Menorca Guided Walking Holiday

• Our experienced leaders offer the choice of two different walks each day
• Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
• We provide flexible holidays. Choose easier walking one day and harder the next or just explore independently or relax around the resort
• Our leaders are friendly and welcoming making your holiday fun and sociable

Day 1: Arrival day

For those arriving on the flights to Mahon airport, the short onward journey to the hotel is by coach. Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to see a little of the resort before the evening meal. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks and there will be plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests.

Day 2: Coastal defences to Punta Prima

Menorca has an impressive collection of Talayotic sites. Both groups have a short visit to Trepuco and its emblematic taula. Both walks then follow the coast which allows good views of Mahon harbour and its impressive fortifications.

Easier Walk: After a short bus journey to the delightful inlet of Cala de Sant Esteve, there is an opportunity to make a short visit to Fort Marlborough. Built by the British in the 18th century it is largely hidden from view. Leaving the fort we head south passing two further defensive towers. Our route follows the Cami de Cavalls coastal footpath passing modern day resorts to reach the resort of Punta Prima with its sandy beach and lighthouse. 6 miles (9.5km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: Leaving Trepuco it’s only a short journey until we arrive on the outskirts of Es Castell. This has a very military feel to it as the centre is a former parade ground. A short walk leads to Calas Fonts with its attractive harbour before we join the Cami de Cavalls en route to Cala de St Esteve. From this point we follow the easier group route to arrive in Punta Prima. 8 miles (13km) with 700ft (210m) of ascent.

Day 3: Along the coast to Es Grau

Today we’ll travel to the north of Mahon to enjoy walks along the east coast. We’ll pass delightful beaches taking in views over the coastal village of Es Grau and beyond to the island of Colom. Our journey takes us to a protected nature reserve which overlooks the S’Albufera Lake before reaching the village of Es Grau.

Easier Walk: We start the day by visiting the Cap Favartix lighthouse, before travelling onto Es Grau for the start of our circular walk. Our walk takes us north along the beach to meet the Cami de Cavalls which we follow passing secluded beaches, only accessible on foot, to reach the boathouse at Cala de Sa Toretta. Here we can enjoy lunch before retracing our steps to Es Grau beach. At this point the route visits S’Alburfera Lake, an important site for migrating birds; we can spend time here or relax in the local bars. 5 miles (8km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: The walk follows the Cami de Cavalls leading to Cap Favartix lighthouse. In just a couple of kilometres the landscape changes dramatically from lush countryside to a lunar landscape. After a visit to the lighthouse our route turns south to follow the east coast to Es Grau. We pass secluded beaches and Bassa de Morella Nature Reserve before reaching Cala de Sa Toretta. The walk then joins the easier route to Es Grau and its inviting bars, beach and nature reserve. 8 miles (13km) with 800ft (240m) of ascent.

Day 4: Cuitadella

Today we’ll visit Ciutadella, the second largest town on the island situated at the western end. Originally settled by the Moors, this was formerly the island’s capital until this was switched to Mahon by the British. The historic centre is clustered around its narrow harbour and contains a maze of narrow alleys and Moorish buildings. We continue to Monte Toro, the highest peak of the island, to enjoy the view before visiting Fornells, a picturesque fishing village on the north coast.

Allow approximately €10 for sightseeing costs.

Day 5: Free day

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Free day options include exploring Mahon with a visit to the impressive La Mola fortress and lunch at one of the many pavement cafes.

Day 6: Limestone valley and sandy beaches

Today we head to the south for walks which combine both inland and coastal scenery. A limestone valley descends from Es Mighorn Gran to the sea and is well known for an enormous cave, Cova des Coloms (cave of the pigeons), said to be large enough to accommodate a cathedral. Both groups visit this impressive site.

Easier Walk: We follow the track from the village to Barranco de Binigaus, where the path becomes more rugged and descends via the Cova des Coloms to reach the beach at Binigaus. There is the option to visit a small bar for lunch in St Thomas. After lunch we continue to return to Es Mighorn Gran. 6 miles (8km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: Our walk starts in Son Bou,a modern resort with the remains of a 5th century basilica. The walk follows the new routing of the Cami de Cavalls which heads to the marshland of Sant Jaume. The route turns south to the sea and then west of St Thomas. It may be tempting to stay for lunch or a swim before continuing to Binigaus and its barranco. The rugged path ascends close to Cova des Coloms, our second “cathedral” of the day before returning to Es Mighorn Gran. 9 miles (14km) with 900ft (270m) of ascent.

Day 7: Cliffs and coves of the southwest coast

Our final walks head to southwest Menorca for some particularly attractive coastal walks. Both walks visit sandy beaches before finishing in the resort of Cala Galdana, a popular resort with sandy beaches, pine clad headlands and plenty of bars to relax in the after a week’s walking.

Easier Walk: The day begins with a choice – Lithica stone quarry for an hour’s visit or stay on the coach to Son Xoriguer where the harder walk starts. Best described as a butterfly walk, the easier route visits two coves local to Cala Galdana. The first, to the east of Cala Galdana is Cala Mitijana. After returning to Cala Galdana you may decide to explore its facilities whilst the group visits the second cove, Cala Macarella to the west. We then return to Cala Galdana for our transport to Mahon. 6 miles (9.5km) with 400ft (120m) of ascent.

Harder Walk: Our journey to Son Xoriguer takes about an hour. The walk follows the Cami de Cavalls coastal path with sections of limestone paths, woodland, low cliff tops, beaches and coves. We will pass this generally natural coast of remote and deserted caves and several tempting beaches. The walk finishes in Cala Galdana with its many facilities. 9 miles (14.5km) with 700ft (210m) of ascent.

Day 8: Departure Day

Please note that the itinerary outlined is provisional and could be subject to change.  A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk to you every evening about the next day’s walks.

An introduction to the area

In the summer months Menorca is a popular holiday destination; in spring and autumn it is much quieter and has a sleepy ambience. Most of the local population live in the five main towns of Mahon, the island's capital, Alaior, Es Mercasel, Ferreries and Cuitadella, which are all linked by one main road which runs from one end of the island to the other. Away from this central highway are peaceful traditional villages and a few modern tourist resorts.

Just 30 miles long and 12 miles at its widest point, Menorca is an idea island for a week of exploration. It’s highest points is Monte Toro in the centre of the island which rises to a height of 1,175ft.

Menorca’s long and fascinating history dates back to prehistoric times and one of the highlights is to visit the extraordinary concentration of prehistoric monuments, standing stones and burial chambers. There are several hundred such sights on Menorca and we will visit some of the best examples.

Local Highlights

Mahon - Spend more time exploring this interesting town including a visit to the Mahon museum (this beautifully restored building is home to many artefacts discovered on the island throughout its history and tells the history of Menorca from ancient times) and the La Mola fortress, also known as Isabel II, in honour of the queen who ordered its construction in the 19^th century during the Spanish dominion.

Ciutadella - described as dignified, aristocratic, ancient, secretive and deliciously Mediterranean – Ciutadella is an historic showpiece which has failed to be ruined by the 20^th century.  Like Mahón, it was originally named by the Carthaginians, who called it Jamma. It was the original capital of Menorca until the British changed the capital to Mahón in the 18^th century. However the Bishop refused to move and consequently Ciutadella still remains the religious capital of Menorca.

Shops & facilities:

There are plenty of shops, banks, bars and cafés in Mahon, with the market on Tuesday in the old convent. There is a very good SPAR shop close to the hotel selling a good selection of packed lunch ingredients. There is also an excellent bakery, a mini-market and a newspaper shop close to the hotel.

We recognise that everyone’s travel arrangements are unique, so all our holidays to Europe can be booked ‘with flight’ or ‘without flight’, giving you more flexibility and choice.

	‘With flight’ holidays – the hassle free option Book your holiday ‘with flight’ and choose between Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham flights to Mahon airport. For flight times and prices please see the Dates & Prices tab. If you choose this option we automatically include return transfers between the airport and the hotel. The short coach transfer takes approx 15 minutes to the Hotel Port Mahon.
	‘Without flight’ holidays – the flexible travel option Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flight’ allowing you the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport. If you choose this option, transfers are not included in the price. However, below are some suggestions to help you reach your destination: We can book you a seat on the HF Holidays’ transfer coach from Mahon airport. This short transfer is timed to meet the HF Holidays’ flights* (provisional flight times can be found on the dates and prices tab or you can call us on 020 8732 1220 for more information). Cost per single journey is £11.00. Why not let us book you a private taxi transfer at a cost of £25.00 per single taxi journey? Transfers must be pre-booked.  Please call 020 8732 1220 for more details * Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach