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Spain: Balearic Islands

Walking the Coastal Trails of Menorca

Trip code: W07MN

Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(17 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Walking
7 nights single centre
Leisurely
Flights available
CO₂ rating 1/5
Printed route directions

Trip highlights

Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, prized for its unspoilt landscapes and sustainable way of life

Golden beaches and sheltered calas, with clear turquoise waters and peaceful azure bays

A deeply layered history, from prehistoric sites to coastal fortresses, castles and watchtowers

Rich Mediterranean flora, including sea lavender, golden asphodels and serapia orchids

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Trip details

There is a sense of peace and tranquillity on beautiful Menorca, a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve and home to the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites
anywhere in Western Europe. More sparsely populated than any other Balearic
island and only a fifth of the size of Mallorca, it has more beaches than Mallorca
and Ibiza combined! The island has been claimed in turn by many armies, all
desperate to control the capital Mahon, set on the Mediterranean’s most perfect
natural harbour.

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights in 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Europcar Group B air-conditioned hire car included when booking a flight inclusive package

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Lunches and picnics
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Flights

Our air prices include standard flights and transfers.

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Es Migjorn

Arrive in Es Migjorn

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

You stay at Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell

Hotel-Binigaus-vell
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Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell

Es Migjorn

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

This restored country house is a 4-star rural hotel, with a seawater pool and free Wi-Fi. Hotel Binigaus Vell is less than 1.9 miles from Binigaus and Sant Tomas Beach.

Surrounded by the Menorcan countryside, Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell has its own stables and offers horse riding on site. There is also a typical restaurant, a garden area and a terrace.

Day 2 · 12km/7.5miSanta Galdana Bays Walk

Santa Galdana Bays Walk

Starting in Santa Galdana and winding along coastal paths dotted with pink orchids and gladioli, this walk takes you over three breezy headlands which dip down to pine fringed beaches before arriving at Cala Turqueta, named as such for its shimmering turquoise water. after a picnic in the shade, return to Santa Galdana to end your walk, before getting a taxi back to collect the car.

Elevation

Santa Galdana Bays Walk elevation profile

Day 3 · 11km/6.8miNorth Coast Trail

North Coast Trail

The dramatic red and purple rocks of the north stand in real contrast to the bays of the south. From a poppy-strewn headland, the Cami de Cavalls lead 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 stop for a drink at Fornells, a chic village with a pretty port, or drive up Monte Toro (357m) for panoramic views of the entire island!

Elevation

North Coast Trail elevation profile

Day 4 · 11km/6.8miPunta Prima to Sant Esteve

Punta Prima to Sant Esteve

You can taste the sea salt in the air 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 you past fig trees and fortified farmhouses to Fort Malborough set on the tiny harbour of Sant Esteve. Continue on to a local cafe where they will call you a taxi to return to your car.

Elevation

Punta Prima to Sant Esteve elevation profile

Day 5 · 3km/1.9miCiutadella or Mahon Walks

Ciutadella or Mahon Walks

The cities at either end of Menorca make fascinating days out, and we provide walking notes for both. Mahon’s natural harbour is big enough to shelter an entire fleet of ships and forms the backdrop to some impressive Georgian English architecture. In Ciutadella, the plazas, fountains, palm trees, cobbled alleys and Spanish Palaces are steeped in history. Perhaps treat yourself to a seafood lunch looking out over the attractive harbour.

Day 6 · 9km/5.6miCaves and Coast Walk

Caves and Coast Walk

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, perfect for a cooling picnic in the shade. From the top of the valley a pine scented track leads you back down to the beach for a swim. On returning to the hotel, relax on your terrace with a cold drink and take in the beautiful sunset.

Elevation

Caves and Coast Walk elevation profile

Day 7 · 13km/8.1miSon Xoriguer

Son Xoriguer

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, there are masses of swimming options along the way, then head back via the enchanting former capital, Ciutadella.

Elevation

Son Xoriguer elevation profile

Day 8 · —Leave Es Migjorn

Leave Es Migjorn

What our travellers say

Information provided by Headwater both on the phone and in written documents was thorough and informative. The choice of hotel was excellent – quiet rural situation with friendly staff whose customer service was of a very high standard. Walking notes were reliable and detailed. Road directions were accurate. This was our first Headwater holiday and we were impressed with how little we had to rely on our own research to accomplish the visits we made. Plus, we were bowled over by Menorca in early May – beautiful meadows of wild flowers, birdsong, relaxing and quiet beaches/walks. A heady mix.

Mrs Denwood

We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Menorca. The walks weren’t at all challenging but can be sometimes rocky underfoot. The wild flowers in May were exceptional, the coastal views were stunning and the weather was ideal for walking. We completed all the walks except the Mahon city walk and enjoyed all but the Punta Prima walk had long stretches between two high walls. We extended our stay to 10 nights which allowed us to do an extra walk of our own in the natural park of Es Grau. This we would definitely recommend as it is so unspoilt. Park at Es Grau and call for a taxi to Favaritx and walk south back along the coast to Es Grau. This was one of our two favourites, the other being the north coastal walk. The hotel was charming, the staff helpful, the food was excellent quality but the choice was limited to two per course as there was no a la carte in May. The last few miles of driving to the hotel is reminiscent of those narrow Cornish lanes with high rugged stone walls and blind bends.

Mr Brooks

A really enjoyable holiday on a beautiful island and staying at a lovely hotel

Mr Coombs

A great holiday; a wonderful way to see unspoilt parts of this popular island holiday destination. Would love to return and explore more on foot.

Mr Gilmore

Beautiful countryside, dramatic coast line, wonderful walking often with historical interest. Brilliant located hotel and tremendous service. First visit to Menorca, fallen in love with this friendly beautiful island.

Mr Riley

June is probably too late for the recommended walks. Due to heavy use of the beaches it was not possible to take the car to the starting points of the coastal walks which meant we had to change the route. The latter was fairly straightforward as the cami way signs are excellent. Driving in Menorca is easy however the side roads are very narrow with high stone walls up to the verge. We had a polo which was very good but I thought a Fiat 500 would have been easier. The Hotel is very good and the staff very friendly and helpful. We were disappointed in the dinners which were a set menu. Two meals consisted steak and pork both of which were extremely tough and not enjoyable. The breakfasts were excellent and the wines very good and well priced. We would be pleased to return to Menorca.

Mrs Johnston

A generally enjoyable first visit to this attractive island with varied and undemanding walking on offer. Also, the historic centre of Ciutadella is charming. We were delighted and disappointed in equal measure with our hotel. The welcome, quality of service and the comfort of the lounge and bar areas were excellent. Our bedroom was comfortable enough but let down by a lack of storage space and a serious level of noise transference from adjoining rooms. Breakfasts were excellent but we felt the evening meals were somewhat mediocre considering the quality of the hotel, and the dining room though ideal for summer visitors became cold and draughty when it was windy.

Mr Lawson

A great welcome from the holel that continued through out. Excellent variety of walks on the charming island of Menorca.

Mrs Sharman

Menorca is a pretty place with lots of history – the Menorcans are rightly proud of this. The walking is not too strenuous, but there are some coastal areas which are not suitable for people with vertigo. The views are magnificent. The hotel rooms are separate from the restaurant – if you go in shoulder season, you will need something warm in the evening. The hotel staff are delightful and nothing is too much trouble. You will get to know the main road down the spine of the island pretty well!

Mrs Mcnicoll

Excellent walking holiday but would probably go to Menorca earlier in the year as the end of June is almost too hot for walking!

Mr Howard
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

18.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£929per person