COASTAL TRAILS OF MENORCA

There is a sense of peace and timelessness on Menorca – a tiny island that few people realise has more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and has the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites anywhere in western Europe. Such natural bounty has been claimed in turn by Carthaginian, Roman, Greek, Moorish, Spanish, English and French armies, all desperate to control Mahon – the capital – set on the Mediterranean’s most perfect natural harbour. The legacy of this historic struggle is still visible today, with castles, fortresses and watchtowers dotted along the coastline like forgotten chess pieces in a giant game. The watchtowers may be ruined, but the path that soldiers used to ride between them, the Cami de Cavalls– is not, and still provides the link between idyllic golden sand beaches, hidden coves and deep blue bays for walkers today.

Inland, the remains of ancient civilizations are strewn across patchwork fields like a sun kissed outdoor museum, and classic Menorcan farmhouses or fincas– some dramatically fortified to protect against Turkish pirates - still stand proud, gazing over whispering wheat fields and overlooking dramatic gorges filled with cherry orchards.

This independent walking holiday combines a wonderfully varied walking itinerary that takes in many of these ancient sights, with plenty of stunning coastal scenery. With the freedom afforded you by a hire car, you really can take time to discover the island at your own pace.

Your base for the week is the gorgeous Morvedra Nou Hotel near Ciutadella in the south west of Menorca. A beautifully converted finca, it is run by Victoria Bendito, whose grandparents owned the original farm. Rustic rooms – all with garden terraces - are in the converted stables, and the pool terrace has views over pretty fields all the way to the sea. In the evenings, you can even enjoy a locally distilled Mahon gin with your tonic – part of a very British legacy from the 18C, still much appreciated by locals and visitors today.

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.