Sailing and trekking in Minorca
El camì de cavalls
20/27 May end 27 May / 3 June 2023
After our visit of the island in the summer 2021, we knew we had to include its treks in our Mountainsailing catalog and share it with our friends. Its 220 km of coasts and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve title make it a perfect match for our adventures. We chose the most iconic and wild places on the Camí de Cavalls – Horses’s path, a trail that runs along the coasts of the island. Why the northern coast? We chose the wildest and less inhabited side to connect with nature in a true Mountainsailing fashion.
Activities
Number of participants
Prices
1.600 EUR per person
Activity duration
Objectives
– get to know one of the jewels of the Mediterranean
– Immerse yourself in nature and history, and walk among the remains of old civilizations.
– Taste the delicacies of local cuisine, and feel the warmth of the people
– Learn the basics of sailing
Practical Information
- The arrival airport is Mahon (MAH). Depending on the departure airport, it will be possible to meet the guide before boarding the flight.
- You will meet the crew and board the sailboat in Port Mahon, which is close to the airport.
- Italian and EU citizens can travel to Menorca with their ID cards. A valid passport is advised but not required for members of the Schengen area.
- If you are coming from a country outside the Schengen area, visit minorca.com to learn more about visas.
- Treks will be will be up to 5h 30 long, it will be possible to skip a trek and stay on the boat with the skipper, for those who wish to rest and relax.
- The entire trekking experience does not present any technical difficulties, although it is advised to be trained in walking long distances and be willing to adapt.
- Depending on the sea and weather conditions, the Skipper and the Alpine Guide will decide whether to visit the northern or southern part of the island.
- Daily programs will be adjusted to the fitness level of the group, by adapting the length of the treks to the needs of the participants.
Recommended clothing and equipment
Complete trekking apparel, GoreTex shell, rainproof and windproof cape, fleece sweatshirt, sturdy footwear, backpack and backpack cover, headlamp. Sleeping bag, personal towels and effects are needed for the accommodation on the boat. Bed linen, towels and blankets are generally provided on board, if not, you will be notified in advance.
Bring a duffel bag, no luggage nor trolleys.
Room and Board
The sailboat will be the accommodation in which we will sleep, eat generous breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners after each day we will spend out exploring. There might be evenings in which we will want to eat out, the decision will be taken as a group. Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or specific dietary needs.
Daily itinerary
DAY 1
Depending on the time of arrival of the participants, you will either meet the guide at the arrival airport or at Port Mahon. You willl then board the sailboat, and the skipper will brief us all on on-board safety. Beginning of the navigation alongside the northern coast to Cala Mesquida. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 2
First, short trek to determine the participants’ fitness level, from Cala Mesquida to Es Grau. The route runs through fascinating slate cliffs and farmlands, and reaches S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, a paradise on Earth for its flora and fauna. We spend some time there, before reaching Platia des Grau, where we rejoin our skipper on the sailboat.
DAY 3
Our second trek will be longer, as it goes from Es Grau to Port d’Addaia, an extraordinary stretch that will let us enjoy the best natural features of the island. Walking in S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park lets us wander through a myriad of different landscapes, which make it an unforgettable trek. The beautiful view on the Port d’Addaia’s natural inlet marks the end of a magical day.
DAY 4
Thanks to our sailboat, we skip a few of the residential parts of the island and get on to the next natural path. We venture into a forest area and reach Fornells Bay in which we have time to visit the maritime village. Here, it will be possible to try the “calderetes de llagosta” (Majorcan lobster stew), a must when on the island.
DAY 5
On this day we cover the distance from Fornells to Binimel-là, and we will walk down a series of bays and beaches of particular geological interest. Wilderness and civilization alternate, connecting our human spirit with our wilder side.
Day 6
On our sailboat, we arrive to Cala Pilar, from which we start our daily adventure to Cala Morell. The original Cami de Cavalls trek begins at Binimel-là, and it is the most challenging leg of the whole trek, as it involves a difference in altitude of 1200 mt, and 10/11 hours of walking. We will cover part of the trek by sailboat so that, once we reach Cala Morell, we will have time to explore this beautiful site.
DAY 7
From Cala Morel, we sail to Ciutadela, a small village on the western coast of the island. It is certainly worth a visit, mainly in its areas by the docks. Depending on the weather conditions, we will decide whether to get back to Maò by sailing along the northern or the southern coast. Let’s treat ourselves with a last dinner in a local restaurant by the sea.
DAY 8
Last breakfast together, then we will pack and transfer to the airport. Free time in the morning for one last visit of Maò, for those who have a flight in the afternoon.
THE RATE INCLUDES: Organization and support by our Alpine Guide UIAGM for the duration of the trip; accommodation aboard the sailboat, skipper service, galley supply, breakfasts, post-trek snacks, dinners on board. Fuel, dinghy, port charges, boat cleaning fees at the end of the trip
THE RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE: round-trip flight, any dinners at restaurants, anything that is not included in the “The rate includes” section.