverside vegetation and limestone walls. Much of the rest of the gorge is on private farms: respect the signs and don’t climb fences.

It’s cooler than the coast, which makes it a good option on hot days.

Practical information

Municipality
Ferreries
Location
Between Ferreries and Cala Galdana
Best time
Morning
By car
Park in Cala Galdana (12 min from Ferreries) and walk in behind the beach.
Parking
In Cala Galdana; the lower stretch is walked from the beach
By bus
Bus to Cala Galdana from Ciutadella, Ferreries or Maó. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

Shell-shaped bay of Cala Galdana with anchored boats

Beaches and coves · Ferreries

Cala Galdana

A large shell-shaped cove with every facility, at the mouth of the Algendar gorge. Calm water, ideal for families.

What it’s like

Fine sand, shallow water and a seafront promenade with restaurants, sunbeds and kayaks to hire. It’s the perfect base to walk to Cala Mitjana or Macarella.

Behind it starts the Algendar gorge, one of the longest on the island.

Practical information

Municipality
Ferreries
Location
9 km from Ferreries
Best time
All day
By car
From Ferreries, 12 min (9 km). Public car parks in the resort, paid in season.
Parking
Public car parks in the resort (paid in season)
By bus
Lines Ciutadella–Ferreries–Cala Galdana, Ferreries–Cala Galdana and Maó–Alaior–Es Mercadal–Ferreries–Cala Galdana. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

Cala Mitjana with turquoise water between cliffs and pines

Beaches and coves · Ferreries

Cala Mitjana

A white-sand cove surrounded by cliffs and pines, a short walk from Cala Galdana. Much loved for its crystal-clear water.

What it’s like

An unspoilt cove with no facilities, with rocks the boldest jump from. Right next to it is tiny Mitjaneta.

The path from Cala Galdana is part of the Camí de Cavalls and runs through the pines.

Practical information

Municipality
Ferreries
Location
East of Cala Galdana (Ferreries)
Best time
Morning
By car
From Ferreries, 12 min (8 km) along the Cala Galdana road. Dirt car park and a 15-minute walk.
Parking
Dirt car park 15 minutes’ walk away; you can also walk from Cala Galdana (20–30 min)
By bus
Bus to Cala Galdana (from Ciutadella, Ferreries or Maó) and a 20–30 minute walk along the Camí de Cavalls. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

Camí de Cavalls path along the coast with a cove in the background

Nature and hiking · The whole island

Camí de Cavalls

The historic path that circles Menorca along the coast: 185 km in 20 waymarked stages. It links coves, lighthouses and defence towers.

The path

It began as a coastal watch path, ridden on horseback to defend the island. Today it’s waymarked with wooden posts and divided into 20 stages of varying difficulty.

The southern stages (Cala Galdana–Macarella–Turqueta) are the most visited; the northern ones are wilder, with more climbing.

Tips

There’s little shade and no reliable water: carry at least 1.5 litres per person, a hat and hiking shoes. Avoid the middle of the day in summer.

Practical information

Municipality
The whole island
Location
All around the coast of Menorca
Best time
Spring and autumn; in summer, early in the morning
By car
Every stage starts and ends at a point with road access. For one-way stages, leave the car at the end and take a bus or taxi back to the start.
Parking
Every stage starts and ends at a point with road access
By bus
Beach buses reach the start of many stages: Cala Galdana, Macarella, Turqueta, Es Grau, Son Bou or Cala en Porter. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

Turquoise water of Cala Macarella seen from the clifftop path

Beaches and coves · Ciutadella de Menorca

Cala Macarella and Macarelleta

Menorca’s most famous coves: white sand and turquoise water between cliffs and pines. Macarelleta, smaller, is 10 minutes away on foot.

What it’s like

Macarella has a beach bar and is wider; Macarelleta, to the west, is reached by a 10-minute path and is more secluded.

Along the Camí de Cavalls you can walk there from Cala Galdana (about 45 minutes) or from Cala Turqueta.

Tips

In summer, take one of the first buses: by mid-morning the cove is full.

Practical information

Municipality
Ciutadella de Menorca
Location
South coast of Ciutadella
Best time
Early morning
Seasonal access
From 1 June to 30 September you can’t drive there: bus L69 from Ciutadella’s ring road, with frequent departures from 8:25 (until 20:20 in July and August), or on foot along the Camí de Cavalls. From October to May there’s a car park.
By car
Only from October to May: 25 min from Ciutadella and a car park 15 minutes' walk away. From 1 June to 30 September the car park is closed.
By bus
Line L69 Ciutadella–Macarella from 1 June to 30 September, from the ring road (av. Josep Mascaró Passarius), from 8:25. Single €4.60; return €8.40. Bus timetables: Macarella bus

See the details

Cala Turqueta seen through the pines, with turquoise water

Beaches and coves · Ciutadella de Menorca

Cala Turqueta

An unspoilt cove south of Ciutadella with white sand, turquoise water and pine woods down to the shore. No buildings around it.

What it’s like

One of the best-known unspoilt coves of the south: fine sand, pines and two small rocky outcrops on either side. There’s no beach bar.

It’s on the Camí de Cavalls: on foot it links with Macarella (about 45 minutes to the east).

Tips

In summer, arrive before 8:00 or after 17:00. Bring water, food and shade.

Practical information

Municipality
Ciutadella de Menorca
Location
South coast of Ciutadella
Best time
First thing in the morning
By car
From Ciutadella, 20 min (12 km) south. A car park with about 120 spaces that closes when full (around 8:00 in July and August), then a 10-minute walk.
Parking
Free car park with about 120 spaces that closes when full: around 8:00 in July and August. From there, a 10-minute walk.
By bus
Line L68 Ciutadella–Cala en Turqueta in season, from Ciutadella's ring road. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

View from Monte Toro over the fields of central Menorca and the village of Es Mercadal

Charming places · Es Mercadal

Monte Toro

Menorca’s highest point (358 m), in the centre of the island. At the top are the sanctuary of the Virgin of El Toro and a viewpoint from which you can see almost all of Menorca.

The roof of Menorca

The Franciscan sanctuary was built from 1670 on the site of an old Gothic church. From the terrace you can see Fornells bay, the north coast and, on clear days, Mallorca.

The road up is narrow and winding: take it slowly.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
3 km from Es Mercadal along the Me-13 road
Best time
First thing in the morning or sunset, with a clear sky
Opening hours
The drive up and the sanctuary are free. The Sa Posada del Toro bar-restaurant opens daily from 1 May to 31 October and only at weekends from November to March.
By car
From Es Mercadal, 10 min (3 km) along the Me-13, narrow and winding. Free parking at the top.
Parking
Free car park at the top
By bus
The Maó–Ciutadella bus stops in Es Mercadal. From there, a taxi or a 1-hour uphill walk. Bus timetables: Island bus lines

See the details

Stone columns and slabs of the houses in the village of Torre d’en Galmés

History and culture · Alaior

Torre d’en Galmés

One of the largest Talayotic villages in the Balearics, with three talayots, a taula enclosure, houses and a water-collection system. It has a visitor centre.

The village

It sits on a small hill overlooking the south of the island. It was inhabited from the end of the Bronze Age until Roman times.

It’s best to start at the visitor centre and then explore the village at a gentle pace: an hour is enough.

Practical information

Municipality
Alaior
Location
5 km south of Alaior
Best time
Morning or late afternoon in summer (there’s little shade)
Opening hours
In high season, with a ticket (in summer, 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00). From November to Easter, free entry. Check the visitor centre’s hours before you go.
By car
From Alaior, 10 min (5 km) towards Son Bou. Free parking next to the visitor centre.
Parking
Free parking next to the visitor centre
By bus
No bus goes there. The Son Bou bus passes about 2 km away: better by car or taxi.

See the details

Long sandy beach and dunes of Son Bou

Beaches and coves · Alaior

Son Bou

Menorca’s longest beach, with almost 3 km of sand, dunes and the remains of an early Christian basilica by the shore.

What it’s like

Light sand, moderate waves and facilities in the developed area. Behind the beach is a protected wetland.

At the eastern end are the remains of a 5th- or 6th-century early Christian basilica, free to visit.

Practical information

Municipality
Alaior
Location
South coast of Alaior
Best time
All day
By car
From Alaior, 10 min (8 km); from Maó, 25 min. Free car parks along the beach.
Parking
Free car parks along the beach
By bus
Line Maó–Alaior–Son Bou, all year round. Bus timetables: Beach buses

See the details

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