Island tour from Menorca by the GR 223 Cami de Cavalls
IN BALEARIC SPAIN
In August 2023, I fulfilled one of my dearest wishes, discovering the island of Menorca located in the Balearic archipelago in Spain. I decided to tour it on foot using the GR 223 long-distance hiking trail, better known as Camí de Cavalls, which means “horse path” in Catalan.
In the 14th century this military trail was used to monitor the territory and prevent enemy pirate attacks. This is why the English, occupying the island in the 18th century, installed 18 guard towers along the coast to control the most strategic positions.
After being closed for many years, this path was finally reopened to the public following numerous local demands. Thanks to restoration and marking work, the trail became accessible again in 2010.
The route now forms a 185 km loop around the island, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline every day. The Cami de Cavalls is divided into 20 sections of 5 to 14 kilometers each, with a cumulative difference in altitude of almost 3000 meters.
The official starting point is located in the south of the island, from the main town of Port Mahon, but I had to do otherwise and start my journey from the north, from the village of Ciutadella where my ferry docked.
Whether you prefer to walk, cycle or ride horses, this trail will leave you with lasting memories with its magnificent coves with turquoise waters and its secret beaches.
The Cami de Cavalls will allow you to discover the culture, history, gastronomy and incredible biodiversity of this small island. You will discover varied landscapes, ranging from forests to cliffs, from ponds to beaches, from hills to fields. On your way you will see old bunkers dating from the civil war, old fisherman's houses, but also lighthouses and shepherd's shelters.
I hope that my videos will make you want to embark on this adventure...
✨ Buen camino ⭐
Lionel of Compostela 🦋
THE STEPS DEPARTING FROM CIUTADELLA IS 7 DAYS OF WALKING FOR APPROXIMATELY 185 KILOMETERS
1- Ciutadella / Cala Morell,
environ 25 km,
2- Cala Morell / Playa Fornells,
environ 28 km
3- Playa Fornells / Es Grau,
environ 30 km,
4- Es Grau / Alcalfar,
environ 25 km,
5- Alcalfar / En Porter
environ 21 km,
6- En Porter / Cala Galdana
environ 28 km,
7- Cala Galdana / Ciutadella
environ 28 km.
In order to better estimate the distances and the elevations, click on the following link to obtain all GPS tracks (in GPX format) To view and follow my different hiking routes, download the free app before Wikiloc on your smartphone.
These itineraries are provided for information only and without any guarantee. On the ground, your choices engage your responsibility and safety.
For a first preview in pictures ofmy turn, click on the videos below. To see more photos, then go to the section dedicated to slideshow.
Cami de Cavalls from the sky
You will find in the following pages, step by step all my routes seen from the sky.
More to come soon... So, subscribe to the website here
Or on my youtube channel.
Buen camino !!! Lionel of Compostela