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Menorca's Cliffs, Coves & Seafood
Your two-centre holiday begins at the very heart of the island at the foot of Monte Toro, from where you discover both the rugged northern and softer southern coasts. Country lanes wind past fascinating archaeological remains, alongside ancient dry stone walls through pristine white villages to end at stunning cliffs and coves. You then cycle to the east coast where whitewashed houses and windmills give way to ancient forts and crumbling castles. You have time to take in Ciutadella, the gracious Spanish port of the west and the dramatic fortifications that once commanded the entrance of the eastern British capital of Mahón.
Nights: 6
Starting point: Hotel Es Mercadal (rural hotel), Es Mercadal. A cosy yet stylish townhouse with just six rooms, Hotel Es Mercadal is conveniently situated in the centre of this sleepy market town of the same name. The town is noted for its preparation of regional dishes and pastries, which you can sample at the local restaurants (pay locally for dinner). Day 1: Head north through pretty, undulating pastureland to reach the palm-fringed, fishing village of Fornells where you can sample some great, freshly caught seafood over a leisurely lunch. Continue westwards to reach the rugged and remote tip of Cape Cavalleria, the island's northernmost point, from where you have great vistas over the eastern seaboard. (50km)
Accommodation: Hotel Es Mercadal, as above. Day 2: If you fancy a more leisurely day, combine our half-day ride and stroll to the beach of Cala Pregonda with an afternoon in the elegant, western port of Ciutadella (reached by bus - pay locally). Alternatively, take our southerly route across rolling countryside through the market town of Alaior, passing important Talayotic sites and ending with a swim at the idyllic Cales Coves. (25 to 40km)
Accommodation: Hotel Es Mercadal, as above. Day 3: An easy ride takes you through pleasant farmland and on through the port of Mahón, where there are plenty of opportunities to try more delicious seafood in the harbourside restaurants. Extend your ride along the northern edge of the port to reach the impressive stone fortifications of La Mola. (30 or 35km) Accommodation: Sant Joan de Binissaida (agriturismo), Binissaida. Set in extensive grounds, this charming 13th-century house boasts high standards of accommodation, spacious outdoor areas, a pool and an innovative, highly-praised restaurant. Day 4: North of Mahón lies Albufera, the heart of the Menorcan Biosphere Reserve. An easy ride to the fishing village of Es Grau can be combined with a stroll along the beach before heading to the dramatically sited lighthouse of Cape Favaritz. (40-60km) Accommodation: Sant Joan de Binissaida, as above. Day 5: A final circuit winds to the unspoiled fishing hamlet of Alcafar, a reminder of times past. If you haven’t already done so, you may like to extend your visit by cycling to beautiful Cales Coves, or while away a little time in Mahón town before your final gastronomic meal at Sant Joan. (25 or 45km)
Accommodation: Sant Joan de Binissaida, as above. Extend your stay: Relax and unwind with two nights in the delightful fishing village of Fornells, on Menorca's beautiful and rugged north coast, an idyllic place to take it easy and enjoy some excellent seafood. Located just two minutes from the marina, the friendly Hostel Fornells offers a swimming pool and spacious, airy rooms.
Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar cycling holidays: Southern Beaches to Central Plain (grade 1-2), Heart of Catalonia (grade 1-2), Catalan Coast & Villages (grade 1-2), A Meander along the Ebro (grade 1-2) Prices & travel 2008:
*Connecting travel: return taxi from Mahón (out 0h30/home 0h15) £37pp Extra night prices 2008:
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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