Camí de Cavalls: the complete guide to the GR-223 and its 20 stages

The Camí de Cavalls is the historic path that rings Menorca along its entire coastline: some 185 kilometres split into 20 official stages linking unspoilt beaches, cliffs, ravines, watchtowers and lighthouses. Waymarked as long-distance footpath GR-223, it can be walked, mountain-biked or run, and it is one of the best ways to see the real island, far from the roads.

This guide is for two kinds of traveller: the hiker who wants to walk the full loop, and the visitor who'd rather do two or three of the prettiest sections and combine them with beaches and villages. For both, a car makes the logistics far easier: the trail is a loop, and nearly every stage starts and ends somewhere different — often at the end of a country lane with no bus service.

A little history: why the Camí de Cavalls exists

The name — "path of horses" — gives its origin away. As early as the 14th century there was a coastal patrol route that the Menorcan cavalry used to watch the shoreline and defend the island against pirates and rival empires. The many watchtowers still dotted along the coast were part of that warning system, and the path connected them all.

For centuries the trail was in common use, but over time many sections were closed off where they crossed private estates. Reopening it became a genuine popular cause: from 1996 the campaign group for the defence of the Camí de Cavalls organised protest walks that led to the Camí de Cavalls Act in 2000. After years of agreements and compulsory purchases, the path fully reopened in 2010 and was waymarked as the GR-223 the following year. If you're interested in the island's deeper past, it pairs well with our Talayotic Menorca route.

Key facts about the Camí de Cavalls

• Total length: around 185 km (some GPS measurements give 186-189 km).
• Official stages: 20, none longer than about 14 km.
• Total ascent: roughly 4,000 m, even though the highest point barely reaches 125 m.
• Kilometre zero: the port of Maó.
• Direction: circular; you can start anywhere and walk either way.
• Waymarking: wooden posts every 50-100 m and information panels at the start of each stage.

When is the best time to walk the Camí de Cavalls?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are far and away the best times. In spring the island is green and in flower, temperatures are mild for walking and the beaches are still quiet. Autumn still has a warm sea for a well-earned swim at the end of a stage, and far fewer people.

Summer (July and August) is the worst time to walk it: fierce heat, long stretches with almost no shade, and crowded coves. If you do come in summer, start early, keep the sections short and save the rest of the day for swimming. Winter works perfectly well — Menorca is mild — but you'll have to reckon with the tramuntana, the north wind that makes the northern stages hard going.

One important note: the northern half is far more exposed to the tramuntana than the south. If strong wind is forecast, pick a southern section, which is more sheltered.

The 20 official stages at a glance

These are the stages clockwise from Maó. Distances and times are indicative (on foot, without long stops); trail conditions can change, so check the official information before setting out.

#	Stage	Distance	Difficulty	On foot
1	Maó – Es Grau	10 km	Medium	3 h
2	Es Grau – Favàritx	8,6 km	Medium	3 h 30
3	Favàritx – Arenal d'en Castell	13,6 km	Medium	5 h
4	Arenal d'en Castell – Cala Tirant	10,8 km	Easy	4 h
5	Cala Tirant – Binimel·là	9,6 km	Medium	3 h 30
6	Binimel·là – Els Alocs	8,9 km	Hard	5 h
7	Els Alocs – Algaiarens	9,7 km	Hard	4 h 30
8	Algaiarens – Cala Morell	5,4 km	Medium	2 h
9	Cala Morell – Punta Nati	7 km	Medium	2 h 30
10	Punta Nati – Ciutadella	10 km	Medium	3 h
11	Ciutadella – Cala en Turqueta	13 km	Medium	4 h
12	Cala en Turqueta – Cala Galdana	6,4 km	Medium	2 h 30
13	Cala Galdana – Sant Tomàs	10,8 km	Medium	4 h
14	Sant Tomàs – Son Bou	4,5 km	Easy	1 h 30
15	Son Bou – Cala en Porter	8 km	Medium	3 h
16	Cala en Porter – Binisafúller	12,7 km	Medium	4 h 30
17	Binisafúller – Punta Prima	6,4 km	Easy	2 h
18	Punta Prima – Cala Sant Esteve	7,2 km	Easy	2 h 30
19	Cala Sant Esteve – Maó	6 km	Easy	2 h

Note: some sources split the final section between stages 19 and 20. What matters is that the last stretch closes the loop back into the port of Maó.

East section: Maó to Favàritx

The start from the port of Maó, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, is gentle and very scenic. It crosses s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the heart of the island's Biosphere Reserve, to the little village of Es Grau. The second stage, towards Favàritx lighthouse, runs through a startling landscape of dark slate and passes the wild coves of Tortuga and Presili. A perfect section for visitors: easy to combine with a beach day.

North section: Favàritx to Ciutadella

This is the wildest, most spectacular and most demanding part. Here is the most unspoilt Menorca: Cavalleria beach and its lighthouse, the reddish sands of Cala Pregonda, lonely Cala Pilar. The Binimel·là – Els Alocs stage is the toughest on the whole trail, a rocky switchback with barely any shade or water. It calls for proper preparation, plenty of food and water, and a close eye on the wind forecast. The reward is some of the finest beaches on the island, which you will also find in our guide to the best beaches and coves in Menorca. For driving to the trailheads and parking, our guide to reaching and parking at the coves will help.

South section: Ciutadella to Maó

The south is the land of postcard coves: Turqueta, Macarella, Macarelleta, the Binigaus ravine and the vast beach of Son Bou. The terrain is generally gentler than the north and more sheltered from the wind, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants a walk followed by a swim. The final stages link well-known spots such as Binibeca Vell — the whitewashed maze of fishermen's houses — and Punta Prima, before closing the loop back to Maó.

How to do the best sections independently (by car)

If you are not walking the whole loop, the easiest way to enjoy the trail is to pick individual sections, leave the car at the start and walk out and back, or combine car and bus so you do not repeat ground. Our favourites for half a day:

• Cala Galdana – Macarella: the classic. Park at Cala Galdana and in just over an hour you reach Macarella and Macarelleta along a beautiful woodland path.
• Binimel·là – Cala Pregonda: one of Menorca's most distinctive beaches, reachable only on foot. A manageable there-and-back from the Binimel·là car park.
• Es Grau – Cala Presili / Favàritx: protected landscape, wild coves and the lighthouse, with little difficulty.
• Cala en Turqueta: short, with a turquoise reward that is hard to beat.

To plan the trip around the days you have, take a look at our Menorca in 3, 5 or 7 days by car guide and at how to get around the island. And for more places beyond the trail, our what to see in Menorca by car guide has the rest of the essentials.

Practical tips for the Camí de Cavalls

• Footwear and water: trekking shoes with good grip and plenty of water — many stages have no fountains or bars.
• Sun: hat, sunscreen and an early start. Several sections have no shade at all.
• Avoid repeating ground: stages are not circular, so either leave a car at each end, combine with the bus, or walk out and back.
• Respect the surroundings: the trail crosses private estates and protected areas. Close any gates you open and stay on the path.
• Check conditions and wind before each stage, especially on the north coast.
• By car: some trailheads have limited or paid parking in season; arrive early.

Why a car is the trail's best ally

Unless you're walking the full route with a luggage-transfer service, a car is what makes the Camí de Cavalls comfortable: it takes you to the start of each section, picks you up at the end, and lets you string together a walk, a swim and a village in the same day. At AblaCars we provide it with unlimited mileage, no excess and no deposit, delivered directly at the airport.