Explore the island of Menorca while on charter in the Balearic islands

When you are making your way over to Menorca on your yacht, talk to your captain about the circular path around the entire island, maybe you will be able to spot it when you are relaxing on deck and getting closer to shore! The 180 kilometer Camí de Cavalls is an ancient coastal bridleway that encircles the island, taking in remote beaches, plunging cliffs and secluded beauty spots along the way. Originally created to provide easy access between neighboring watchtowers and safeguard the inhabitants against foreign invaders, the path was reopened in 2011 after a 400-year closure. If you are an avid hiker, get up early and walk part of the route! The Camí de Cavalls route will let you follow its entire coast, mainly virgin, and live an adventure through almost every ecosystem in the Mediterranean world. The path crosses gullies, rocky zones, valleys, wetland and farming areas, it connects ancient watchtowers, lighthouses and trenches, and it leads to a great deal of coves and spots of the island. Your chief stewardess will be happy to help finding out which part of the path would suit you best to discover the natural wealth and heritage of the island.

The island of Menorca is a paradise for plant and bird lovers. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, it has a reputation as a botanist’s paradise, and in the spring months its rural meadows are carpeted with wild flowers. There are 1000 species of plants, including wild orchids, foxgloves and wild saffron, to name just a few. Higher up, the avian inhabitants of Menorca attract birdwatchers from far and wide. Notable residents include Egyptian vultures, ospreys, purple herons and hoopoes. Your chief stewardess can set you up with a private guide for a wonderful day of botanic exploration of a large freshwater lagoon to watch the abundant water birds as well as the diversity of plants. You will see some special endemic plants, listen to nightingales and perhaps catch a colony of spotless starlings. Your guide will lead you along a delightful path through pine woods and sand dunes looking for plants and listening to the birds sing their songs. Don’t forget to bring your camera! 

Did you know that over half of Menorca’s beaches are located hidden from the public eye, away from a road, resort, or town? This makes them so perfect to visit with your own yacht! Emerging from the desert-like surroundings, Cala Presili is a sight to behold after your long walk in the sun looking for unique plants and birds. Situated not far from, and with a fantastic view of, the Favaritx lighthouse, this hidden beach in Menorca offers the quiet escape this island is known for. Before heading to the beach to relax in the sea, visit the working lighthouse! Its vivid white tower, with the black bands that spiral upwards, stands out brilliantly against the clear blue sky and it is quite impressive at nearly 28 meters tall. The lighthouse operates with two flashes every 15 seconds that can be seen some 20 kilometers out to sea. It is surrounded by an extremely rocky terrain of black slate stone that is said to mimic the landscape of the moon. Like other lighthouses, the construction of the Favaritx lighthouse was prompted by the many shipwrecks in the area. You can enjoy the permanent maritime exhibition inside of the lighthouse that showcases many interesting artifacts that depict its history. This includes the original catadioptric optical system that was used in the lighthouse before electricity became available. As you come down the road to the lighthouse, you will notice a small natural lake that is known as the Cos des Sindic. It’s a mixture of rainwater and saltwater that has been blown in by storms, and it comes and goes as the weather dictates. When water is present, a great many birds stop in the area to rest and feed, and here too you will be able to find some interesting plant life.

Local legend has it that the lighthouse is a source of supernatural powers, so don’t be surprised if you see people intentionally walking in the puddles that surround this structure. The legend says that those who walk in the puddles during a full moon will be granted exceptional strength and energy from both the moon and the sea. Since you are heading to the beach anyway to swim in the sea, why not dip your feet in the puddles for a minute to get your bases covered!

At the beach, you will be surprised by the crisp white sand that is uncharacteristic to this side of the island, and contrasts beautifully with the azure sea. Your chief stewardess will welcome you with your favorite cold drinks and has set up an inviting picnic area where you can sample all your favorites before getting ready for a dip in the water. What will you do first, swim, or put on your snorkeling gear to find out what is going on under water?

After your relaxing afternoon at the beach and enjoying the water toys, head to Cova d’en Xorio! This bar, set into caves high above the sea in Cala en Porter is the place to be for cocktails at sunset. The truly spectacular views and the equally great live music compete for your attention. The fun doesn’t end when the sun disappears either, this place turns into a nightclub after dark, so you can always decide to stay late and spend another day in Menorca!