Coastal Trails of Menorca

Location: Menorca, Spain. Holiday type: Independent walking, single centre. Managed locally by hotelier. Activity level: 1 boot Duration: 8 days (7 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and all evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Selected Fridays from 4 May '12 to 21 Jun '13   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Easy, tranquil walking based in the north western corner of Menorca, but including a hire car so you can easily explore the entire tiny island. It offers a rich cultural history, deserted white beaches and is a UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve.

Day-by-day itinerary

Friday - Arrive in Menorca

On arrival in Menorca, pick up your hire car and drive (1 hour) to the hotel in time for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Saturday - Santa Galdana Bays Walk 12km/7.5mi/4hr

A classic bay hopping walk from Santa Galdana winds on paths dotted with pink orchids and gladioli over three breezy headlands, dipping down to pristine pine fringed beaches to Cala Turquesa - named for its shimmering turquoise water. After a shady picnic, choose to return to Santa Galdana to end the walk, or stroll the country lanes back to the hotel, before a taxi back to the car.

Sunday - North Coast Trail 11km/7mi/4hr

The dramatic red and purple rocks of the north stand in real contrast ot the bays of the south. From a poppy strewn headland, the Cami de Cavalls leads along a series of beautiful lonely windswept beaches, before a farm track loops back inland through a host of golden asphodels. On the way back, perhaps drop into Fornells - a chic village with a pretty port for a drink, or drive up Monte Toro (357m) for panoramic views of the entire island!

Monday - Punta Prima to Sant Esteve 11km/7mi/3.5hr

You can taste the salt spray along this stunning coastal path leading to Torre d'Alcaufar - a restored lookout tower. Perhaps enjoy lunch in Alcaufar before the Cami de Cavalls leads past fig trees and fortified farmhouses to the fortress of Sant Esteve - set on a tiny inlet - ending at a local cafe. After a short taxi ride back to the car - relax with a swim in the hotel pool before dinner.

Tuesday - Es Grau and Torre Blanca 11km/7mi/4hr

Tamarisk, rosemary and yellow broome line the coastal path from the tiny village of Es Grau - good views of crumbling watchtowers and distant lighthouses. It's then a short detour inland to visit the 4m high taula of Torre Blanca dating to 3BC. Your final stretch takes you in to the Es Albufera Nature Reserve - look out for egrets and herons - and back via Mahon's pretty streets to your hotel for dinner.

Wednesday - Caves and Coast Walk 9km/6mi/3hr

From the golden sand beaches of Sant Tomas on the south coast, a path lined with white cistus and yellow crown daisies leads between lush terraces to the Cueva des Coloms - a gigantic limestone cave - ideal for echoes and shady picnics. From the top of the valley a pine scented track leads back down to the beach for a swim. On returning to the hotel, relax on your terrace with a cold drink as the sun goes down.

Thursday - Son Xoriguer 13km/8mi/3.5hr

Today's route takes you back down to the south coast and across low creamy rocks covered in bright yellow seapoppy, wild thyme and pink cistus. Lunch by the sea in Son Xoriguer - masses of swimming options - then back via the former capital of fascinating Ciutadella.

Friday Leave Menorca

Drive back to the airport to drop off the car and depart.