Cape Favaritx to Es Grau

Just north of Mão is a stunning 3-hr section of the GR223 that goes through s'Albufera Natural Park from the lighthouse to the quaint white-washed town of Es Grau by the sea. This section capped off our trekking on the GR223. There are a number of natural coves and beaches, so don't forget your birthday suit!

Trail note: Accommodations are scarce or non-existent in this area but pickup at many trailheads in northern Menorca is available by taxi (and/or bus during summer.) So this part does not work as well for inn-to-inn trekking.

Punta Prima to Es Castell

From the tranquil beach and lighthouse of Punta Prima, the trail takes you past an old stone watchtower and north through farmlands to the channel leading eventually to Mão. The Camí de Cavalls was originally ~14th century coastal trail for soldiers on horseback to supply the watchtowers. The rock walls separating ranch properties border both sides of the trail in this section. Except for a few horseback riders, today is like a highway for walkers.

Sant Tomás to Son Bou

Nice flat "stroll" east around the wetlands and farmlands. And the wildflowers, straight out of Monet's gardens. From Son Bou, we transferred to Punta Prima (by bus or taxi) to start our next day heading north around the island.

Cala Galdana to Sant Tomás

This 11 km section has an important option. Follow the GR223 or follow the local coastal trail, marked with arrows on wood posts. If you want a seaside route through an undeveloped pine forest and rocky coastline, choose the coastal trail. Wow factor here, the rugged trail is literally carved into the limestone rocks and cliffs in places. It's safe and spectacular. The trail spills out onto the quaint beach of Sant Tomás where you will soon be watching the sun set over the mountains of Mallorca (with a cocktail in hand, need I say!)

To Cala en Turqueta

An idyllic isolated beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, Cala en Turqueta translates to "turquoise cove". Relaxing lunch spot before hiking to Cala Macarella and Cala Galdana, yet more beautiful coves. Happy to be hiking in moderate temps of springtime, otherwise, a swim would be needed in every cove!

Ciutadella, Menorca

With a dramatic and violent history, Ciutadella is worth a visit at the beginning stages of the trek.

An attractive city, it's Menorca's 2nd largest, with Baroque and Gothic architecture and a trading port important in the Middle Ages. Menorca itself is only 22% the size of Mallorca and today has 95,000 residents.

Founded by the Carthaginians in the 4th century, it was governed by the Moors and recaptured by Aragon (eventually becoming part of Spain). There is a 19th c obelisk in the main Plaza d'es Born in memory of the "year of disaster" in 1558 when the 3,452 townspeople were completely overcome by the Turkish Armada and taken as slaves to Constantinople.

Trekking across the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean one feels how its remoteness would have created indefensible towns in earlier times. But today the islands are beautifully maintained with mainly European visitors engaged in the global economy, the remoteness overcome by technology.