Menorca, with an area of 702 square kilometres and 216 kilometres of coastline, has a privileged location in the Mediterranean.
For centuries it has been a strategic enclave for all cultures and this has conditioned many of its constructions, taking advantage of its particular orography.
Among these elements is the Camí de Cavalls, a path that runs along the entire coastline of the island and which has been used to defend the entire coast since 1330, when King James II decreed that armed men on horseback were obliged to guard and defend the island of Menorca. This route was also used later by the English and the French during their periods of domination in the 18th century.
It was not until 2010 that it was inaugurated as a public path and included in the programme of European long-distance routes with the reference GR223.
The 185 km of Camí de Cavalls is divided into 20 sections or stages ranging from 5 km to 14 km and will allow us to enjoy the beauty of the Menorcan coast and discover a historical, ethnological and scenic heritage unique in the Balearic Islands.
The entire route is signposted with wooden markers and maps to prevent us from getting lost.
As this is a nature trail that is totally integrated with the environment and the orography, it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear, to be well-dressed with drinks and, above all, to constantly take into account the weather forecast, both for rain and wind. It is also essential to take into account the best time of the day or year to do the routes. On hot days it is important to bear in mind that the route that runs along the north of the island has practically no wooded areas to shelter from the sun, which is the case on the south coast.
The old path is also the setting for major sporting events such as the Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls, in which participants walk along the entire coastline of the island without stopping, the current record (2023) being 18 hours 19 minutes, or the Camí de Cavalls 360º Non-Stop MTB, in which the entire route is covered by mountain bike and the record is 10 hours and 2 minutes.
From Minura Cala Galdana
The privileged location of Cala Galdana offers you the possibility to do 2 spectacular stretches of the camí de cavalls.
Discover the impressive ravines that dominate the landscape of south central Menorca. These rock formations cut the island vertically, offering a spectacular view that runs from north to south, increasing in depth and breadth as you go.
On this journey along the ravine route, you will find yourself immersed in an ever-changing landscape. From arid environments to lush forests growing inside the ravines, where vegetation thrives protected from the wind.
The ravines of Cala en Turqueta, Macarella and Algendar stand out among them, where the green of the holm oaks dominates the panorama.
Some of the coves have wetlands that extend from the sandy beaches, such as Macarella and Cala Galdana. The latter is the mouth of the Algendar ravine, one of the most outstanding on the island. At every corner, nature invites you to explore and marvel at its unique beauty.
If you feel like continuing to enjoy the camí de cavall, head west.
We will continue to find a route full of breathtaking landscapes, rich endemic flora and fauna, and vestiges of a fascinating past.
The stone guardians
The itinerary begins under the watchful eye of the stone giants: the ravines. Millenary giants that have sculpted the island with their capricious shapes. Algendar, Trebalúger, Albranca, each with its own character, become the protagonists of this adventure.
An oasis of life
Along the way, the botanical diversity captivates us. Endemic species such as the black juniper and the sea lily mingle with a fauna rich in aquatic birds and birds of prey. A feast for the senses that intensifies when you reach the virgin coves of Cala Mitjana, Cala Trebalúger or Binigaus, where the dune vegetation creates an incomparable setting.
Traces of the past
A short distance from the Binigaus ravine, we come across a historical treasure: three of Menorca’s most emblematic caves. The Cova des Coloms, nicknamed the Cathedral because of its impressive dimensions, takes your breath away. And in the upper part of the ravine, the Talayotic hypostyle room of es Galliner de Madona, a journey to the year 1,500 BC, reminds us of the rich history that permeates every corner of the island.
The Ravine Route is not just an itinerary, it is an experience that connects you with the essence of Menorca. A journey that invites you to discover the wild beauty of the island, to feel the strength of nature and to explore the mysteries of a fascinating past.
From Minura Sur Menorca
Enter a gentle, low-difficulty route that meanders through the picturesque coastal areas of the southeast of the island. Our journey begins in the charming urbanisation of Binisafúller and unfolds along a coastal road linking the charming villages of Binibéquer, Biniancolla and Son Ganxo.
A stop in Binibéquer Vell is a must. This picturesque tourist centre captivates with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, creating an urban labyrinth that invites you to get lost and discover its hidden charms.
Leaving Binibéquer Nou, the Camí de Cavalls continues its way along the sea, offering privileged views of L’Illa de l’Aire, instantly recognisable by its emblematic lighthouse. On calm days, the waters surrounding this tiny island create a spectacle of white and blue tones that lingers in the memory.
Menorca has to be enjoyed, head west now!
A green and blue canvas stretches out before us as we begin our journey along the eastern coast of Menorca. The first part of the route is a gentle walk along flat terrain, bordering the sea and delighting in the sea breeze. As we advance, the landscape transforms into a mosaic of greens and ochres, where stands of wild olive trees and scrubland alternate with farmland and pastureland.
Suddenly, the road turns inland, into more rugged terrain. Small ravines furrow the land, creating a microcosm of biodiversity. In Caló de Rafalet, a lush holm oak grove welcomes us in its cool embrace, while in the ravines of Binissaida and Cala de Sant Esteve, forests of wild olive trees rise up imposingly, protected from the wind.
In the lower coves, such as Alcalfar, the sand invites us to stop and observe the dune vegetation. Blue immortelle and sea fennel cling to the earth, creating a tapestry of vibrant colours. And in the limestone rocky areas, we find small temporary ponds, oases of life that are home to a great variety of species.
We continue our journey along the Camí de Cavalls, fascinated by the constant transformation of the landscape. The coast and the interior merge in an embrace of nature, giving us an unforgettable experience on the island of Menorca.
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Find more information about other routes at camidecavalls.com
