Hit the trails in Menorca: plan the best Mediterranean hiking trip

One trail that joins them all. Did you know that you can literally walk around Menorca, on one trail that takes you all around the island?

Its 185km are divided into 20 stages, some of which are easy, and some trickier. It would take 8-10 days to do the whole thing, passing coves, lighthouses, cliffs and villages, and experiencing the incredibly satisfying feeling of getting back to where you started.

But most people prefer to base themselves in a comfortable hotel in Menorca and simply pick and choose their stages (a selection of which we’ll run through below).

This is the ultimate route for hiking in Menorca, with a long history. It isn’t entirely clear when it was created, but the best guess is the 14th century. Its purpose was to connect the watchtowers, cannons and fortresses along the coast of this strategically located island, which was fought over by various European powers over the centuries.

It was designed to be patrolled on horseback, hence its name “The Horse Path”, and it was fully restored and made accessible to the public at the beginning of the 2000s.

Every stretch of the path has its own unique identity, with the cliffs of the north feeling more raw and dramatic, carved out by the northerly wind (the tramuntana), and the pine forests of the south feeling more sheltered, offering gentler walking.

This 5km (there and back) route following the Camí de Cavalls will take you 1.5-2 hours, and is one of the easiest and most scenic Menorca walking routes there is. To avoid crowds at busy times of year, aim to do this walk in the early morning or late afternoon.

Leaving Cala Galdana to the west, it follows a gently sloping path between pine trees, past stunning viewpoints, until it reaches the beautiful turquoise coves of Macarella and Macarelleta, perfect for a dip.

Fancy going a little further? Keep going for another 2km to reach Cala en Turqueta.

Heading east from Cala Galdana this time, this 14km (there and back), demanding route will take you roughly four hours.

This beautiful coastal walk follows the Camí de Cavalls past hidden coves like Cala Mitjana and Cala Trebalúger. Turn back at Santo Tomás, or carry on until you reach the golden sands of Son Bou.

Don’t fancy doing quite that many kilometres? The Santo Tomás to Son Bou walk is a fantastic, shorter alternative.

On the north-east coast, this trail takes you south through the S’Albufera des Grau Nature Park from the lighthouse of Cape Favaritx. It covers 10km (there and back), is moderately difficult, will take you 3-4 hours, and is a great hike to do if you’re staying in the Mahón area.

As with most of the hiking in Menorca, there’s so much to absorb as you walk. To begin with, you’ll be admiring the arid landscape of the cape, but you’ll see the landscape change as you get further into the wetlands of the park. Take binoculars for closer looks at the resident flamingos and birds of prey.

Cabo de Cavallería is a dramatic isthmus that sticks out into the Mediterranean, and is Menorca’s most northerly point. This 6km (there and back) trail to Cala Pregonda takes you west along the Menorca coastal path, again part of the Camí de Cavalls, is moderately difficult, and will take you roughly two hours.

After visiting the lighthouse of Cabo de Cavallería, enjoying those uninterrupted views, start your walk at the beach of the same name. Follow the rocky path past picturesque coves like Cala Mica and Binimel-là. Cala Pregonda is the perfect spot for a refreshing snorkel, if you’ve got space for a mask and swimming gear in your backpack.

Moving around to the northwest of the island, it will take you about 3-3.5 hours to cover the 10km (there and back) from Cala Morell to Playa Algaiarens.

One of the best things about Menorca walking is that you can often take in some of the island’s history as you go. In this case, start with a good look around the Necropolis of Cala Morell (best visited nice and early in the day), one of many fascinating talaiotic sites in Menorca.

Then, head west along the coast past Platja des Tancat, Platja des Bot and Cala Fontanelles, until you reach Playa Algaiarens, the perfect spot for a picnic before you turn back. Think quiet coves, cliffs and forests.

Not far from Ciutadella, and perfect for combining with a Ciutadella walking tour, is this moderately difficult 6km (there and back) trail, which will take you about two hours to walk.

From the Mirador Pont d’en Gil, with views over a beautiful sea arch, head north along the Camí de Cavalls, enjoying spectacular outlooks as far as the Punta Nati lighthouse. This might be one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset when you’re hiking in Menorca, but make sure you bring a torch if you’re planning on staying that long.

The coastal path that wends its way around Menorca gets most of the attention, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to explore inland on this charming island.

Leave the coastal crowds behind and take an easy 3km stroll up to the ruined 13th-century castle of Santa Águeda, once a Roman fort. If you’re looking for circular walks in Menorca, head to the vibrant village of Sant Climent in the southeast and do the 10km loop out to the talaoitic site of Talatí de Dalt, before indulging yourself in a meal back in the village as a well-earned reward.

If you’re keen to visit Monte Toro, the highest point on the island, bear in mind there’s no trail as such. It’s about 3km uphill along the often busy road from the village of Es Mercadal. The panoramic views at the top are worth it, but if you have a rental car, it’s probably best to drive up and save your legs for some of the other hikes in Menorca on this list.

If you’re visiting Menorca in the summer, walking probably won’t be at the top of your list, beyond a short stroll to access a beautiful cove, or a wander around Ciutadella or Mahón. Because in high summer, the temperatures soar, and many of the walking routes in Menorca have little to offer in the way of shade.

Spring and autumn are both excellent times for Menorca walking holidays, with good temperatures, although you might have to handle a bit of rain.

But those who want to see the paths at their quietest should plan their hiking break for the winter months. Just make sure you check the weather before you set out.