Visitors to Menorca have most likely heard of the Cami de Cavalls
But what, exactly, is it? Is it for walking, for intensive hiking or for horseback riding? The answer is: any and all of them. The Cami de Cavalls is a path that traces around the entire island of Minorca.
A Brief History of Cami de Cavalls
The name translates to ‘way of the horses,’ it was originally created to defend the Minorca island. It connected different watchtowers and fortresses, and soldiers monitoring the sea rode the path on horses. It was later used by villagers to visit other communities to visit or trade. The restoration finished in 2010 has made it accessible to everyone.
The Cami de Cavalls: How does it work?
The well-marked path is divided into 20 different sections. You can find entrance and exit points for each section. The distances vary from 5-14 km, so you should definitely check out the lengths before you go. They’re also graded by difficulty. You can have a nice stroll or go for an intensive hike.
Another nice thing about the Cami de Cavalls is you can choose how long you want to go. You can go the whole 185 km route (it usually takes 7-10 days, depending on your speed) or you can divide it into specific areas you want to see. There’s such a variety, you’ll be hard pressed to choose! Here are just a few of the visuals:
- Pine forests
- Inaccessible beaches
- Lighthouses
- Diverse beaches (white, golden, red or pebbled)
- Archaeological sites
- Tortoises
- Wetlands
- Panoramic views
Whichever section of the Cami you decide, make sure you have good footwear and water. You can also speak to local companies who can take care of organizing hotels, transporting your luggage and monitoring you along the way.
Further Reading: Blazing Saddles: Horse Riding along Menorca’s Cami de Cavalls