The Cami de Cavalls in Menorca, discovering the most beautiful beaches along the famous hiking trail, horse riding or cycling.
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What to do in Menorca: the Cami de Cavalls
If you want to discover Minorca from a different perspective, I recommend that you take a hike along the Cami de Cavalls, the Cavalry Trail. It is the historical route of 186 km that surrounds the whole island through sandy beaches, rocky coves, shady groves, wild environments, tourist resorts, remote villages, caves and archaeological sites that date back to the Neolithic and testify to the long history of this island of the Balearics. But above all, the Cami de Cavalls allows you to reach some of the most spectacular and inaccessible beaches in Menorca.
I had always heard of it, but only during my recent trip to the island of Balearics to follow the convention of the tour operator Veratour, I finally had the opportunity to travel one of the most suggestive traits.
I was staying in the village Lord Nelson of Santo Tomas and so an afternoon, after sending the piece to the newspaper, I took advantage of the fact that Cami de Cavalls passed right under the hotel to take a nice walk to Son Bou. That's how it went.
What is Cami de Cavalls in Menorca
The Cami de Cavalls track corresponds to GR 223 of the Spanish network of Senderos de Gran Recorrido, but dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was built to connect sighting towers and distributed forks along the coast of Minorca and later facilitate the transport of troops and artillery.
However, its origin is surrounded by mystery, according to some theories it was created by the French during the different periods of invasion of the island, while according to other studies it would be created by the local population in the fourteenth century and later settled for royal order the obligation for the Knights of Menorca to hold a armed horse to watch the coast and defend the island.
However, from the beginning it had a function of defense and control of the island, therefore it was patrolled by soldiers on horseback, from which the name Cami de Cavalls (cavalls means "horses" in Catalan). Only in recent times has it been recovered for public use and transformed into a wonderful route along the coast of the island, which can be made on foot, by bicycle and, of course, on horseback.
Cami De Cavalls: practical information
The entire route develops in total for about 186 kilometers, embracing the whole island. But don’t worry if you don’t have the time or the desire to travel everything, because it is divided into 20 stages, each of which measures between 5 and 14 km, the equivalent of a nice walk to do in the day. For example, dedicating the morning to the outbound and afternoon on the return.
Take into account then that all the starting and arrival points can be easily reached by car or by public transport: in this way you can go along the stretch that you prefer, depending on where you stay, your training and the time available.
As mentioned, the route can be undertaken from any point, but the zero kilometer is located in the port of Mahon, where the first stage begins. The difficulty level is on average low and is therefore suitable for all, even for the least trained. Of course it is well reported, with informative panels every 50-100 meters, so there is absolutely no risk of losing.
For the excursion I recommend a pair of comfortable shoes, the sneakers are fine, and then water or drinks for about 2-3 hours. If it is a sunny day, something quite frequent in Menorca, do not forget a hat, a towel and of course the swimsuit, because you will surely find on your way beaches and irresistible coves.
Cami de Cavalls on foot, bike or horseback?
Historically, the Cami de Cavalls in Minorca was used to spread news of any imminent invasions during the turbulent past of the island. Over the centuries, the path has been trampled by Moorish, Catalan, French, English occupation forces, and for this reason the local population looked good at it. Also because of the fear of diseases that could be brought from continental Europe, the handicapped have always avoided the coastal zones of the island and many inhabitants spent the entire existence without ever seeing the sea.
Lost his defensive function, the Cami de Cavalls was finally abandoned and attended only by shepherds with their flocks. Rearranged in recent times, it can now be routed to the slow pace of a walk, bike or horse, to you the choice!
What you will find along the Camì de Cavalls
This route touches the main attractions of Menorca, the majestic headlights, the talaiotic monuments, the defensive towers, the suggestive Natural Park of S’Albufera des Grau, without ever losing sight of the sea, which you can admire from the top of the cliffs and crossing the most beautiful bays and beaches of the island.
The first 10 stages follow the north coast of Menorca, from Mahon to Ciutadella. Among the many places and points of interest, the route will lead you to the beaches of Sa Mesquida and Es Grau, to the lighthouses of Cap Favàritx, Cavallería and Punta Nati, to the pristine coves of Binime and El Pilar, and to the fascinating cliffs of Cala Morell, with its ancient necropolis. On the way, you will have the opportunity to cross forests, dunes and rocky landscapes, unveiling the picturesque contrasts of this island, declared the Biosphere Reserve.
The next 10 sections of the Camí de Cavalls wind from Ciutadella to Mahon, along the south coast of Menorca. In this part of the route, you will have the opportunity to bathe in the famous Cala Blanca, in the crystal clear waters of Son Saura or Turqueta, or you can admire the beauty of the woods overlooking the beaches of Macarella and Macarelleta.
You will also cross the most beautiful gorges on the island and reach the beaches of Cala Galdana and Son Bou, the largest in Minorca, which boasts an interesting dune system. During the route, you will explore fascinating places like the beaches of Cales Coves, with their thalayotic necropolis, and the defensive tower of Alcalfar.
Let's see in detail which meravigies await you along the Camì des Cavalls.
The headlights of Cap Favàritx, Cavallería and Punta Nati
During your trip along the Camí de Cavalls, you will have the opportunity to visit three fascinating headlights. The Cap Favàritx lighthouse stands alone on a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. The lighthouse of Cavallería, instead, dominates majestically the northern coast of Menorca, giving spectacular sunsets. Finally, the lighthouse of Punta Nati will fascinate you with its imposing design and its strategic position. Do not forget to immortalize these moments with unforgettable photos!
The natural wonders of the Natural Park of S’Albufera des Grau
Take a stop in the Natural Park of S’Albufera des Grau, a true paradise for nature lovers. Explore its unique landscapes, including lagoons, sandy beaches and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Walk along the well-marked paths and dive into the crystal clear waters of its beaches. Do not forget to observe closely the birds that populate the area, including herons, flamingos and ducks.
Charming beaches and coves
The Camí de Cavalls will take you to over fifty coves and beaches, offering you a variety of options to enjoy the sea and the sun. Sa Mesquida and Es Grau are two of the first beaches you will meet along the route, with their turquoise waters and fine sands. Continue your journey and discover the virgin coves of Binime and El Pilar, hidden and quiet places where you can relax in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Do not miss the cliffs of Cala Morell, a real natural spectacle with its prehistoric necropolis.
The wild beauty of Macarella and Macarelleta beaches
On the south coast of Menorca, you can admire the extraordinary beauty of the beaches of Macarella and Macarelleta. These two corners of paradise are immersed in an enchanting natural setting, with woods overlooking the white sands and crystal clear water of the sea. Enjoy a refreshing swim and relax in the sun on these breathtaking beaches.
Defensive towers and talaiotic monuments along the route
During your trip to the Camí de Cavalls, you will have the opportunity to explore the defensive towers that punctuate the landscape. Make a stop at the Alcalfar tower, overlooking the southern coast of Menorca and offers spectacular panoramic views. In addition, you can discover the talaiotic monuments of Cales Coves, an ancient necropolis that testifies to the human presence on the island since the earliest times.
Unique experiences along the Camí de Cavalls
The Camí de Cavalls is not only a scenic route, but also offers many unique experiences along the way. Enjoy a refreshing bath in the crystal clear waters of Cala Blanca or in the charming coves of Son Saura and Turqueta. Admire the sunset on the Cala Morell phallus and breathe the salty air of the ocean. Explore the most beautiful gorges on the island and let yourself be enchanted by the natural beauty of Cala Galdana and Son Bou.
From Santo Tomás to Son Bou: Carpet 15 of Camí de Cavalls
What I've been through is stage 15 of the Camí de Cavalls, which is also one of the most popular. It runs along the southern coast that runs from Santo Tomás beach to Son Bou beach (the longest beach in Menorca): it is about 3 km very easy journey that can be traveled in less than 2 hours either on foot or by bike or mountain bike.
In this case, the only difficulty is at the end of the beach of Santo Tomás where you have to get off the bike to climb some steps dug into the rock and overcome a rather steep rocky slope, but for the rest it is flat enough up to Son Bou.
The path follows in fact the coastal zone typical of the central area of Menorca, practically without irregularities, immersed in a fairly uniform landscape where typically Mediterranean wild herbs grow.
The route starts at the western end of Santo Tomás and immerses itself almost immediately in a coastal forest and then descends towards the beach of Atalis. From this point you can see already the dunes of Son Bou beach, but we do not reach directly.
The path leads in fact towards the inside, following the Torrente de Sa Vall and bordering the Prat de Son Bou lagoon where the vegetation is lush, typical of a humid area. Entering the urbanization of Son Bou, the last stretch of the route takes place on the asphalt, but continuing towards the beach you arrive to the early Christian Basilica of Son Bou, one of the oldest religious buildings of Menorca, dating back to the early 5th century. Rectangular in shape, it has three aisles separated by pillars and a portico, while on the outside there is a necropolis of tombs carved into the rock.
