SEVILLA
TRAILS OF ANDALUSIA
TO THE COAST
SEVILLA
TRAILS OF ANDALUSIA
TO THE COAST
HIGHLIGHTS
March 7-14
March 21-28
April 11-18*
October 17-24
October 31 – November 7
November 14-21
*Sold out
2021 Availability
Haciendas of Sevilla
Doñana National park
El Rocío
Canter through El Rocío
Gallop on the beach
Excellent terrain for riding
Horses for “riders”
Horse-carriage for non-riders
(Flamenco pairing dinner)
(Fish and seafood)
(Pub crawl on horseback)
2021 THE RIDES
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Back to The Rides
Unknown Views of Menorca
2020 Programme | 7 days – 6 nights – 5 days riding (From Sunday to Saturday)
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Menorca is the western island of the Balearic archipelago. This is the second island in term of surface after Mallorca. Menorca surface is 701,84 km² with a length of 53kms.
The population of the island is 75 000 inhabitants.
In 1993, Menorca was given by the UNESCO the distinction of "Reserve of Biosphere", in fact Menorca is a wonderful island, with emerald beaches, and an always blue sky (more than 300 days of sunshine per year).
El Camí de Cavalls is an alternative way to contemplate Menorca’s natural charms. This ancient coastal trail offers the chance to come into contact with one of the island’s most important attractions: its nature.
This 179-km trail, which completely encircles the island of Menorca, was built to defend the island. It is not known exactly when the road was created and the oldest written documentation found until now dates from 1682, although the origins of some stretches appear to go back to the fourteenth century. This trail was used to safeguard the coast and communicate with battlements, watchtowers and other fortifications.
A long recovery process that began in 2000 with the Balearic Parliament’s passage of Act 13/2000 culminated on May 12, 2008 with the latest bureaucratic procedures to re-establish the free public use of El Camí de Cavalls.
The Unknown Views of Menorca ride takes you along this Camí de Cavalls, and it allows a really unique access to the unspoilt Menorcan coast, rather inaccessible from inland. The views of the Mediterrannean turquoise waters are breathtaking. When you ride “round the corner” on the Camí de Cavalls and the sea appears in front of you… literally, it does take your breath away!
Riding along this trail it is also a privileged way of diving into the history of Menorca: remains of Megalithic, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine and Moslem civilisations, the medieval Christian conquest of 1287, British and French have all left their mark.
It is a slow ride. The terrain is difficult and some passages can be complicated. This slow pace allows you to dive into Menorca’s diversity, embody all the scents that the breeze carries and feel immersed in the intense colours of its skies and beaches.
Mahón.
Mahón (or Maó) is Menorca’s main airport. Connections from Barcelona, Madrid or Mallorca to Mahón.
There are some direct flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet.
Pick-up time will be tailor-made to the group arrival times.
Departure. Tailor-made for the group.
We’ll advise you with the best connections if you contact us about booking this ride.
Menorca has its own breed of horses.The Menorquina breed or “Pura Raza Menorquina” (P.R.M.) is a relatively young breed because it was just recognized officially as its own breed in 1987. After a field study completed by one of the most prestigious zoologist in Spain, Dr. Antonio Sánchez Belda, it was concluded that the “Menorca” horse met all the requirements to be included, registered and recognized as its own breed.
Despite the recognition in 1987, the Menorquina horse, sometimes also called “Menorquín”, already existed many centuries ago in Menorca. It was confirmed by Cayo Plinio II in his writings about Nature & History of the year 77 AD, that Menorca distinguished itself for having good livestock breeding. Menorca has always been considered a horse-island. The main role of the Menorquina horse in religious and knightly natured festivals, which for us as Menorcans, have been passed down from generation to generation, explains the very existence of the Menorquina horse as it is.
People connected with the rural life (read farm life) of Menorca have always been aware of the existence of an inborn breed called the “Menorca” breed. They knew exactly which horses were known as “Menorcas” and those that were not, without the need for any document or paper to prove otherwise. In those times, words had as much value as a document.
Therefore, we must search the history of Menorca in order learn more about this breed. Menorca is an island and with it’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, has provided a communication of different cultures. This indicates that the Menorquin horse has been influenced by the several different cultures that established themselves in Menorca through past centuries, even if only very briefly, contributing to the creation of the current breed. Based on this theory, a comparative study of the Menorquin breed and three other breeds that arrived in Menorca over the past centuries. It is based on the Arab full-blood, the English full-blood and the Pura Raza Español or the Andalusian. The conclusion of this study showed that the genes of these three majestic breeds are all present in the current “Menorca” horse to some extent.
This ride is organised by María Elena in collaboration with the best local stables, owned by Catalina and Toni. They breed their own horses and are very knowledgeable and hospitable. They were the first ones to organise the Camí de Cavalls horse rides. They are a Menorquín family who are deeply rooted and deeply in love with the island.
The horses chosen for the ride are Menorquín crosses and Andalusian, mostly cross between the Menorquín horse and the Menorquín trotters, both pitch back horses, to create a lighter and more athletic horse, ideal for the rides.
The Pura Raza Menorquín horses are stallions that are not ideal for the trail rides, whereas the Menorquín crosses have the right size, character and endurance for the rides.
The tack used is English, general purpose wintec saddles .Saddle bags are provided.
The ride will be guided by Catalina and Toni and María Elena will accompany some of the rides.
It is not necessary to be an expert rider but it is essential that riders have trail riding experience, can easily manage a horse at all paces and be familiar and comfortable handling a horse on the ground.
Important: There some difficult passages at very steep rocky places. The horses are extremely sure footed and know the terrain, but riders should be able to keep calm, trust the horses and ride properly over the difficult passages.
Riders scared of heights should enquiry more specific information about the challenge this ride.
The pace of the ride is slow, very slow at times, but there will be chances for some trots and canters on some of the beaches. A level of fitness is required, as the days are 4-6 hours. Horses will be ready for the riders to get on every morning and will be taken care of during the ride.
Weight limit of 90kgs / 198 pounds (with riding equipment on)
Menorca’s country hotels are excellent, with lots of charm, portraying the characteristics of the local architecture.
They are very comfortable, some luxurious 4* country hotels. Nearly all of them have swimming pools.
A support vehicle will accompany the ride.
The Camí de Cavalls is practically inaccessible the car will only meet the rides t lunch time for the picnic.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included while on the trek.
The local cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the many different dishes produced in the area.
Picnic lunches will consist of a sample of the local dishes cooked at the local restaurants. Dinner at the country hotels where the group stays.
Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice.
The usual schedule for meals: Breakfast 8.30. Lunch at around 2.00pm, followed by a siesta.
Dinner is usually served at 9.00pm.
Drinks outside meals - at the hotel bars - are not included. Riders will just pay for these drinks as they consume them.
The Menorca ride is a 5 day ride, following the “Camí de Cavalls”. The first three days we will ride on the Northern coast, wild and inaccessible, from West to East, and the following two days, we will ride on the Southern coast, from East to West, which is a more sheltered coast, with more human presence, but where we will find some unspoilt beaches and very attractive inland landscapes.
Day 1 MAHÓN – CIUTADELLA SANT IGNASI Pick at the airport of Menorca, in Mahón. Transfer to the country hotel Sant Ignasi.
Depending on the arrival time of the group, this afternoon we will see the horses and have a short ride, to match horse & rider and adjust the tack. Horses will be transferred from their stables to the point of departure of the ride. Dinner and night in Sant Ignasi, Son Juaneda or in Ciutadella, depending on the time of the year and availability. All hotels are of similar quality.
Day 2 SANT IGNASI – CALA MORELL – SON ANGEL
Transfer to Eugues de Flo, near Torre del Ram, point of departure of the ride. On this first day ride we will discover the arid and dry Menorca, one of the wildest parts of the island, with a very unique landscape. The only traces of human presence we will see are the light houses, remains of shepherds huts and corrals and some archaeological sites. Riding inland and along the cost we will get to Cala Morell. Picnic lunch at the Caves of Cala Morrell, and archaeological site with a necropolis (from 1500-300 b.C.). A short afternoon ride, along the coast and then South to get to Son Angel, home to the horses and our guides. Dinner and night in Ciutadella-Hotel Tres Sants, Sant Ignasi or Son Juaneda.
Day 3 SON ANGEL – ELS ALOCS - SANT VICENT (ES MERCADAL)
Transfer to Son Angel. Morning ride in and out the Mediterranean sea, in the part of Menorca called Tramuntana. This territory holds an extraordinarily rich variety of endemic wild plants in the island. Riding along the coast and through beautiful beaches, all of them different: Algaraiens, Plà de Mar, El Pilar, we will get to Els Alocs, for a picnic lunch at the Ermita. Some parts of this ride are quite rough and riders may need to dismount, or we may ride on some alternative inland paths, to avoid the difficult passages. After lunch, the succession of the most attractive beaches and views of the deep turquoise see continues: Cala’n Calderer, Cala Barril, Cala Pregonda and Binimelà, where we’ll finish the ride. Transfer to Es Mercadal. Dinner at El Moli, traditional menorquin restaurant. Night at the exquisite country hotel Ca Na Xini (or Hotel rural in Es Mercadal).
Day 4 SANT VICENT – CAP DE CAVALLERIA – SES SALINES
Transfer to Sant Vicent. This day we ride through some dunar formations, in a area rich in birdlife, with a great biodiversity and geological interest. Ride to Binimel là, Cala Mica, and the beach of Cavaleria. Climbing the cliff to Cap Cavaleria, with spectacular views, we will get to the Eco-museum of the Cap, where we will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, ride to Cala Tirant. We will ride on a small road at the end of the day to get to Ses Salines. Dinner and night at the Hostal Port Fornells, with a field for the horses that has great views of the sea and the village of Fornells.
Day 5 SES SALINES (transfer to) TORRE D’EN GALMES – SANT TOMÀS – BINIGAUS VELL
This morning riders and horses will be transferred to Torre d’en Galmes, on the Southwestern part of Menorca, from where we will start our Southern ride. At Torre d’en Galmes we will visit the the largest “Talayotico” site of the island. The Talayots were watch towers built by pre Roman settlers from the 1000 – 123 b.C. From this site, we will ride South to reach the Camí de Cavalls at Llucalari. From Llucalari we will ride around Son Bou, through some cultivated land and discovering different vegetation characteristic of the wet lands. We will continue until Sant Tomas. We will stop at the restaurant Es Bruc for lunch. In the afternoon, we will head inland, visiting the spectacular cave Cova des Coloms, also called the Cathedral, given its dimensions. Ride the stables of the country hotel Binigaus Vell. Dinner and night at Binigaus Vell. Optional (if in season): Show of the Menorquin horses at Son Martorellet.
Day 6 BINIGAUS VELL – MACARELLA – MORVEDRA NOU
From Binigaus, we will start the morning riding South, back to the Camí de Cavalls. We will ride inland around and along deep gorges, called Barrancos, like the barranco de Trebalúger. After riding through Cala Mitjana, and Cala Galdana, one of the few beaches in the island where we you see a big hotel, we will get to the unspoilt Cala Macaralleta. Then we’ll head inland to the private finca Torralbet, where we will taste a selection of the Menorquín pork products (sobrassada, carn I xua, cuixot) and cheeses. End of the ride. Transfer to Binigaus Vell. Farewell dinner and night at this beautiful country hotel.
Day 7 MORVEDRA NOU – MAHÓN Breakfast and transfer to the airport. If you would like arrive earlier to prolong your stay, we can help with hotel recommendations.
* END OF THE RIDE *
CLIMATE
Menorca enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, characterised by mild winters and hot (though not excessive!) summers.
Rainfall in Menorca varies widely, with virtually none during the summer and a lot in winter. The result is a verdant green landscape throughout all but the hottest periods, whilst the island still sees over 300 days of sunshine per year. A special mention to the famous tramontana - a prevailing northerly wind that has given rise to Menorca being called the "windy island", blowing particularly in March. The islanders actually have names for all eight winds (depending on their direction)
Contact person: Maria Elena
Telephone: 0034 689343974
equiberia@equiberia.es
Days 1 & 2 (CIUTADELLA)
Hotel Rural Sant Ignasi
*Telephone: (0034) 971 38 55 75 www.santignasi.com
or Hotel Rural Son Juaneda www.sonjuaneda.com
Day 3 FERRERIES (or ES MERCADAL)
Hotel Rural Ca Na Xini
*Telephone + 34 971 37 45 12 (or Hotel rural Es Mercadal or Hostal Jeni) www.hotelesmercadal.com www.hostaljeni.com
Day 4 SES SALINES – FORNELLS Hostal Port Fornells
*Telephone: (0034) 971 37 63 73 www.hostalportfornells.com
Day 5 & 6 ES MIGJORN GRAN Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell (4*)
*Telephone: (0034) 971 www.binigausvell.com
HIGHLIGHTS
March 7-14
March 21-28
April 11-18*
October 17-24
October 31 – November 7
November 14-21
*Sold out
2021 Availability
Haciendas of Sevilla
Doñana National park
El Rocío
Canter through El Rocío
Gallop on the beach
Excellent terrain for riding
Horses for “riders”
Horse-carriage for non-riders
(Flamenco pairing dinner)
(Fish and seafood)
(Pub crawl on horseback)
2021 THE RIDES
——
