Menorca Explorer on Horseback Mallorca/Menorca Spain Visit the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside and beaches of Menorca on horseback on this equestrian escape, based at a beautiful 4-star country estate. Enjoy high grade purebred horses out of the own breeding farm on daily excursions to explore the breathtaking surrounding. Menorca, the smallest and most eastern of Spain’s Balearic Island, has a long standing history with horses. In fact, some might say that Menorca has no history without its equestrian friends. The horses on this program are the finca’s own breed of the infamous Menorcan horse: a harmonious animal, it has a peaceful character and is smart and obedient. With a sleek silhouette and a handsome black coat, this noble horse has led explorers around this gem of an island for centuries. The Menorcan Riding Program takes advantage of Cami de Cavalls, the island’s ancient route once used to defend the island and allow military officials surveillance of the coastline. Today, it is an efficient and rewarding way to discover the beauty of this island. Following the entire Menorcan coastline and occasionally crossing through farms, the Cami de Cavalls is a path that resourcefully takes the equestrian traveler to diverse areas of dynamic topography. The Menorcan Riding Program also takes advantage of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve, declared as such by UNESCO in 1993. However, what would a great riding program be without a venture off the beaten path? The Menorcan riding tours one dip in and out of the interior to discover plentiful and great ravines and caves, unique flora and fauna, isolated and pristine beaches, and historical and beautifully preserved churches and buildings, all nestled among breathtaking landscapes and views across the Mediterranean. When all the riding has worn you out, you can relax at the ancient Menorcan farm, redone as a 4 star country hotel. Here, no amenity is out of your reach: the onsite restaurant prepares local flavors and dishes in a charming atmosphere, the swimming pool is delightfully refreshing and several beaches lie within 3 kilometers. Located amongst nature in the centre of the island, the restored accommodations are easily accessible from each coastal area. Riding Clinic Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Es Migjorn Gran Airport: Menorca - Mahón Airport Transfer: Menorca Airport Riders: Min 3 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

To coincide with direct flights from Luton (England) the trips will be from Friday to Friday.
Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Menorca Airport (MAH). Pick-up is available anytime during the day. Check-out is at 12:00pm on the last day.

Sample Itinerary: 8-day Explorer Program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Transfer from the airport. Check-into your rooms.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 2 (Sunday): Introduction
To begin the program, we will visit the stud of San Adeodato, where we will be told more about Minorcan horses. Afterwards, horses will be allotted according to the riders’ skills and we will then go for a short ride around the estate visiting the prehistoric village of Sant Agustí. Lunch features a spread of local Minorcan products in a beach restaurant. In the afternoon we will take the inland trail of the Cami de Cavalls, visiting the Barranc de Son Fideu, a famous ravine that contains one of the highest and most impressive caves of Menorca: Sa Cova d’es Coloms, which is also known as “the Cathedral”. We will visit the cave before making our back to the stables.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 3 (Monday): Ravines Trail
On today’s ride, we will pass through the major ravines of the island: Algendar, Trebalúger and Albranca. Owing to the streams that flow through the ravines, in many stretches of the cami de cavalls, we need to leave the coast and venture inland to avoid the precipitous slopes caused by these vertical cuts. In the morning, we will leave the cami de cavalls briefly to visit some of the most beautiful and wild beaches: Escorxada, Fustam y Trebalúger. Later on, we will reach the beach of Cala Mitjana for lunch. Then, we will return to the stables via the inland route of the Camí de Cavalls.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 4 (Tuesday): Natural Reserve of S’Albufera d’Es Grau
Mesquida-Es Grau-Favaritx-Port d’Addaia
Today's route runs entirely inside the limits of the Natural Reserve of S’Albufera (marsh) d’Es Grau (the center of the Biosphere Reserve) and it features some of the most impressive cliffs of the island. During the ride, we will find several wetlands (Tamarells Cove, Sa Torreta creek, Arenal de Morella) and also some of the Watch Towers which, in the past, safeguarded Minorca from the numerous attacks and sieges the island has suffered.
This stretch will lead us to the Favàritx lighthouse, one of the seven lighthouses which surround Minorca’s coastline. Here we take the opportunity to stop for a picnic and rest. The second part of the route follows an undulating path over alternating cultivated and wild landscapes, with areas of considerable ecological interest such as Pou d’en Caldés, home to many endemic plants.
At the end of the itinerary, the path reveals a new ecosystem: the Port of Addaia wetlands, combining saline marsh and aquatic vegetation. Both in autumn and spring, this is a good place for bird watching.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Rest Day (no riding)
An optional excursion (not included in the price) will be organized to enable you to discover more about Menorca.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 6 (Thursday): North Coastline
This ride will take us through one of the most unspoilt, beautiful and least known stretches of the northern coastline. The starting point is the beach of Binimel.là. The path through the dunes takes us to Cala Pregonda, where we will discover a unique landscape. Continuing along the coast, we will ride beside Minorca´s Marine Reserve (close to Cala Calderer), created in 1999, with an area of 5.199 marine hectares. Following the steep rocky coastline path we reach Ets Alocs, where we will halt to eat and rest. Moving on, we pass through Cala Pilar, with its red stained slopes, and following the path, we come to Arenal d’Alfurí another spot with a high concentration of important endemic plants and floral species. Next, we traverse Es Pla de Mar and its fantastic beach of sea-rounded stones, and then turn inland to Sa Muntanya Mala, before finally reaching Algaiarens beach. Here we move into a more arid Minorcan landscape: the trees practically disappear and the coastal vegetation adapts itself to the influence of the strong Tramuntana (north wind). This land is rich in plants such as Rosemary or the Minorcan Camomile.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 7 (Friday): Winding South
On our last full day-ride, we will ride along the Camí de Cavalls towards the East. It starts gently but finishes covering the extremely rugged landscape formed by the ravines that characterise the central southern coastline. After crossing the town of Sant Tomàs the path turns inland before arriving at Son Bou. Shortly before that however, we leave the main track to visit the ravine of Sa Vall and its wetland, passing in front of the Talis farm, from where we will follow the oddly-shaped cliffs that lead us along the seashore and sand-dunes of this tranquil tourist area. At one end of the beach of Son Bou (the longest beach on the island, nearly 1.9 miles) we find a Christian basilica dating from 400 AD. Afterwards, we will start off again along the path bordering El Prat de Son Bou: an important wetland that exemplifies the rich biodiversity on Minorca. This is another ideal spot for bird watching. Soon after, we will cross the beach to make our way back to the stables.
The day will finish with a particular lesson of “menorcan dressage” (duration: 1 hour) and includes, if you wish, to try the original and unic “bot” (jump).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast and transfer from the Hotel to the Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Notes: Given the usually good weather, these routes are practicable throughout almost all the year. The route can be changed due to security reasons, bad weather or for reasons beyond our control such as natural disasters, local events, local strikes… The staff will provide all the means and resources to provide the best solution, even modifying the route if is necessary or offering alternatives.
According to the Menorca law, during the summer, (from May to October, both inclusive) horse beach riding is forbidden on some beaches.



Sample Itinerary: 5-day Getaway Program - subject to changes

This program includes days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 of the 8-day itinerary.

Day 1 (Monday): Arrival
Transfer from the airport. Check-into your rooms.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 2 (Tuesday): Introduction
To begin the program, we will visit the stud of San Adeodato, where we will be told more about Minorcan horses. Afterwards, horses will be allotted according to the riders’ skills and we will then go for a short ride around the estate visiting the prehistoric village of Sant Agustí. Lunch features a spread of local Minorcan products in a beach restaurant. In the afternoon we will take the inland trail of the Cami de Cavalls, visiting the Barranc de Son Fideu, a famous ravine that contains one of the highest and most impressive caves of Menorca: Sa Cova d’es Coloms, which is also known as “the Cathedral”. We will visit the cave before making our back to the stables.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 3 (Wednesday): Ravines Trail
On today’s ride, we will pass through the major ravines of the island: Algendar, Trebalúger and Albranca. Owing to the streams that flow through the ravines, in many stretches of the cami de cavalls, we need to leave the coast and venture inland to avoid the precipitous slopes caused by these vertical cuts. In the morning, we will leave the cami de cavalls briefly to visit some of the most beautiful and wild beaches: Escorxada, Fustam y Trebalúger. Later on, we will reach the beach of Cala Mitjana for lunch. Then, we will return to the stables via the inland route of the Camí de Cavalls.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 4 (Thursday): Winding South
On our last full day-ride, we will ride along the Camí de Cavalls towards the East. It starts gently but finishes covering the extremely rugged landscape formed by the ravines that characterise the central southern coastline. After crossing the town of Sant Tomàs the path turns inland before arriving at Son Bou. Shortly before that however, we leave the main track to visit the ravine of Sa Vall and its wetland, passing in front of the Talis farm, from where we will follow the oddly-shaped cliffs that lead us along the seashore and sand-dunes of this tranquil tourist area. At one end of the beach of Son Bou (the longest beach on the island, nearly 1.9 miles) we find a Christian basilica dating from 400 AD. Afterwards, we will start off again along the path bordering El Prat de Son Bou: an important wetland that exemplifies the rich biodiversity on Minorca. This is another ideal spot for bird watching. Soon after, we will cross the beach to make our way back to the stables.
The day will finish with a particular lesson of “menorcan dressage” (duration: 1 hour) and includes, if you wish, to try the original and unic “bot” (jump).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 5 (Friday): Departure
Breakfast and transfer from the Hotel to the Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Notes: Given the usually good weather, these routes are practicable throughout almost all the year. The route can be changed due to security reasons, bad weather or for reasons beyond our control such as natural disasters, local events, local strikes… The staff will provide all the means and resources to provide the best solution, even modifying the route if is necessary or offering alternatives.
According to the Menorca law, during the summer, (from May to October, both inclusive) horse beach riding is forbidden on some beaches.



Non-Riders
Non riding activities such as biking, cultural tours, spa, massage, snorkel, sailing… are plentiful in the area. We can also organize an unforgettable nautical experience for you in a sailboat to go out sailing along the impressive coastline of Minorca.

                                            Minorca area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	57	57	60	64	71	79	84	84	79	73	64	59
Average Low Temperature (°F)	46	45	47	50	56	63	69	70	66	60	53	48
Average High Temperature (°C)	14	14	16	18	22	26	29	29	26	23	18	15
Average Low Temperature (°C)	8	7	8	10	13	17	20	21	19	16	11	9
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	6	6	6	4	1	0	2	5	7	7	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Minorca is a great place to visit year-round thanks to its geographical location in the Balearics, which promises milder weather than continental Spain.

The Minorcan climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild average temperatures and seasonal rainfall. The dry season coincides with the warm summer. Average annual temperatures are between 16 and 18 º C. The strongest wind is from the North (Tramuntana), which in winter often reaches 100 km/hour. In summer, thermal breezes are a feature of the coast but do not cause rough seas.

Annual rainfall is irregular, varying greatly from year to year, sometimes even resulting in drought. Most of the rain is concentrated in a few days of heavy or very heavy rainfall in autumn with the rest of the year of low intensity. The average annual precipitation on the island is 650 mm, depending on the area.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Normal riding gear, no rubber boots, please

Light pants without any strong seams

Ankle-high solid shoes with flat heels

Long sleeved cotton shirts (sun protection)

Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)

Light gloves, if wanted

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Lightweight jacket or vest

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date alistair mair 11/6/2018 john prichard 11/4/2017

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride where all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Your accommodation is an ancient Minorcan farmhouse restored as a tranquil rural hotel. Situated in the midst of natural surroundings, the hotel offers Mediterranean comfort and tranquility. The hotel exists in peaceful harmony with its surroundings and features 20 rooms which have been refurbished respecting the original Minorcan style. They have all possible amenities (TV, telephone, Internet, safety deposit box, bathroom, etc.). 
The swimming pool with salt water chlorination and its organic form has been designed with the environment in mind. Its shape, colours and textures are reminiscent of the pristine beaches of Menorca. 

Standard Room (up to 2 pax)
2 beds (90 cm x 2 meters), bathroom (including hairdryer), television with international channels, telephone, internet, minibar and free safety deposit box.   

Superior Room (up to 2 pax)
Same as standard room plus a terrace (equipped with 2 chairs, table and umbrella).  

Junior Suite (up to 4 pax)
Same as superior room plus a living room with double sofa-bed.



There is a list with the cost of laundry in the room and the prices depends of what and if it needs to iron it or not.

The hotel is situated at less than 1 km from the beautiful village of Es Migjorn Gran and at less than 3 km from the sandy beaches of Binigaus and Saint Tomas.

Room Occupancy
If there is nobody to share the room with, the single supplement fee is not mandatory.



Meals
All meals are included except for lunch on day 5.

During your stay, you will get to try the Mediterranean diet featuring Minorcan and Spanish cuisine.
The restaurant offers you the opportunity to taste the local flavours in a pleasant and charming atmosphere. A menu - both modern and traditional - offers the best of excuses to blindly surrender to the intensity of tastes and smells which invite the guests to submerge themselves in a whirlwind of sensations.

Wine is included with dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Purebred Andalusian, Menorcan and mix
Pace:		Moderate slow with trots and some controlled canters - 5 hrs per day. 5 riding days | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 8 riders

Required Riding Level
Riders must be able to master the horse at a medium level in all gaits (walk, trot and canter). It is advisable to be physically fit.

Horses
The horses are from our own stud (Yeguada de San Adeodato) and are Minorcan, Andalusians and crossbred. The Minorcan horse is well-balanced, has a peaceful character, is elegant and obedient.

Guides
We have at our disposal guides specialized in horse trek, speaking English, French or Spanish. They know the horses and terrain, providing the necessary security and maintaining at all times the pace and tempo of the route.

Insurance
It is mandatory to take out travel insurance for this trip.

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 

 

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.