Walking in Menorca - Sunflower Books

Discovering the landscape of Menorca on foot

Menorca, a tranquil Balearic island off the coast of Spain, is a hidden gem for those seeking scenic walking. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged cliffs to serene coves, Menorca offers a plethora of walking trails for every level of hiker.

Our guidebook to walking in Menorca helps you to discover the best that this island has to offer.

Below we’ve listed some of our highlights of walking in Menorca.

Es Vergé and the Ermita de Sant Joan (Walk 3)

This short and delightful walk is steeped in history. It takes you first along part of the Maó waterfront and then through the fertile market gardens of Es Vergé, to the little Ermita de Sant Joan.

From here you follow Kane’s Dyke. Returning to the ermita, you make your way back to Maó along a narrow lane of considerable antiquity, with splendid views over the plain.

Monte Toro (Walk 10)

Every visitor will wish to get to the summit of Monte Toro, Menorca’s loftiest hill (at 358m/1175ft, it just merits its name ‘mountain’).

The easiest way is to drive up. For the energetic, this walk provides an enjoyable alternative combining an interesting country walk with an easier climb (at least as far as the 200m contour), than the road from Es Mercadal offers.

Through the deep south (Walk 12)

This is a walk of contrasting scenery. At first meandering through farming country, it later follows the coastline, visiting the delightful holiday resorts of S’Algar, Alcaufar and Punta Prima.

The town of Sant Lluís was built by the French during their seven-year occupation of Menorca and the interior of the church here, though simple, is worth a visit before you start your walk.

Also of interest is the windmill in the centre of town, which has been converted into a museum of ethnology.

Binigaus valley and Cova des Coloms (Walk 13)

A wonderful beach, one of the best hypostyle chambers on the island, and an unbelievable cave combine to make this a very enjoyable walk.

It starts in Sant Tomàs, a delightful upmarket holiday resort on the south coast.

The gorges and prehistoric village of Son Mercer (Walk 15)

The farms of Son Mercer are situated on a small plateau entirely surrounded by precipitous cliffs and deep gorges, the barrancs of Trebalúger and Sa Cova, and the torrent of Son Gras.

Such terrain is ideal for bird life. It was here, in one of the most unassailable positions on the island, that a group of talayotic people decided to build their village; the views they enjoyed are breathtaking.

Curniola, Cala de Algaiarens and the caves of Cala Morell (Walk 22)

This lovely walk makes a very wide circuit round the impressive farmhouse of Curniola. It’s partly through agricultural land and partly through pine woods.

The route then goes on to explore one of the most important Bronze Age cave settlements in Europe. As a bonus, there are opportunities to enjoy a swim.

The best time of year for walking in Menorca

The ideal time to explore Menorca on foot is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).

During these months, the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the island’s natural beauty is at its peak.

Getting around the island

Menorca’s compact size makes it easy to navigate. A well-connected bus network serves the island, making it easy to reach popular walking destinations.

However, renting a car provides flexibility to explore at your own pace, especially for venturing off the beaten path.

Menorca’s diverse landscapes and well-marked trails make it an ideal destination for walkers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, the island offers something for everyone.

Discover the hidden gems of the island with our guide to walking in Menorca.