Stages 12-16 Cala Blanca to Sant Tomas
- Claire & Naomi xx
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
Practical Information:
Difficulty: Easy to medium. It begins on surfaced roads and through town but becomes a bit more challenging with hills and loose, uneven terrain.
Distance: Approx 32km
Easy drop of and collect point for a support vehicle
Accessible to amenities in Mahon, Port A'Ddaia and Arenal d'en Castell
Mobile phone signal was good
Be prepared to wild wee in places!
Our personal experience
Day 1: It was the sort of morning where the city still sleeps knowing the day ahead will be hot. Shutters, like eyelids, across shops stay closed as if resting their eyes. A few early dog walkers have ventured out and we can hear a gentle whir of the street cleaners just ahead but apart from that the only real noise is us giggling with excitement as Dan, (Claire’s husband) takes a few photos.
We initially leave the city of Mahón down a few steep steps towards the harbour. There’s been an art festival in recent days and a remanence of ‘sea’ themed creatures are dotted about made of recycled materials.
We take a left and soon pass a busy Gin factory. The clink of glass bottles as they pass along the old conveyor belt is mesmerising. We get beckoned in by a twinkly eyed man but we reluctantly wave our good mornings and walk on. We’ve got a lot to do!
We passed the Cami De Cavalls official starting point, the Power Station, and quickly joined a main road. (Read Really think about your starting point as to why we didn’t start there). There aren’t any footpaths in this section so be sure to face the oncoming traffic unless it's unsafe to do so.
We passed a Red Bottlebrush tree (Callistemon) in Sa Mesquida, a little fishing village. They look so Sci-Fi!
Sa Mesquida has a great kayak hire place, but hey, we're not here for that, at this point we have only done about 5km!
Claire gives a history lesson about a fort as we both admire a very skilled runner picking his way effortlessly zig zagging his way up and down the path. The history lesson is actually quite interesting, Menorca has fortresses in abundance and this particular one was called Torre de sa Mesquida, it was built by the British in 1799. The Brits built 11 watch towers all over the island during their rule.
soon enter an area of rolling hills dressed in wild flowers. Ragged cliff edges, pebbly beaches and loose stone trials.
There are definitely parts of these sections that are very runnable, we enjoyed them, but as soon as you get further westward, I would say unless you are a very experienced trial runner or a mountain goat, walk.
In Es Grau we went to s’Albufera Nature Reserve which is brilliant for bird watching and one of the most poopular "day tripping" sections of the Cami. It’s definitely worth the short climb to the view point even though it’s slightly off the Camí route. Watch out for tortoises too!
Moving frequently from bright sunshine into shade can easily trick the eyes and that along with pesky tree roots and hidden rocks can be the perfect recipe for a good old trip up and fall over…can’t it Claire!?!
Always accessible by road
Port D’addiai ice cream
We danced
What to expect: Starting with main roads, do take care to face oncoming traffic unless unsafe to do so. Moving off the road onto rocky beaches and boardwalks, slightly more hilly, with stunning views of the sea. Look out for the defence tower to your right, built in 1799 by the british to defend against Algeirian pireates! Then you will find that you endterwhat looks like the english country side! with rolling hills and dry stone walls it could easily be misten for the yorkshire dales! When you enter the Nautre Park of S'Albufra in Es Grau there is the oppoetunity to take a short detour to a viewpoint which is worth the short climb up some steep steps (handrail present) to see across 360* of inlets, lakes and wildlife. Look out for tortoises on the path! the move quicker than you might think!
some hills some road, oportunity for icecream!
Difficulty:
Embark on a Journey of Discovery Along Cami De Cavalls Trail
Have you ever dreamt of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature? If so, hiking the Cami De Cavalls trail in Menorca might just be the perfect adventure for you. This ancient pathway, which spans over 185 kilometers along the stunning coastline of Menorca, offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden gems and uncover the island's rich history and natural wonders. Our journey along the Cami De Cavalls began with a sense of excitement and anticipation. As we set foot on the well-marked trail, we were immediately captivated by the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and rugged cliffs that lined the path. The trail winds its way through picturesque villages, lush pine forests, and secluded coves, providing a diverse and ever-changing landscape that kept us in awe at every turn. One of the highlights of our journey was the discovery of hidden caves and pristine beaches that are only accessible by foot. We spent our days exploring secluded coves, basking in the sun on sandy beaches, and marveling at the sheer beauty of our surroundings. The tranquility and peace we found in these hidden gems along the trail were truly unforgettable. As we hiked further along the Cami De Cavalls, we were also treated to glimpses of Menorca's rich history and cultural heritage. Along the way, we stumbled upon ancient watchtowers, archaeological sites, and charming lighthouses that spoke volumes about the island's past. Each of these historical landmarks added a layer of depth and intrigue to our journey, making it a truly enriching experience.
Our decision to hike the Cami De Cavalls was one of the best we've ever made. Not only did the trail offer us a much-needed escape into nature, but it also provided us with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. We conquered challenging terrains, pushed our physical limits, and forged a deeper connection with each other and the environment around us. If you're considering embarking on a similar adventure, we highly recommend exploring the hidden gems along the Cami De Cavalls trail. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice explorer, this journey will surely leave you inspired, rejuvenated, and with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the wonders that await along this captivating trail in Menorca.
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