This route will take you on a tour of central Menorca: you can lose yourself in the fishing villages, visit caves and ancient castles, discover the 'Talaiotic' culture and explore the history of the ancient inhabitants of the island.
Fornells
Fornells is a small fishing village located in the north of the island, built on a more than 3 kilometre-long bay protected from the Tramontana wind. Because of this, it is perfect for windsurfing, diving and sailing.
Among the best views from the village and the bay there is the Tower of Fornells, one of the many defensive towers built during the British rule. Near the coast you can visit the ruins of the St. Anthony Castle.
On the way back to Es Mercadal, stop by to visit the Reserva la Concepció Salt Flats in Menorca. For the past two centuries Fior di Fornells Salt has been extracted from here. From June to September there are guided tours to discover the history of salt and the production process. The reserve also organizes horse riding and cycling.
Cavalry and its lighthouse
Cavalry is one of the unforgettable beaches of northern Menorca.
It has golden sand and is famous for its mud baths, which are located on the side of the wooden staircase in the photo above. You can get there by following the signs for "Playas" from Es Mercadal, and then turning towards Cavalry. Parking is located just 10 minutes from the beach and before going down the stairs you will catch a panoramic view of the lighthouse.
After a long day there is nothing more beautiful than continuing to the Cavalleria lighthouse to contemplate the sunset.
This lighthouse is located in the northernmost tip of the island. This area has witnessed more than 700 shipwrecks since the XIV century, which is why it was the first lighthouse to be built in Menorca, in 1857.
The lighthouse is one hundred metres above sea level, and what might be the most fascinating are the cliffs. Next to the lighthouse you will see a small cave, which is situated directly on the island of Leeks.
The lighthouse recently opened an Interpretation Centre (with a bar), which shows photographs and maps of the northern coast and tells the life of the inhabitants of the lighthouse. Just before you get there, stop along the way at the Eco-museum, which exhibits the archaeological remains of the nearby ancient Roman port of Sa Nitja.
The castle of Santa Àgueda
The castle of Santa Àgueta is the only Islamic fortification remaining in Menorca. The castle, now in ruins, is located at 264 metres high on the third highest hill of Menorca. It was built by the Arabs during the Caliphate of Cordoba.
Although the summit was already inhabited in prehistoric times, the Romans were the first to build a fort, which was later occupied by the Arabs as a strategic point of defense. The latter built three enclosures of walls, round towers and square towers, and a rainwater supply system called "aljibe".
After the Christian conquest of Menorca in 1287, during which the castle was used as a refuge by the Muslims, Santa Àgueta was a gradually abandoned plan. Since 1811 the land has been privately owned, and in 1966 the castle ruins were declared a national historic and artistic monument.
To reach Santa Àgueta, from the Carretera General Mahon-Ciutadella, just after Ferreries, take the road to Ets Alocs and follow the signs until you turn right. Access is free and it can only be visited by foot. The trail is a steep but short climb (1.3 kilometres).
From the top you can enjoy the Menorcan countryside, Mount Toro and the whole northern coast: Ciutadella, Cala Morell, the Lighthouse of Cavalleria and Fornells.
La Cova des Coloms
Cova des Coloms is one of the four caves where the Binigaus ravine is located. Because of its size (110 metres long, 15 metres wide and 24 high) it is called the Cathedral.
According to the archaeological excavations that were realized a few decades ago, it was a shrine or place of pilgrimage.
To reach the cave, you arrive (by car) at Es Mitgjorn, follow the signs to the cave and park nearby the cemetery. From there, the walk lasts about half an hour, via marked paths to which we must pay attention so that we do not get lost. The legend says that a couple should never cross the threshold of the cave at the same time, otherwise the two will separate quickly. It is also said that if two strangers meet in the cave, they will not leave each other.
Torre d’en Galmés
Menorca is home to an important archaeological heritage and Torre d'en Galmés is the most important prehistoric settlement in the Balearics.
Being on a hill, the village dominates the surrounding land, allowing you to see much of the south coast. Between 1300 BC and the Roman conquest, about 900 people lived here.
The village is home to three lookout towers, various houses, a warehouse and a water collection system. Objects of worship and everyday life discovered during the archaeological excavations can be seen in the Museum of Menorca in Mahón.
To reach Torre d'en Galmés, the Carretera General takes the Alaior-Son Bou road. If you would like to see a lot during a quick one hour visit, head to the interpretation centre, where you will see a 10-minute video on Talaiotic culture and a virtual reconstruction of the village. Then head to the village, located 700 metres way.
Admission: €3 (free in the winter)
Hours: from 10h to 14h, from Tuesday to Sunday
The interpretation centre is closed in winter.
Menorcan horses
You cannot leave Menorca without having seen the famous Menorcan horses: black, strong, noble and the protagonists of the summer festivals.
Son Martorellet is a riding stable. It is located a few kilometres from Ferreries on the road to Cala Galdana.
The most famous show, "Somni" (Dream), is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 20:30 and lasts an hour and a half. They also organize courses of "Menorcan dressage" and guided tours of the stables.
You will find another suggested route through Menorca in this article: discover the west of the island.