The Mediterranean island of Menorca was a British possession for the best part of the 18th century, and it remains a firm favourite holiday destination for British visitors today. Sunshine and sandy beaches were considered a sufficient draw during the 20th century; however, since the year 2000, trail-blazing initiatives have led to the creation of a scenic long-distance trail right around the island and a network of interesting walking and cycling routes across it.

Outdoor enthusiasts are rediscovering Menorca, quartering the island in search of rugged cliff scenery, splendid beaches, amazing archaeology and fascinating historical sites. Routes pass through dense woodlands and cross steep-sided valleys, but never venture too far from useful facilities. The island has abundant accommodation, a good bus network and plenty of places offering food and drink along the trails.

This guidebook explores Menorca by means of 16 one-day walks, spread all over the island, and one four-stage walk across the island, together totalling almost 260km (160 miles). The long-distance GR223, or Camí de Cavalls, is also included, and measures an additional 185km (115 miles). It completely encircles the island, and takes about ten days to complete. In short, there is enough to keep a keen walker occupied for a whole month!

Location

Menorca is one of the three Balearic Islands, basking in the Mediterranean Sea between southern Spain and northern Algeria. It is located from 3º 44’ W to 4º 17’ W and 39º 47’ N to 40º 06’ N. Its name is derived from the fact that its size is ‘minor’ (menor), when compared to Mallorca, measuring only one-fifth the size of its larger neighbour. At 695km² (268 square miles), Menorca is only slightly larger than the Isle of Man. The highest point on the island rises only to 362m (1188ft) on Monte Toro. While some maps suggest that Menorca is almost flat, in reality most of the island is covered in small hills, dissected by a network of steep-sided valleys, or barrancs.

Geology

The spiral-striped lighthouse on the rugged Cap de Favàritx lies just off the GR223 route

Menorca has many rock types, but the most important distinction is between the north and south of the island. Northern Menorca (Tramuntana) features the oldest and most convoluted rocks: approximately 400 million-year-old Devonian strata. These beds are chiefly exposed between the central and northernmost point of Menorca, and also along the east coast.

Rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods – 300 to 65 million years ago – flank the older beds throughout the north. The rock types are complex, but red sandstone and grey slate are common. These break down to form golden sandy beaches and grey pebbly beaches respectively. The northern hills are remote, rugged and densely forested, although many valleys and plains have now been cleared for agriculture.

The southern half of Menorca (Migjorn) is a gently sloping limestone plateau, riven by a succession of steep barrancs.

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