The Camí de Cavalls is a historic path of around 185 kilometres that circles the whole of Menorca along its coastline. It is divided into 20 sections, waymarked as long-distance trail GR-223, and can be covered on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. You don't have to walk it all: many visitors pick individual sections as day trips. This guide covers its history, how it's organised, when to go and which sections are easiest if you're staying in Maó.

The Camí de Cavalls at a glance

• Distance: around 185 km in total.
• Sections: 20 official ones, roughly 5 to 14 km each.
• Waymarking: GR-223, with wooden posts and information panels.
• Ascent: low maximum altitude, but around 4,000 m of cumulative climb overall.
• How to do it: on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback.
• Kilometre zero: the port of Maó.

What are the origins of the Camí de Cavalls?

The Camí de Cavalls began as a defensive route: it linked the watchtowers and fortifications spread along the coast and made it easier to move troops when the island was a target for pirates and rival powers. Its exact origin isn't clear, though sections are known to have existed by the 16th century. Its name is tied to the horses used to patrol the coastline.

During the 20th century the path fell into disrepair and many stretches were closed off. A popular campaign to defend the trail led to the Camí de Cavalls Act in 2000 and, after a long process of agreements and expropriations — the route crosses some 120 private estates — the full path reopened in 2010. It is now listed as an asset of cultural interest and ranks among Spain's great nature trails.

How is the route organised? The 20 sections

The trail is divided into 20 official sections, which work more as technical divisions than fixed stages: each walker adapts the days to their own pace. Many sections end at coves with no services or accommodation, so the usual approach is to walk them there and back or combine them with transport.

The landscape changes completely from one coast to the next:

• East coast: gentle, accessible sections among resorts, lighthouses and military fortifications.
• North coast: the wildest and most spectacular part, with reddish sand, dark rock and the toughest sections, such as Binimel·là – Els Alocs.
• South coast: ravines, pine woods and the island's most famous white-sand coves.

Which sections to walk if you're staying in Maó

Maó is a convenient starting point, because kilometre zero of the Camí de Cavalls is in its harbour and several sections are just minutes away:

• Section 1: Maó – Es Grau (around 10 km, moderate). It leaves the city and reaches Es Grau via Sa Mesquida. You can shorten it by taking the bus to Sa Mesquida and skipping the initial tarmac.
• Section 2: Es Grau – Favàritx (around 8.6 km, moderate). It runs entirely through the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the core of the Biosphere Reserve, passing Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili before reaching the Favàritx lighthouse.
• Section 19: Punta Prima – Cala Sant Esteve. It follows the eastern coast, crosses the Rafalet ravine and passes the Alcalfar tower and Fort Marlborough.
• Section 20: Cala Sant Esteve – Maó. The section that closes the loop: urban and flat, following the harbour through Es Castell.

Basing yourself in one place and travelling each day to the start of a section avoids the trail's biggest logistical problem: the shortage of accommodation along the way, especially on the north coast.

When to walk the Camí de Cavalls

Spring and autumn are the best seasons: mild temperatures, excellent light and far fewer people. July and August are hot and much of the route has no shade, so set off first thing. In winter the path is still walkable and wonderfully quiet, though the tramontana wind can blow hard on the north coast.

Practical tips and trail rules

• Water and sun protection: there are no drinking fountains along most of the route. Allow at least two litres per person.
• Closed footwear: expect rock, sand and loose stones. Flip-flops won't do.
• Close the gates: the path crosses more than a hundred gates on working livestock farms. Leave them as you found them.
• No camping or overnight stays on the beaches.
• Respect the environment: much of the route crosses protected areas. Take your rubbish with you and stay on the marked path.
• Plan your return: check bus timetables before setting off, as many sections end at points with no services.

Where to stay for the Camí de Cavalls

The easiest approach is to set up a base and walk the sections as day trips. At JUME URBAN ROOMS, right in the centre of Maó, you'll be steps from kilometre zero of the Camí de Cavalls and well connected to the rest of the island for reaching the other sections. Book your stay and discover Menorca step by step.

Frequently asked questions about the Camí de Cavalls

How long is the Camí de Cavalls?

The Camí de Cavalls is around 185 kilometres long and is divided into 20 official sections that circle the entire island of Menorca.

How long does it take to walk the whole Camí de Cavalls?

It depends on your pace. Walkers doing it in one go usually take between 10 and 14 days, grouping the 20 sections into longer days. You can also walk individual sections as day trips.

Where does the Camí de Cavalls start?

It is a circular route, so you can start anywhere, but kilometre zero is in the port of Maó, where the first section towards Es Grau begins.

Can you cycle or ride the Camí de Cavalls?

Yes, the trail is open to walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Some rocky or sandy stretches, especially on the north coast, mean you will have to push the bike.

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

Spring and autumn. July and August are very hot and much of the route has no shade and no drinking water along the way.

Is the Camí de Cavalls well signposted?

Yes. It is marked with wooden posts every 50 to 100 metres and information panels at the start of each section, plus the standard GR-223 waymarking.