Walking the Coastal Trails of Menorca

SpAin | MENORCa
Walking-the-Coastal-Trails-of-Menorca2016.qxp_Spain 11/3/15 1:06 PM Page 88
Walking the Coastal Trails of Menorca
$1,307 per person
7 nights from
f
At a glance...
Menorca, an UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve
Stunning coastal scenery, lush
countryside and gentle walking trails
Golden-sand beaches, sparkling azure
bays and turquoise seas
Rich in cultural history: prehistoric
settlements, fortresses, castles and
watchtowers
Fabulous flora: sea lavender, golden
asphodels and serapia orchids
Beautiful Spanish finca hotel with
panoramic pool and sun terrace
What’s included...
• 7 nights - single centre
• All continental breakfasts and evening
meals
• f self-guided walking with route
notes, maps and GpX files
• Car rental included
See pp6-7 & 50-51 for details of what the f
symbol means and how our holidays work
• 80% sustainability rating
• 92% customer satisfaction rating
There’s a sense of peace and tranquillity on beautiful Menorca, an 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 Mahón, set on the Mediterranean’s most perfect
natural harbor.
This self-guided walking holiday combines a wonderfully varied itinerary that takes
in many of these ancient sites, exploring stunning coastal scenery dotted with
narrow rocky inlets and magnificent beaches.
Castles, fortresses and watchtowers line
the coast, linked by the Cami de Cavalls,
“ A most enjoyable
the paths originally used by the
week spent on a
soldiers. These now allow walkers
to explore the coastline with its
delightful, unspoiled island
idyllic sandy beaches, hidden
with comfortable accommodation
coves and bays with dazzling
aquamarine seas. With the
and varied walking. ”
freedom a hire car affords, you
Mr D Gingell
really can explore this entire
beautiful island at your own pace.
Your base is an elegantly converted C17 Spanish
finca, the Morvedra Nou Hotel near Ciutadella,
the island’s former capital in the south
Fornells
west. It’s run by Victoria Bendito, the
granddaughter of the original farm
Ciutadella
owner. The tastefully decorated rooms
Morvedra Nou
Es Grau
all have garden terraces and are located
Son Xoriguer
Santa Galdana
within the converted stables. The lovely
Sant Tomas
Mahón
pool terrace is a perfect place for
Sant Esteve
Barcelona
relaxation with panoramic views over
•
pretty fields all the way to the sea.
Punta Prima
Call us on 1-800-567-6286 for a tailor-made quote
Walking-the-Coastal-Trails-of-Menorca2016.qxp_Spain 11/3/15 1:07 PM Page 89
Your accommodation
Your itinerary
Day 1
Morvedra Nou Hotel HHHH
Ciutadella
Arrive in Ciutadella
On arrival in Mahón, pick up your rental car and drive (1 hour) to the hotel in time for a relaxing
swim before dinner.
Day 2
Santa Galdana Bays Walk 12km/7.5mi/4hr
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, or stroll via the country lanes back to the hotel, before
getting a taxi back to collect the car.
Day 3
North Coast Trail 11km/7mi/4hr
Day 4
Punta Prima to Sant Esteve 11km/7mi/3.5hr
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!
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 lead you past fig
trees and fortified farmhouses to the fortress of Sant Esteve, set on a tiny harbor. Continue on to a
local cafe where they’ll call you a taxi to return to your car. Relax with a swim in the hotel pool
before dinner.
Day 5
Ciutadella or Mahón Walks
Day 6
Caves and Coast Walk 9km/6mi/3hr
The cities at either end of Menorca make fascinating days out, and we provide walking notes for
both. Mahón’s natural harbor 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.
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.
Day 7
Son Xoriguer 13km/8mi/3.5hr
Day 8
Leave Ciutadella
Today’s route takes you back down to the south coast and across low creamy rocks covered in bright
yellow sea poppy, wild thyme and pink cistus. Lunch by the sea in Son Xoriguer (there are lots of
swimming options along the way), then head back via the enchanting former capital, Ciutadella.
Day by Day Walking Guide
450m
300m
150m
0m
Treat yourself...
You can extend your stay with extra nights in Ciutadella.
Room upgrades are available from $13 per person, per
night, based on 2 sharing.
For hotel descriptions visit:
www.breakaway-adventures.com
Dates and prices (US$)
Departs selected
Fridays
Tour
Only
2016 Departures
Oct 7, 14
May 6, 13
Sep 30
May 27
May 20
Jun 3, 10, 17
Sep 16, 23
Sep 2, 9
$1,307
$1,537
$1,423
$1,592
$1,742
$1,822
$1,715
$1,749
2017 Departures
May 5, 12, 19
May 26
Jun 2, 23
Jun 9, 16
$1,273
$1,287
$1,527
$1,749
Singles: Please call for details and prices.
Children: Please call for details and prices.
Group size: No minimum group size, however car rental is subject
to a minimum of 2 people per booking.
Tour only prices include a Europcar Group B air-conditioned
rental car which you collect from/return to Mahón airport. Drive
to hotel approximately 1 hour.
W07MN
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 6
Day 7
Walks on this holiday are mostly coastal trails. Many surfaces are loose stone with some sandy paths. Inland
sections are on easy country tracks and farm trails. Walking boots essential.
For further details visit:www.breakaway-adventures.com