Getting There & Back
Where on earth is Menorca?
Menorca, often considered the crown jewel of the Balearic Islands, lies in the Mediterranean Sea and is renowned throughout Spain for its turquoise waters, scenic walking trails, and relaxed way of life. This island paradise spans just 27 miles at its widest point. With a rich history shaped by British, French, and Arabic influences, Menorca today marks the easternmost point of Spain.”
How do I get to Menorca?
Reaching Menorca is likely easier than you might expect. The primary gateway is Barcelona, which offers more than five daily flights to the island. Other cities with regular direct flights include Madrid, Bilbao, Valencia, London, and Palma de Mallorca—the capital of the Balearic archipelago. The flight from Barcelona to Menorca takes approximately 25 minutes.
How do I get from Menorca Airport to the meeting place?
Our first accommodation is conveniently located near the airport. For your transfer, you have two options: local taxis are readily available just outside the terminal and typically charge around 20 euros. Alternatively, you may choose to pre-book your transfer by contacting your Client Service Manager.
On the Road
What is the Camí de Cavalls?
Camí de Cavalls—literally ‘The Horse Way’—is a remarkable walking trail that encircles the entire island of Menorca, winding from cove to cove and through a variety of forested landscapes. The full route spans 183 kilometers and has grown increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to improved signage and accessibility. For the Menorca Tour, we have carefully selected the most scenic and rewarding sections of this historic trail.
What’s the story behind the Camí de Cavalls?
The Camí de Cavalls is far more than a spectacular hiking trail—it has deep historical and strategic roots. Centuries ago, the path was created by locals as a defensive perimeter to protect the island’s coastline from potential invaders. Mounted guards patrolled the route, keeping watch over the horizon. Over time, every culture that settled on the island—British, French, and Spanish alike—helped maintain and restore the trail to safeguard Menorca’s shores.
What is the weather like in Menorca?
Menorca benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm and dry summers, and mild temperatures during the spring and autumn months—particularly March, April, October, and November. The island experiences less rainfall and generally warmer conditions compared to northern Spain. For current weather conditions and average monthly temperatures in Menorca, please click here.
What is a typical day like on the Menorca Tour?
After breakfast, we lace up and make our way to the trailhead. Transfers are normally quick in a small island like Menorca. We walk in the morning for about 2 to 4 hours, before indulging in a gourmet picnic lunch prepared with the freshest local ingredients. On some days, we walk 1 or 2 more hours after lunch to burn off dessert.
In the afternoon, we return to our hotel, where we have time to shower, rest, and relax. The day concludes with a glass of red wine and a meal featuring local cuisine. We then retire for the night, ready to repeat the experience the next day. On certain days, we have scheduled cultural activities, such as visiting a historic military fort with stunning panoramic views, exploring the island’s most artistic neighborhoods, and touring the artistic quarry of Lithica.
Does the group stop for breaks on the Menorca Tour?
The Menorca Tour is well-marked, allowing participants to walk at a pace that suits them—this is not a race! We recognize that the inviting turquoise waters will be a temptation along the way, and of course, there will be time to enjoy them.
What is the terrain like on the Menorca Tour?
The terrain on the Menorca Tour is primarily on dirt trails, some of which can present small challenges because of uneven and rocky surfaces. Almost the whole walk (85%) follows these coastal trails. Although there are no major elevation gains and descents, appropriate footwear is recommended.
What is the change in elevation on the Menorca Tour?
There are no true mountains on the Menorca Tour, with the highest elevation being only 360 feet above sea level. However, the trail is not entirely flat, and we will encounter some inclines and declines along the way.
How many kilometres are walked each day on the Menorca Tour?
The daily distance on the Menorca Tour ranges from 7 to 15 kilometers (4 to 9 miles). The total planned walk covers 99 kilometers (61 miles), but we can adjust the daily distances to meet your needs.
Although we will encounter some services along the way, these will not be as many as on our Camino de Santiago tours that you may be familiar with.
Is the route well marked?
The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Wooden markers at regular intervals indicate the correct route allowing you to walk at your own pace. More than 3,000 markers can be found along the trail.
Is it beautiful? Is it all the same?
The Menorca trail offers an incredible experience, filled with natural beauty and renowned in Spain for having the country’s best coves and beaches. This route connects them all, providing an impressive, scenic walk.
Additionally, the island offers great diversity, with surprises around every corner, from dense forests to cultural and historical landmarks. The North is wild, rugged, and more isolated, while the South is calmer, more scenic, and filled with coves. To sum it up, the North is like a Wagner symphony, while the South is more like Mozart.
Will I be able to do laundry on the Menorca Tour?
On the Menorca Tour, we provide a Fresco Tours laundry service approximately halfway through the trip, allowing you to send your clothes to a laundromat for washing and drying. Additionally, some hotels offer laundry services. As on other tours, we also recommend bringing quick-drying clothes.
Differences between the Menorca Tour and our Camino de Santiago tours that you may be familiar with
Firstly, on the Menorca Tour we only change accommodation twice. The size of the island and the round shape of the trail permit us to stay at just three hotels.
Secondly, given the size of the island and the circular shape of the route, we have more flexibility in choosing which stage to complete each day. There is an official walk for each day of the tour, but the guides may adjust the order of the sections based on the weather forecast to ensure you have the best possible experience. We ask that you remain flexible with these changes.
Before You Go / Preparing
How do I purchase travel insurance?
Once you book your tour, we strongly advise you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation / interruption. Even the best adventure deserves a backup plan! We suggest using TravelInsurance.com, which allows you to compare and assess top insurance provider policies and their different coverage plans. Keep in mind that some travel insurance policies must be purchased within a specific time frame – often within a few weeks of booking your tour.
*In accordance with Spanish law and for the duration of your tour with Fresco Tours, you are covered by a very basic insurance provided by Intermundial.
What type of shoes do I need to walk the Menorca tour?
Footwear is a personal choice, depending on your activity level and the support you need. Since we’ll be walking on dirt trails, comfort is crucial to avoid blisters. Due to the sometimes rocky and uneven terrain, we highly recommend footwear that covers the ankle. However, it’s important that the shoes are not too heavy and provide good grip. Running shoes are not ideal for this walk. Most importantly, ensure your shoes are well broken in before the tour!
What other things do I need to walk the Menorca tour?
It is always a good idea to bring hiking poles, as they can provide extra support. Some sections have little shade, so a hat may be useful. The northern side of the island can sometimes be quite windy, so a wind-stopper jacket would be helpful. And, of course, don’t forget your swimsuit to enjoy the stunning coves and beaches of Spain.
What sort of conditioning do I need to undertake the Menorca Tour?
The Menorca Tour presents some hiking challenges due to the terrain and the occasional long distances without services. As such, it may not be the best option for a first-time hiker, as you’ll need to be comfortable navigating rocky terrain and walking without external support for certain stretches. Keep in mind that during the walk, one of the two guides will be on the trail with the group to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, we’ve arranged checkpoints along the way with our support van, where you can get water, a change of shoes, or take a break. In most cases, you’ll encounter the van two or three times throughout the walk.
What are the Ten Commandments of the Menorca Tour to have in mind?
- The Menorca Tour is an incredible experience. It’s one of the most amazing walking adventures you can have in Spain – this island is truly a paradise.
- What makes this journey so special is its variety. Each day presents a different experience, from stunning beaches and deep forests to breathtaking cliffs, coastal lagoons, and peaceful paths.
- The tour is rich in history, with sites spanning from Neolithic settlements to the Spanish Civil War. One of the island’s historical highlights is the old town of Ciutadella, which is simply charming and easy to fall in love with.
- The Camí de Cavalls is not a modern creation aimed at attracting tourists; it has a defensive history behind it, originally designed to protect the island’s coastline.
- The Camí de Cavalls is challenging and may not be suitable for everyone. While you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker, it’s important to have some hiking experience.
- About 85% of the trail is on dirt and rocky paths, while the remaining 15% is on small paved roads. In this manner, some sections offer relaxed walks, while others are more uneven and rocky.
- We strongly recommend bringing four essential items for the Menorca Tour: footwear that protects your ankles, hiking poles, a hat, and a swimsuit.
- There are no mountains or significant elevations on the trail. However, the route is not entirely flat, and some sections feature undulating terrains.
- The trail is well-marked throughout and easy to follow. That said, it’s important to remain alert so as not to get lost, especially at crossroads.
- Be prepared for walks averaging 7-8 miles a day. The facilities are not as plentiful as on the Camino de Santiago, but there are toilets and checkpoints along the way. There is an official walk planned for each day, but we ask for flexibility in case the guides decide to adjust the order of the sections based on weather forecasts to ensure a better experience.
