Home > Cycling > Spain > Menorca's Cliffs, Coves & Seafood
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
Grade: 1-2
Terrain: quiet country lanes and dirt tracks, very short sections to dismount
Hotels: one country hotel, one agriturismo
Meals: breakfast each day and 3 dinners
Climate: this sunny Mediterranean island enjoys a long, hot summer and warm spring and autumn. The table below gives the average maximum and minimum temperatures (in °C) for Mahón, situated at sea level in the east.
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
14 |
15 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
26 |
29 |
29 |
27 |
23 |
18 |
15 |
6 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
13 |
17 |
20 |
20 |
18 |
14 |
10 |
8 |
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:
£ per person based
on 2 in a double rm |
Cycle
price* |
Single
room |
| 6 nights: 1 April-31 July & 1 September-8 November 2008 |
| 1 Apr-8 May |
570 |
100 |
| 9-31 May |
647 |
70 |
| 1-30 Jun |
710 |
130 |
| 1-31 Jul |
765 |
100 |
| 1-14 Sep |
810 |
130 |
| 15-30 Sep |
710 |
130 |
| 1 Oct-8 Nov |
570 |
100 |
| 3rd+ person saving |
25 |
|
Add 2 nights in Fornells (B&B),
available from May onwards, add per person: |
| 1 May-15 Jul; 16-30 Sep |
98 |
18 |
| 16-31 Jul; 1-15 Sep |
112 |
18 |
| 1-31 Oct |
76 |
18 |
*Connecting travel: return taxi from Mahón (out 0h30/home 0h15) £37pp
Recommended destination airport: Mahón
Latest flight arrival time: flexible
Earliest flight departure time: flexible
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
Start: any day
Fornells add-on prices apply only if you are purchasing our transfers from Mahón
Extra night prices 2008:
| Extra night (£ per person per night) |
Double
room |
Single
room |
Binissaida (with dinner) |
1 Apr-11 May; 6 Oct-1 Nov |
89 |
89 |
|
12 May-11 Jul; 15 Sep-5 Oct |
111 |
102 |
|
12-31 Jul; 1-14 Sep |
133 |
116 |
Es Mercadal (B&B) |
1 Apr-31 May; 1 Oct-8 Nov |
37 |
67 |
|
1 Jun-31 Jul; 15-30 Sep |
55 |
103 |
|
1-14 Sep |
62 |
117 |
> Notes on prices
> Personal holiday insurance
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