Masterful Menorca

Called "la isla verde y azul" by the Spanish, Menorca is, according to them, the greenest and most authentic of the Balearic Islands. Although not as popular as its neighbours Ibiza and Mallorca, the island has a lot to offer in terms of nature and culture. Heavenly hidden beaches, pine forests, spectacular cliffs, historic towns and authentic villages, Menorca has it all.

Your experience trip kicks off by exploring the atmospheric capital Mahón with its large harbour and the impressive Fortalesa de Mola. From here, you head to Menorca's most beautiful natural area with large marshes and lakes. You will also visit the authentic village of Es Mercadal with its picturesque streets and the historic town of Ciutadella de Menorca.

Another thing you should definitely not miss during this round trip is the beautiful nature reserve Barranco d'Algendar, the extraordinary Cales Coves with its carved dwellings and burial chambers, and of course relaxing on one of the island's many hidden beaches.

DAY 1: Departure to Mahón

You'll fly directly to Mahón, Menorca's bustling capital. Once you arrive, pick up your rental car and head for the hotel, located in the south of the island, where you will stay for seven nights.

DAY 2: Maó-Mahón

Start your adventure with a visit to the atmospheric capital of Mahón, or as the locals call it, Maó-Mahón. The city has a large natural harbour, featuring the imposing Fortalesa de Mola to protect the port from outside attacks. Get lost in the city and be surprised by the beautiful Mahón, where you can admire a succession of historic buildings and monuments and enjoy a daily market.

DAY 3: S'Albufera d'Es Grau - Fornelis

Enjoy the fauna and flora in Menorca's most beautiful and important nature reserve, S'Albufera d'Es Grau. You can recognise this natural park by its marshes, large lakes, jagged coastline and more than 200 bird species. Next, you can visit the Torre de Fornells, one of over 160 defence towers built by the British Empire in the western Mediterranean. In the surrounding area, you can take beautiful walks and when you start feeling hungry you can choose from some delicious seafood restaurants.

DAY 4: Es Mercadal - Monte Toro

Your adventure continues in Es Mercadal, one of Menorca's most beautiful villages, located at the foot of Monte Toro. This 358-metre-high hill is the highest point on the island where you can enjoy stunning views over the island. After this, you will head on to the two largest and best-preserved Talayotic archaeological sites on the island.

DAY 5: Ciutadella de Menorca

Day five starts with a visit to Menorca's second largest city, Ciutadella de Menorca. This town consists of a maze of small cobbled streets, squares, steps and steep avenues. During your city walk, you will visit, among others, the eye-catching Can Saura or the Catedral de Santa Maria de Ciutadella. In the afternoon, unwind on a secluded fine sandy beach before ending the day with a beautiful sunset near a lighthouse.

DAY 6: Barranco d'Algendar - Cales Coves

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in Menorca is Barranco d'Algendar. This is a gorge about 7 kilometres long that you can walk through on winding footpaths. If you're lucky, you might spot some eagles and vultures! Furthermore, you will hike to an impressive cave in a hidden spot and discover one of the longest beaches in Menorca. Finish off with the extraordinary Cales Coves, caves located in the cliffs around the bay in which many dwellings and burial chambers have been carved out. The caves were also inhabited for a long time by hippies from all over Europe, and even today people still live in some of the dwellings.

DAY 7: Camí de Cavalls

Today you have a choice between a brisk hike or a relaxing boat ride. Or both for those who like a well-filled day. Along the entire coast of Menorca runs the Camí de Cavalls path where you can go for beautiful walks. The path is 180 kilometres long in total and is divided into 20 stages. Mountain bikers can also follow this route. From several ports, you can take a boat trip and discover heavenly white sandy beaches, steep cliffs and impressive gorges. End your last evening at one of the most spectacular places in Menorca to watch the sunset.

DAY 8: Going home

Unfortunately, your holiday is over and it is time to return home. You fly back home with a heavy heart but a suitcase full of memories. Still feel like staying a few more days? No problem, Caractère will take care of that for you!