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Island Explorer Menorca – Camí dels Cavalls
Mallorca/Menorca
Spain
Menorca is the greenest and most authentic of the Balearic Islands and the perfect place to get acquainted with the true beauty of life in the Mediterranean: deep blue bays, white sand beaches, spectacular cliffs, rolling hills, quiet farmland, historical towns, and ports full of tiny boats and seafood restaurants. You'll follow the Camí dels Cavalls, a horsemen's trail established long ago by English settlers, which has recently been way-marked as a GR long-distance walking path.
Your trip begins and ends in the capital of Mahón (also written Maó), a convenient base for easy travel to Menorca. Each day, you walk a section of the route circling the island. With the help of an occasional taxi transfer or bus ride, you walk the best routes and skip the less interesting parts. You start off walking northwards into S'Albufera Natural Park, then along the coast to reach Cape Favaritx and the fishing village of Fornells. The next few days, your walks will take you past varied scenery: enormous watchtowers, steep cliffs, peaceful orchards, bizarre prehistoric structures. As you walk, you come to appreciate the island's natural beauty and understand why Menorca was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Intriguingly varied plant life surrounds you, as you walk from beach to beach and village to village. Mid-week, brings you to the friendly port town of Ciutadela. You then move onward, along the busier south coast. Traversing deep ravines and Mediterranean woodlands, your tour ends on return to the capital city of Mahón.
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations, breakfast, 1 dinner, luggage transfers, transfers according to program, detailed route description, maps, 24-hr assitance by phone
Extra nights can be booked at any of the lodgings
| A | 2012 | 8 day self-guided hiking trip | 8d / 7n | €635 | $855 |
| Single room supplement | €195 | $265 |
| Solo Traveler supplement (incl Single room) | €360 | $485 |
| B | 2012 | 8 day (Mid) self-guided hiking trip | 8d / 7n | €745 | $1000 |
| Single room supplement | €195 | $265 |
| Solo Traveler supplement (incl Single room) | €360 | $485 |
| C | 2012 | 8 day (Peak) self-guided hiking trip | 8d / 7n | €850 | $1140 |
| Single room supplement | €195 | $265 |
| Solo Traveler supplement (incl Single room) | €360 | $485 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Meeting at the hotel in Mahon
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Tour Dates for 2012
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| A |
2012
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04/01
- 05/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day self-guided hiking tri...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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06/01
- 07/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day (Mid) self-guided hiki...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| C |
2012
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07/15
- 08/25
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8d / 7n
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8 day (Peak) self-guided hik...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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08/26
- 09/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day (Mid) self-guided hiki...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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10/01
- 10/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day self-guided hiking tri...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, 6 dinners, Travel Insurance. Transfers from/ to the airport
Day 1 Arrival in Mahón
Arrival on Menorca, where you settle into your accommodation in Mahón, the capital of Menorca. This lovely port situated on hill overlooking the bay makes an excellent base from which to begin exploring the island with its intriguing history of occupation by English, French and Spanish troops from the late 17th to the early 19th century. The atmospheric city centre includes an interesting mix of architectural styles, with stately manor houses and monuments, such as the Teatre Principal and the churches of San Francesc and Santa María. Accommodation in Mahón.
Day 2 From Es Grau to Port d'Addaia
You start off with a short transfer to the fishing village of Es Grau, just outside S'Albufera Natural Park. Here you pick up the Cami de Cavalls, which takes you through marshes and dune areas around an enormous freshwater lake. Once past Cape Favaritx, the landscape becomes steeper and rockier. The only splash of color in this stark landscape are the bright pink blooms of Carpobrotus. Traversing salt-water marshes, you reach the holiday town of Port d'Addaia. Short transfer to the next accommodation, in Menorca's northernmost fishing village. Accommodation in Fornells.
19km, 5.5 to 6hrs, ascent/descent 350m
Day 3 From Fornells to Cala S'Alocs
Taxi transfer to Cap de Cavalleria, where you begin a walking route along a remote and rocky coastline, the island's most mountainous sector. The terrain alternates between cliffs and marshlands and you traverse Mediterranean woodlands rich in bird species. Option of stopping to rest at a café on the beach before you reach Cala S'Alocs, where you'll be met for the transfer to your accommodation. Accommodation in Cala Morell.
17km, 5.5 to 6hrs, ascent/descent 600m
Day 4 Cala S'Alocs to Cala Morell
You start walking at Platja Cala Pilar, through a flatter landscape of open farmland. Here, the local cheese called Queso de Mahón is made on old farmsteads dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. A relatively easy day and time this afternoon to relax 'round the swimming pool at the Agriturismo. Accommodation in Cala Morell.
14km, 4hrs, ascent/descent 200m
Day 5 From Cala Morell to Cales Picas
Today's route starts in Cala Morell and takes you into an area dotted with ancient dwellings from the Talayotic period. Surrounded by typical Mediterranean vegetation of rosemary, rock rose and chamomile - you make your way toward a dry limestone plateau, where the tramuntana wind blows constantly across fields enclosed by high walls. No modern houses in sight, just the strange pyramidal structures from prehistoric times. Your route ends in Cales Piques, where you catch a bus (or continue on foot) to the pretty port town of Ciutadella. Accommodation in Ciutadella.
14km, 4.5hrs, ascent/descent 250m
Day 6 From Son Xoriguer to Cala Galdana
Short transfer to Son Xoriguer, to continue your trek along the coast. The countryside here is mainly flat, and you walk through woodlands of evergreen oaks, firs and wild olive trees, passing gorgeous coves such as Platges de Son Saura or Cala en Turqueta. Later, the terrain becomes more rugged and you traverse deep ravines, or barrancos, to reach the coastal village of Cala Galdana. Optional excursion into the Barranc d'Algendar, Menorca's most spectacular gorge, and time for a swim at the pool or in sea! Accommodation in Cala Galdana.
15km, 4.5hrs, ascent/descent 250m
Day 7 From Cala Galdana to Son Bou
The last walk of this program starts on the beach at Cala Mitjana, situated at the edge of a holm oak wood, with remains of ancient ovens where charcoal was traditionally made. You cross Migjorn plateau, home to the Mediterranean species Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hernanni). After 14km, you leave the Cami de Cavalls to reach the ruins of a 5th-century Paleo-Christian chapel at Son Bou. Transfer back to Mahón. Accommodation in Mahón.
14km, 4.5h, ascent/descent 350m
Day 8 End of program
Your walking program comes to an end today after breakfast. Departure from Mahón airport (transfer on your own).
Meeting:
Hotel in Mahón
Airport:
Mahón (MAH) on Menorca
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Easy to moderate. Long walking routes, but very little ascent / descent. Well-marked walking paths. Walks of 4-6 hrs, average ascent/descent of 250m.
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Level:
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(2
to
2.5
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
With an average annual temperature of 17ºC, Menorca enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. The average high temperature in summer is 24ºC and the average low in winter is 11ºC.
Its climate is characterised by northerly winter winds called Tramuntana, that blow rather frequently on the Island; annual rains range from 450mm to 650mm, with autumn the rainiest season of the year.
The climate in Menorca allows you to enjoy the outdoors year round: mild winters to take part in many activities and warm summers to enjoy, in particular, the wide range of sea activities and wonderful beaches. Although Menorca enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate in general, the weather can change very quickly like in all coastal/mountainous areas. Please be prepared for rain, mist, wind, fog and even hail or snow at any time.
For updated weather information, please consult www.aemet.es.
What to bring and pack ... this list is only a guideline for you!
- Documents
Travel Documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
- Gear List
Wind and waterproof jacket (Gore-tex stlye)
Waterproof hiking boots with a good grip sole
Spare layer of clothing
Walking socks
Warm fleece
Shorts and T shirts
Swimsuit
Towel
2 Walking poles (optional)
Water bottle (we recommend to carry at leat 2 Litre per person!)
Personal first aid kit with good blister protection
- For your picnics
A good cutting knife, fork, spoon, plastic cup and plate
some plastic bags
thermos
- Sun and insect protection
Sunglasses and sun cream
Sun hat
Insect protection
- Additional things to bring
Casual shoes / sandals
Casual wear
Personal Toiletries
Personal medications
Sore cream (for the emergency)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for electric appliances
Camera
Flashlight
Belt pack
Address book and pen (for pictures and postcards)
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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--
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Pace:
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Easy to moderate. Long walking routes, but very little ascent / descent. Well-marked walking paths. Walks of 4-6 hrs, average ascent/descent of 250m.
|
|
Level:
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|
(2
to
2.5
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Island Explorer Menorca – Camí dels Cavalls
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