Spain ~ Menorca
6 night place-to-place rides, tracing the coastal 'El Cami de Cavalls' in north and south Menorca. Nights in comfortable hotels, available spring and autumn for intermediate riders and above.
Where Tracing the beautiful, winding coastline of Menorca, one of the Balearic islands, off the coast of Spain.
What is it like Menorca was nominated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993. Although busy in summer months, its traditionally lower key than neighbouring Mallorca and Ibiza and along its picture postcard coastline sandy beaches are hidden behind craggy rocks, a turquoise sea and sky that seems always blue. ‘El Camí de Cavalls’ is an ancient coastal trail that completely encircled the island. Created in the 15th and 16th C to safeguard the coast and allow communication between strategic battlements and watchtowers, much of it has been preserved and is a wonderful way for riders, walkers and cyclists to access little visited parts of the island. The coastal journey includes some breathtaking sea views as well as historical sites - the Megalithic, Roman and Byzantine civilisations, 13th C Christian conquests and British and French invasions have all left their mark.
Who does it suit Good intermediate riders who will enjoy a leisurely, unhurried pace, comfortable hotel accommodation and head- clearing sea views. Riding is generally slow - but you need to be a fit, fairly agile rider with good balance as the path is up and down, sometimes over patches of smooth rock, sometimes jumping down to a sandy beach. Exhilaration is from the gorgeous sea views and invigorating sea air. Hotels are chosen with care for their setting, good food and lovely views.
Why we love it Sun, sand, sea and warm hospitality. It leaves you feeling refreshed by a welcoming blast of light.
SUMMARY
Riding: 4-6 hours a day
Horses: Menorquín crosses and Andalusians
Pace: slow overall, challenging terrain
Riding ability: intermediate to experienced riders
Weight limit: 90kg (14st 2lbs)
Accommodation: 2* to 4* simple country hotels
Group size: max 8
Season: April to October
Price: 6 nights from 2600 Euros (approx £2300) per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: The horses are carefully chosen Menorquín crosses and also Andalusians, selected for their suitability, size, character and endurance. They are all calm, sensible to handle and extremely sure footed on what is often tricky terrain. Although the riding pace is generally slow the horses are fit, responsive and fun to ride. Tack is English style with general-purpose leather and wintec saddles and small saddle-bags provided (seat savers are discouraged because of the uneven terrain for which a natural, deep seat is preferable).Rides are normally for a maximum of 10 guests.
Hours: There is between 4 and 6 hours riding a day riding, with breaks for rests and lunch.
Pace and experience required: To join these rides you should be a reasonably competent rider, who is confident and relaxed in the saddle, able to control a well-schooled horse in open country and comfortable handling a horse from the ground - you need to be able to get on and off and lead your horse without help. The pace of the rides is slow, mostly at a walk because of the rough and changing going, but with occasional chances to trot and for short canters on some of the sandy paths and beaches. (The beaches are closed to horses between late May and September).
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation on the rides is in a selection of simple country hotels, chosen for their location, charm and character. They are all different and although the choice is sometimes limited by location, they are a reasonably good 2* to 4* standard, typically Menorcan in style and several have swimming pools. Bedrooms are double or twin bedded with private en-suite bathroom. Single rooms can be arranged at a supplement.
Your luggage is transported from accommodation to accommodation by vehicle. Breakfast and dinner each day will be eaten at the hotel. Lunches are usually picnics out riding.
RATES & DATES
|
Rates 2024 |
Unknown Views of Menorca - Euros 2600 |
|
Dates 2024 |
5th to 11th May 2024 |
Average temperature guide
ITINERARY
Itinerary in brief - Unknown Views of Menorca
| Day 1 | You will be met at Mahón airport, around mid to late afternoon, and driven to the town of Ciutadella. Dinner and night at a hotel in the town. |
| Day 2 | Breakfast and short transfer to Eugues de Flo, to meet the horses and start the ride. Ride inland and along the coast, stopping for a picnic lunch at Caves of Cala Morell. Then a short afternoon ride to Son Angel. Transfer to your hotel in Ciutadella for dinner and the night. |
| Day 3 | Breakfast and drive back to Son Angel. Set off along the coast crossing several beautiful beaches - Algaraiens, Plà de Mar and El Pilar.A picnic lunch at Els Alocs then continue past a succession of beaches with views of the deep turqouise sea. Transfer back to Ciutadella for dinner and the night. |
| Day 4 | Breakfast and a short drive to re-join the horses. Ride through sand dunes to Binimel là, Cala Mica and the beach of Cavaleria. Climb the cliff to Cap Cavaleria and after a picnic ride onto Cala Tirant, and Ses Salines. Dinner and night at the Hostal Port Fornells. |
| Day 5 | After breakfast, riders and horses are driven to Torre d’en Galmes with time to visit the Talayots, watchtowers built by pre-Roman settlers. Then ride south to Sant Tomas with lunch at Es Bruc restaurant. A siesta then visit the spectacular cave Cova des Coloms.Dinner and night at Binigaus Vell. |
| Day 6 | Ride south back to the Camí de Cavalls, through Cala Mitjana and Cala Galdana to the unspoilt beach of Cala Macaralleta.Head inland to reach a private farm where you have lunch and the ride ends. Transfer to Binigaus Vell for a farewell dinner and the night. |
| Day 7 | Breakfast and transfer to Mahon airport for your flight home. |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions. |
TRAVEL
The meeting point for the ride is Mahón (Menorca’s main airport). There are direct flights from London Gatwick to Mahon with Easyjet and also from other regional airports or you can fly via Barcelona, Madrid or Mallorca.
Fares vary with the airline and season but budget around £150 to £250 return.
