Camí de Cavalls Menorca: How the Coastal Path Works

What the Camí de Cavalls actually is

The Camí de Cavalls is a path that surrounds the island, historically used for defence by horse, and its name literally translates to horse path. It is waymarked and links many of Menorca's beaches and coves, so you can walk it in sections rather than committing to the full loop.

Travellers report that the Camí de Cavalls has scenic sections for hiking. It is not a single trail you must do end to end; most visitors use it as a network of day walks between accessible points.

Best stretches for a day

The most recommended day walk is from Cala Galdana to Cala Macarella, which travellers report as a good hike. This stretch takes you through coastal scenery to one of the island's best-known beaches, and you can continue to Cala Macarelleta if you want more.

Other rewarding sections link Cala Mitjana, Cala Trebalúger and Cala Fustam on the south coast, or the north coast around Platja de Binimel·là, Cala Pregonda and Platja de Cavalleria. These are all named beaches on the path, and each has its own character.

If you want a shorter taste, the section between Cala Galdana and Cala Mitjana is manageable, and there is a viewpoint at Viewpoint Cala Mitjana. For a wilder feel, the stretch near Cala en Turqueta and Cala Macarella is popular but parking fills early.

Heat and water: what to expect

Menorca has a Mediterranean climate with marked seasonality. The average annual temperature is 17.1 °C, with minimum averages in January of 11.5 °C and maximum averages in August of 25.0 °C. Minimum in winter can drop to 5 °C often at night and in the morning, and the maximum in summer can exceed 30 °C.

That means summer walking can be hot, especially on exposed coastal sections with little shade. Carry at least two litres of water per person for a half-day walk, more if it is August, and start early. There are no services on remote beaches: travellers report remote beaches have no services, no bars, no toilets.

Late September in Menorca still has weather nice enough to swim and enjoy the beach, and buses across the island still run, so it is a good shoulder-season option for walking.

Getting to and from the path

Public buses can get you to some trailheads. Bus 68 runs Monday to Saturday hourly from Cala en Turqueta, and Bus 69 runs every 20 minutes from Macarella, both to Plaça des Pins in Ciutadella. Bus 52 runs five times a day from Cala Galdana to Ciutadella via Ferreries, taking 30 minutes.

In off season, buses to beaches in tourism areas run on the hour every hour rather than every 20 minutes like in main season, and buses are usually cheaper in off season compared to summer. Remote beaches may have only a couple of buses a day running near them, if any at all, so check timetables locally before you set out.

If you are driving, parking at popular trailheads like Cala en Turqueta fills early: travellers report that 9am in July is usually too late to park at Cala en Turqueta. Bus line 68 is an alternative to parking there, but check timetables again in July because they change.

What to bring and how to plan

Wear proper walking shoes, not flip-flops, and bring sun protection, a hat and a refillable water bottle. There are no shops or bars on the remote sections, so pack everything you need for the hours you will be out.

Plan your walk around the bus timetable if you are not driving, and have a backup plan in case you miss the last bus. A taxi is possible but can be expensive and availability is not guaranteed, especially late in the day.

If you are based in Ciutadella, you can easily reach the areas of Sa Caleta, and from there access some southern sections. Staying in two different areas is recommended to provide variety: one city area with access to good beaches, and one more rural and quiet area near less popular beaches or in the interior.