Spain, Menorca
Just a short distance from Mallorca, Menorca is noticeably quieter and more unspoiled. The island is famous for its beautiful coastline and its more than 120 sandy beaches, many of them hidden gems tucked between cliffs and caves – one of the best-kept secrets in the western Mediterranean.
For those who want to explore the island on horseback, the Camí de Cavalls is a true highlight. This historic coastal trail encircles the entire island and leads you through pine forests, rural landscapes and turquoise coves. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca offers exceptionally well-preserved nature and ideal conditions for peaceful, nature-focused riding experiences.
The island’s pride is the black horse breed Menorquín, known for its elegance, speed and agility. Their cultural importance is visible in the island’s traditional festivals, where the horses take centre stage with their impressive performances. During your riding holiday, you will often ride well-trained Menorquín horses from local studs.
After a day of riding adventures, it’s wonderful to return to a traditional Menorcan farmhouse that has been carefully restored into a four-star rural hotel. Located in the heart of the island – yet close to lovely beaches – it offers tranquillity, a relaxing pool and excellent local cuisine.
Accommodation & Food
During your stay, guests are accommodated in a four-star hotel that preserves the traditional Menorcan rural style, inspired by the island’s iconic whitewashed farmhouses. The hotel is located just outside Es Migjorn Gran, in the centre of what was once a large farm that produced, among other things, milk used for Mahón cheese.
The hotel offers a total of 27 rooms: standard double rooms, located on the upper floor of the old manor house, each with its own distinctive character – charm, simplicity and personality. Every room has its own style, yet all provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.
There are superior rooms, all featuring their own terrace and a unique design. Some preserve the traditional atmosphere of the main building, while others have been renovated with a more modern touch without losing their original charm. They are situated in different parts of the hotel, all created for relaxation and for enjoying the surrounding nature.
The hotel also features spacious junior suites, each with its own terrace. They include a generous living area, a double bed, a sofa bed and a full bathroom with both bathtub and shower – ideal for couples or families of up to four people.
The property features a saltwater pool in a tranquil setting and a restaurant serving local flavours. All rooms include a private bathroom, TV, telephone, internet access and a safety deposit box.
From here, the beach at Binigaus is about 20–30 minutes away, and the impressive Cova des Coloms can be reached in 10-15 minutes via a short walk through protected pine forest.
Food
Menorcan cuisine reflects both the island’s history and its Mediterranean setting. The well-known Mahón cheese, still produced according to strict regulations, is one of Menorca’s most cherished local products and dates back to the Friesian cattle introduced by the British in the 18th century.
Local dishes often feature rustic flavours with pork, tasty sausages and traditional stews. Fish and seafood naturally play a major role in the island’s food culture – from prawns and mussels to sole and sea bass. The most famous dish, however, is caldereta de llagosta, a traditional lobster stew that was once prepared by fishermen right on the shore.
Menorca also has a sweet side, with pastries such as carquinyols and the airy ensaimada. The local ice cream from Alaior, La Menorquina, is another treat that many associate with the island.
The island also produces high-quality wine and has a long history of gin making. The last operating distillery, Xoriguer, still crafts gin in the traditional way – often enjoyed neat or mixed with lemonade as the classic pomada.
Standard Double Room
Superior Room
Junior Suite
Horses & Riding
All the horses are Menorcans or "Menorquians" as the locals call them, which are born, bred and trained at the stud. They have to be pure black to take part in fiestas, but they are occasionally other colours such as chestnut. Your trail horses will all be mares or geldings, but if you opt for the dressage lesson then this is likely to be on one of the stallions.
There are 2 itineraries:
Stationery Week: 7 nights, 5 days riding
Stationary Short Week: 4 nights, 3 days riding
Stationary Week Program
This eight-day program takes you on an unforgettable journey along Menorca’s legendary Camí de Cavalls and through some of the island’s most protected natural areas. With the proud Menorcan horse as your companion, you’ll ride through deep ravines, along unspoilt beaches, past dramatic cliffs and through peaceful rural landscapes. The program combines varied riding with local culinary experiences, stunning nature and insights into the island’s traditional equestrian culture. With comfortable accommodation, carefully planned day rides and knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation – an ideal trip for both nature lovers and passionate riders.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1
Riding: No riding. You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel to check in. Dinner will be at the hotel's restaurant.
Day 2
Riding: 4 hours
To begin the programme, you will visit the stud of San Adeodate, where you will be told more about the fabulous Menorcan horses. After learning more about them, you will be assigned to your horse and enjoy a short ride around the farm and visit the historic village of Sant Agusti. Lunch will be taken a typical beach restaurant where you will enjoy some time to sit around a table trying the Menorcan produce. In the afternoon you will ride inland along one of the trails of the Cami de Cavalls. On the way, you will cross the Barranc de Son Fideu, a famous ravine which holds one of the highest and most impressive caves on Menorca: Sa Cova d'es Coloms, also known as "the Cathedral". You can ride into this cave! The end point of the day will be back at the stables of the hotel.
Day 3
Riding: 6 - 7 hours
Today's ride is long but magnificent. After breakfast, you walk down to the stables to meet your horse again. Your ride will pass through the major ravines of the island: Algendar, Trebaluger and Albranca. Following the Cami de Cavalls, you will find that on many stretches of the path you will need to leave the coast to venture inland through woods and fields to avoid some of the steep slopes caused by the cascading water. During the morning, you will venture off the Cami de Cavalls briefly in order to visit some of the beautiful, wild and difficult to reach beaches of the area: Escorxada, Fustam and Cala Mitjana. After a visit to the beach of Cala Mitjana your lunch is delivered to you by van, along with tables and chairs. A 3 course lunch is served under the trees alongside the horses. After lunch you ride back to the stables.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
After breakfast, you and the horses are transported to the north coast to begin your day of riding. Today's path runs entirely within the boundary of the Natural Reserve of S’Albufera (marsh) d’Es Grau (the centre of the Biosphere Reserve) and it covers some of the most impressive cliffs on the island. During the route, you will find several wetlands (Tamarells Cove, Sa Torreta creek, Arenal de Morella) and also some of the Watch Towers which, in the past, safeguarded Menorca from attacks and sieges. This stretch will lead you to one of the seven Lighthouses which surround Menorca’s coastline: Favàritx Lighthouse. Here is where you will enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch whilst the horses relax nearby. After lunch the route will alternate between cultivated farming land and more wild and remote landscapes. At the end of the trail, the path will present a new ecosystem: the Port of Addaia wetlands, combining salt marshes and aquatic vegetation. Both in autumn and spring, this is a good place for bird watching.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
Riding: No riding.
REST DAY: An optional excursion (not included in the price) will be organized to enable you to discover more about Menorca. Lunch will be to your own account (not included in the price) and dinner will be back at the hotel.
Day 6
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
After breakfast this morning you will be transported to the start of your ride, which is through one of the most unspoilt, hidden and beautiful stretches along the north coastline. The starting point is the beach of Binimel.là. The path through the dunes will take you to Cala Pregonda, where you will discover a unique landscape - a beautiful cove with a golden sand beach and offshore rock formations. Following the coast, you will ride parallel to the Menorca's Northern Marine Reserve, created in 1999, which safeguards an area of around 5.2 marine hectares of reef along the northern coast. You will ride along several steep, rocky cliffs in order to reach Ets Alocs, where you will have a well-deserved break to eat a picnic lunch and whilst the horses rest under the trees. Moving on, you will pass Cala Pilar, with to its red dyed slopes and following the path you will come to Arenal d’Alfurí: another spot with a high concentration of important endemic plants and floral species. Next, you will traverse Es Pla de Mar with its fantastic pebble cove before turning inland through the flatter agricultural area of La Vall where some faster riding should be possible.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
Today will be your final journey; you will ride through the Cami de Cavalls, heading toward the east side of the island. Today's ride will begin in a gentler landscape but soon progresses to the rugged, ravine studded terrain that this region of Menorca is best known for. Passing through Talis farm, you will arrive at the longest beach on the island - Son Bou and its associated wetlands. This is an ideal spot for bird watching as it is one of the most biodiverse habitats on Menorca. At certain times of the year, it's possible to ride on the beach itself but during the summer months of May to October (inclusive) it's forbidden by Menorcan law. You then take the path back, via Sant Tomas, to where you started your ride: the stud of San Adeodato. Lunch is taken at a beach restaurant overlooking the sea. In the afternoon you have the option of taking a 1-hour dressage lesson on a Menorcan stallion which will include learning to perform the famous Menorcan dressage move "The Bot". The Menorcan horse is one of the only breeds in the world that is able to perform this upright movement where the horse stands (and sometimes even walks) on its hind legs!
* Please note that this lesson is not compulsory and you can certainly opt-out if you wish, however, many riders consider this the highlight of their trip. No alternative riding will be offered if you choose not to take part.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport.
The route can be changed due to security reasons, bad weather or for reasons beyond our control such as natural disasters, local events, local strikes etc. The staff will provide all the means and resources to provide the best solution, even modifying the route if necessary or offering alternatives.
According to the Menorca law, during the summer, (from May to October, both inclusive) horse riding on some beaches is forbidden.
Program - Stationary Short Week
Welcome to an unforgettable riding holiday on Menorca! This programme will take you through some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes – from hidden ravines and unspoilt beaches to historic farms and the unique equestrian culture of Menorca. Throughout the week, you will get to know the noble Menorcan horse, enjoy delicious local meals, and experience nature from horseback along the classic Cami de Cavalls trail.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1
Riding: No riding.
Arrival and welcome: You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel to check in. Dinner will be at the hotel's excellent restaurant.
Day 2
Riding: 4 hours (2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon)
To begin the programme, you will visit the stud of San Adeodate, where you will be told more about the fabulous Menorcan horses. After learning more about them, you will be assigned to your horse – who is a Menorcan gelding or mare, bred and trained at this stud - and enjoy a short ride around the farm and visit the historic village of Sant Agusti. You will have a leisurely lunch at a typical beach restaurant where you will enjoy sharing a number of Menorcan dishes. In the afternoon you will ride inland along one of the trails of the Cami de Cavalls (literally, Horse Road). On the way, you will cross the Barranc de Son Fideu, a famous ravine where you will actually ride into one of the most impressive caves on Menorca: Sa Cova d'es Coloms, also known as "the Cathedral cave". The ride will finish back at the stables of the hotel.
Day 3
Riding: .6.5 hours (3.5 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon)
Today’s ride is long but magnificent. After breakfast, you walk down to the stables where the horses will be waiting. The ride will take you through the major ravines of the island: Algendar, Trebaluger and Albranca. Following the Cami de Cavalls, you will find that the path passes inland through woods and fields to avoid some of the steep slopes caused by the cascading water. During the morning, you will venture off the Cami de Cavalls to visit some of the most beautiful and wild beaches of the area: Escorxada, Fustam and Cala Mitjana. After our visit to the stunning Cala Mitjana, our lunch will be delivered to us, along with tables and chairs, by van. A 3-course lunch will be served sitting under the trees alongside the horses. In the afternoon we will ride back to the stables of the hotel.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Riding: 3 hours plus 1 hour Doma Menorquina lesson
Today will be your final journey; you will ride through the Cami de Cavalls, heading toward the east side of the island. Today's ride will begin in a gentler landscape but soon progresses to the rugged, ravine studded terrain for which this region of Menorca is best known. Passing through Talis farm, you will arrive at the longest beach on the island, Son Bou, and its associated wetlands. This is an ideal spot for bird spotting as it is one of the most biodiverse habitats on Menorca. At certain times of the year it is possible to ride on the beach itself, but during the summer months, from May to October inclusive, this is forbidden by Menorcan law. You will then you will take the path back, via Sant Tomas, to where you started your ride: the stud of San Adeodato. Lunch will be taken at the beach restaurant overlooking the sea.
In the afternoon you will have the option of having a 1-hour classical dressage lesson on a Menorcan stallion which will include learning to perform the famous Menorcan dressage move "the Bot". The Menorcan horse is one of the only breeds in the world that is able to perform this upright movement where the horse stands (and sometimes even walks) on its hind legs!
* Please note that this lesson is not compulsory and you can certainly opt-out. However, clients do really enjoy the experience, and some have described it as one of the highlights of the trip. No alternative riding will be offered if you choose not to take part.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
Riding: No riding.
After breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport.
The route can be changed due to security reasons, bad weather or for reasons beyond our control such as natural disasters, local events, local strikes… The staff will provide all the means and resources to provide the best solution, even modifying the route if necessary or offering alternatives.
According to the Menorca law, during the summer, (from May to October inclusive) horse riding on some beaches is forbidden.
Travel Information
Ability description: Trail Ride level 2-3
Included in the price: Short Week: 4 nights, 3 days riding, full board (incl. table wine & water).
Week: 7 nights, 5 days riding, full board (incl. table wine & water). transfer Mahon airport/harbour/hotel.
Not included: Flights, other drinks, insurance and extras not mentioned.
Travel: Book flight/rental car >>
Fly to Mahon airport.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore.
From Mahon airport/harbour/hotel to the Riding Centre (30 minutes by car).
Price: Included.
Time: In time of your fligth arrival. There may be a maximum of 1 hour of waiting time if someone arrives close to your flight.
Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will apply.
Currency: EUR
Credit card: Accepted
Tipping: Not required but appreciated.
Wifi: Yes
Electricity jack: EU standard
Group Size: Minimim 4 and maximum 6 riders
Weight limit: Max 95kg / 210lbs / 15 stone
Age limit on trail: 12 years
Closest village: 2,5 km away
Beach: 10 minutes by car
Pool: Yes. Pool towel is provided.
Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmets
Special diet: Inform when booking.
PLEASE NOTE - all guests will need to pay a "tourist tax" of approx. 3€ (EUR) per day for their visit to Menorca. This tax is used to fund environmental and sustainable projects around the island and to counter the impact of tourism during the high summer season.