Mileage and direction in the section 8 of the Camí de cavalls

Menorca GR-223: Camí de cavalls is a comprehensive guide on the island of Menorca from the point of view of Camí de cavalls. This long distance route (GR-223), recently qualified in its entirety within the Caminos rurales (rural paths) program, allowing a full view of the area and represents both sporting activities (walking, biking or horseback) and an ideal for knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of Menorca. The book approaches the various natural and social fields of the island and describes in detail each of the sections of the road in a simple structure: introduction, local information, technical data, maps, and historical information outlined with beautiful photographs. It concludes with a list of companies offering leisure services for Camí de cavalls which are supported by the Foundation Destí Menorca.

The eBook Multi-Touch format allows you to scroll through the 176 pages with over 400 spectacular photographs all located in Menorca, and access to about 60 maps and charts of the Camí de cavalls. All the material was produced by ohDigital.

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MENORCA

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Menorca as a place name comes from Minorica since this island is smaller than its neighbour Mallorca. Both islands, along with Pitiusas form the Balearic archipelago.

Since Franco's dictatorship Menorca was preserved from excessive tourism for military and strategic reasons, which led to the extraordinary nature conservation on the island.

Menorca’s traditional economic activities are livestock, from which is made Mahon cheese, footwear and leather items.

Menorca is administratively divided into eight municipalities; Alaior, es Castell, Ciutadella of Menorca, Ferreries, Mahon, es Mercadal, es Migjorn Gran and Sant Lluís. It currently has a population of about 100,000 people and is visited by one million tourists a year.

Binimel·là beach and Cala Pregonda the background >< Arenal d’en Castell

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MENORCA · PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

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BIOSPHERE RESERVE

In 1993 UNESCO declared Menorca a Biosphere Reserve for its natural attractions and historical heritage. This title puts special emphasis on the conservation and harmonious relationship between the human environment (and activities) and the natural environment.

Menorca is divided into protected areas of different intensities. The Natural Park of s'Albufera des Grau is the core. Another area considered as an Area of Special Interest (ANEI) is the marine reserve in northern Menorca.

Image: Natural Areas of Special Interest (ANEI)

Albufera des Grau gate > < Shoreline vegetation

GEOLOGY

From a geological point of view the island of Menorca is split into two very distinct areas. The northern is older and consists of rolling hills and a rugged low coastline, with the exception of the west cliffs of Cala Morell. The South of the island of Calcareous (sedimentary) is flat and regular, with ravines and open beaches.

CLIMATE

Menorca's climate is Mediterranean; mild and wet winters, hot and dry summers. The Tramuntana from the north is the prevailing wind in the island to the point of shaping the landscape and vegetation of the North coast. Also frequently blows the Migjorn wind (from Africa) and Xaloc (from South-East) and less frequently the winds of: Llevant Llebeig, Ponent, Mestral and Gregal.

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MENORCA · Physical environment

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MENORCA · Physical environment

Gladiolus Illiricus

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FLORA AND FAUNA

Besides the numerous shrubs and bushes, oak, wild olive and the white pine tree are the most common species in the forested areas of the island. Of special interest are the ecosystems located in the south such as the ravines Algendar, Cala en Porter and Trabalúger. The coastal or inland wetlands and dune areas, beaches and macars, formed by macs or pebbles eroded from the cliffs and the inhospitable coastal islets are other typical environments where they develop numerous varieties of vegetation. The seafloor is populated by oceanic Posidonia that has a major role in the regeneration of beaches and is proof of the good state of the coastal environment.

MENORCA · Physical environment

Hibiscus Stamen

Gallery

< Binigaus pinewood

10The Mediterranean tortoise, Testudo Hermanni, is a protected tortoise which you can find up to 27 cm. Females are larger than males. Their colouring is black and yellow.

MENORCA · Physical environment

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The flora of the island is basically insular (of indigenous origin and behaviour) and of marine Mediterranean character. Common examples are the socarrell, on the coast of Tramuntana, and rosemary, on the rocky coast.

Among animals, the majority is formed of birds and consists of forest and field birds including, thrush, starling, nightingale and goldfinch. Seabirds largely consist of the Corsican seagull, birds of prey and scavenger birds include, kite, small vultures, eagle fishmonger and other species can also be seen. There are also small mammals, all introduced by humans, and about thirty unique subspecies of lizards (Balearic lizards) and other reptiles (snake) and amphibians (turtle).

MENORCA · Physical environment

Caterpillar

Gallery

Minorcan donkey >

12The Pitiusa Lizard, Podarcis pityusensis, is a reptile endemic to the Balearic islands with over 30 subspecies

MENORCA · Physical environment

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MENORCA · SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

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ARCHAEOLOGY. TALAYOTIC CULTURE The Menorca Talayotic culture developed during the Bronze Age, characterised by megalithic constructions similar to those in other parts of the Mediterranean including Mallorca, Sardinia and Malta at around the same time. The remains of this culture can be seen in various archaeological sites.

The name of this culture comes from one of the building typologies; the talaya or defense tower has a circular floor and tapered profile. These buildings continued to be used for the rest of antiquity and the Middle Ages for domestic and livestock purposes.

MENORCA · Social environment < es Trepucó table

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Another construction type of this culture is the naveta, consisting of room with an oval floor, in most cases, and an inverted boat hull elevation mainly used for multiple burials.

Finally the taula or enclosure is shaped with an apse enclosure inside which stands a T formed by two large blocks of carved stone.

MENORCA · Social environment

This construction unique to Menorca was for religious use so findings indicate but they have discarded its connection with human sacrifice. It is even possible that the T-shape was the central pillar of the roof of the enclosure.

There are other related constructions linked to Talayotic culture such as megalithic tombs, burial caves (sometimes

authentic necropolis) and hypostyle halls.

es Trepucó talayot and table

16Naveta des Tudons is an inverted boat-shaped burial construction dated to 1000 BC and located in the municipality of Ciutadella

MENORCA · Social environment

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2300 B C. Evidence of sedentary settlement in Menorca.

1000 B C. Talayotic culture.

VIII B C. Coexistence Talayotic culture with the arrival of Phoenicians and Greeks.

Presence of Carthaginians in the context of the Punic Wars.

123 B C. Roman conquest of the Balearics.

427-455. Invasion of the Vandals.

534. Sovereignty of the Byzantine Empire.

VI-X C. Arabs and Norman attacks.

903. Late addition of the Balearic island to the Caliphate of Córdoba.

1232. Jaume I the Conqueror conquered Mallorca and was subjected to Muslims, but not in Menorca.

1287 Alfons III the Liberal conquered Menorca and supposedly repopulated with Catalan settlers (fact commemorated in the Day of Menorca).

1295-1343 Menorca belongs to the Mallorca realm.

XIV-XVI C. Population decline is caused by the arrival of the Black Death, the confrontation between farmers and the local aristocracy and successive Turkish attacks.

1708-1713. British Invasion in 1708 and the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, in the context of the War of Succession in Spain. A true economic boost followed around the port of Mahon, which contrasts with the decline of the local aristocracy in Ciutadella.

1756-63 and 1782-98. British sovereignty was usurped by France and Franco-Spanish troops respectively.

1798 New British invasion and subsequent final relinquishment to Spain under the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.

1830-1850. Minorcans emigration to the French colony of Algeria.

1936-1939. During the Civil War, Menorca was faithful to the Republican side, suffering reprisals in 1939. There were also some attempts of landings on the island during this period.

1983. Constitution of the Autonomy of the Balearic Islands and the Consell Insular of Menorca (which already existed) in the context of Spanish democracy.

HISTORICAL DATA

MENORCA · Social environment

ETNOLOGY Through various cultural and technological elements are still present on the island, one can contextualise the traditional lifestyle of the local society.

One of the most visible features on the landscape of Menorca is undoubtedly numerous stone walls which surrounds the territory. Their appearance coincides with Talayotic period constructions; their function is derived from the traditional segregation of pastures. Other similar buildings are linked to livestock are cattle sheds. The most important are in the northwest of the island, dating from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century.

The climatic characteristics of the island and the water needed for livestock and vegetable crops have made the search and extraction of water a priority in the past. For this reason, various systems and components known to obtain water from wells and rain and its conservation in tanks and cisterns can still be seen. The cisterns are buildings that are intended to collect rainwater and channel it to its storage tank. The cistern in es Mercadal which was built by the British in order to supply the troops that moved between Mahon and Ciudadela, is notable for its large size.

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MENORCA · Social environment Stone walls in Saint Lluís that surround the territory

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The flour (and other cereal) mills were mainly driven by the wind, and were very much part of the islands landscape. Currently some of them are preserved in particular areas such as Alaior, Mahon, Sant Lluís and Ciutadella.

The Salinas, now disused, were the center of the very common activity of obtaining salt for food preservation.

There are lime kilns in the forest, although now abandoned they were used in the production of the bleaching of the facades of houses that people carried out before the summer to protect the mares stone of which the houses were built.

Other interesting buildings are traditional boat booths. These small buildings near the sea, preceded by a ramp on which the boat glided, served to store boats and fishing gear as well as shelter for fishermen.

MENORCA · Social environment

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AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK Menorca lands have been mostly rain fed forage crops. So the lack of suitable climatic conditions and rich land for agricultural production for human consumption ended in prompting a milk producing livestock and, consequently, the product ion o f cheese. The frameworks in which these activities have been developed are characterised by farm buildings and stone walls that live in perfect harmony with the forest and unspoiled parts of the island.

Among indigenous livestock breeds stands the red or Minorcan cow, they have red hair and have adapted to the climatic conditions of the island and are suitable for milk production, (although to a lesser extent than other breeds), they can also be used or their meet. Menorca also has its own breed of chicken and the sheep.

MENORCA ·Social environment< Agriculture works in Ciutadella

21Minorcan Cow is a breed characteristic of the island of Menorca. With their milk is produced brossat and Mahon cheese

MENORCA · Social environment

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A special mention should go to the Minorcan horse. This is a quality horse breed, slim, quiet and noble, and characterised by its glossy black coat. Its origin is related to the Arabian horse, and the now extinct Catalan breed, the North African Berber and other Cent ra l European horses. I ts implementation in Menorca seems associated with the Catalan conquest of 1287 in which the territory was divided into cavalleries (sections). Facing threats from hackers the cavalleries each had a horse armed for defensive purposes. It seems that the success of this measure led to parties in which the horse is honored. Their morphological characteristics are partly due to the fact that this breed has been preserved from the field work. Currently Menorca holds some 3,500 horses. The horse stars in summer parties which happen throughout the island, especially during the celebration of Saint Joan in Ciutadella, and the known jaleos and other games with ancestral roots in which there is a fusion between horse and rider or caixer.

MENORCA · Social environment Minorcan horse >

Another point to mention is the manufacturing of a soft melted cheese in individual triangular portions. The demand for this cheese was high and had a great impact on livestock. This tradition has led to the development and marketing of quality cheeses under the Protected Designation of Origin Mahón-Menorca.

It was not until the 1970s that Menorca became a tourist destination and, consequently this led to the

development of the construction industry and other services.

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INDUSTRY AND COMMERCEDespite their geographical and demographic constraints Menorca has been a pioneer island in industrialisation following the implementation of two large factories in the mid to late nineteenth century. In parallel to this industrial development, also arises and consolidates the footwear sector, the reference for this is the typical Minorcan abarca (leather sandal). Numerous articles and products from Ciutadella were exported to Cuba. The same goes for the jewellery sector, originating from the silver mesh purses of the late nineteenth century. .

MENORCA · Social environment Marès sandstone boulders

GASTRONOMYThe variety and richness of the cuisine in Menorca is due to the excellence of local products. The most popular dish is the lobster stew and another acquaintance, but not so popular, is rice with crab. Other well known dishes on the island include octopus and squid. In summer months, the explosion of the garden provides optimal ingredients for fried or baked aubergine, courgette dishes or fresh figs for dessert.

There is a story concerning the origin of one of the most common sauces used in almost every kitchen. During the French conquest of the island the Duke of Richelieu (nephew of the celebrated Cardinal) was brought some fish by local fishermen, they served it with a sauce that he liked very much, to the point that it was introduced in France under the name mayonnaise.

The most typical drink from Menorca is gin, most likely from the English gin, which is usually accompanied with fresh lemon juice or lemonade and called pomada.

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MENORCA · Social environment Mahon-Menorca cheese >

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GR 223 · CAMÍ DE CAVALLS

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BACKGROUND It seems that the original purpose of the Camí de cavalls is linked to the defense of the island against attacks from pirates. During the first British domination, in the eighteenth century, the path had the consideration of highway public use. It was later enlarged by French engineers and ratified by the Spanish as a public path with free right of way.

Its recovery project was completed in early 2011, after years of claims of ancient right of way by various sectors of the population from the management and owners of the farms through which it passes.

GR 223 · CAMÍ DE CAVALLS els Alocs

DATAThe layout of the Camí de cavalls route is circular counterclockwise starting and ending in Mahon.

Its total length is 185 Km and its cumulative altitude is 4,000 m.

The entire trail is divided into 20 sections or phases described by information panels, direction and mileage indicators, signs, signals (1,933 wooden stakes) and GR marks (red and white stripes) in urban areas. This careful signing means you can follow the route without guides, maps, GPS or other navigational instruments.

However in certain parts of the route, access and services are scarce except in populations or the next stop on the road. This fact conditions the logistics at the time to organise your trip and make it more complex. There are also no drinking water sources with a few exceptions.

Travelling by bicycle is highly variable depending on each section of the route, gradient and the conditions of the ground. There are many sections of the route which require a high technical level and even some where cycling is not possible.

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3

SECTION 4

SECTION 5

SECTION 6

SECTION 7

SECTION 8

SECTION 9

SECTION 10

SECTION 11

SECTION 12

SECTION 13

SECTION 14

SECTION 15

SECTION 16

SECTION 17

SECTION 18

SECTION 19

SECTION 20

MAÓ > ES GRAU

ES GRAU > FAVÀRITX

FAVÀRITX > ARENAL D’EN CASTELL

ARENAL D’EN CASTELL > CALA TIRANT

CALA TIRANT > BINIMEL·LÀ

BINIMEL·LÀ > ELS ALOCS

ELS ALOCS > ALGAIARENS

ALGAIARENS > CALA MORELL

CALA MORELL > PUNTA NATI

PUNTA NATI > CIUTADELLA

CIUTADELLA > CAP D’ARTUTX

CAP D’ARTUTX > CALA EN TURQUETA

CALA EN TURQUETA > CALA GALDANA

CALA GALDANA > SANT TOMÀS

SANT TOMÀS > SON BOU

SON BOU > CALA EN PORTER

CALA EN PORTER > BINISSAFÚLLER

BINISSAFÚLLER > PUNTA PRIMA

PUNTA PRIMA > CALA SANT ESTEVE

CALA SANT ESTEVE > MAÓ

10 Km

8,6 Km

14 Km

10,8 Km

9,6 Km

8,7 Km

9,6 Km

5,4 Km

7 Km

10,4 Km

12,8 Km

13,3 Km

6,5 Km

10,5 Km

6,4 Km

7,9 Km

12,2 Km

8,1 Km

7,1 Km

6,1 Km27

GR 223 · CAMÍ DE CAVALLS

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GR 223 · CAMÍ DE CAVALLS

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CAMÍ DE CAVALLS MOUNTAIN BIKE RECOMMENDATIONS A double suspension bike facilitates extremely irregular terrain, despite its slight increased weight it is superior to a bicycle with front suspension.

A tubeless tire is highly recommended to avoid the risk of punctures.

A lightweight shoe without fasteners to the pedals makes the hike easier if you have to drag or carry the bike over rough or unstable terrain. If pushing your bike it must be kept away from the body to prevent the pedals hitting your legs.

It is important to bring water and energy foods with enough calories taking into consideration the difficulty and length of the route, the physical condition of each person and the weather.

It is advisable to keep luggage to the minimum possible, and to fix it securely to your bicycle to withstand road vibrations. An emergency cycle kit could consist of cameras, patches, glue, levers, pump and duct tape for punctures, bends and breaks on the chains, spoke wrench, tool keys 8, 9, 10 mm., Allen tool keys 2, 4, 5 and 6 mm and plastic flanges.

GR 223 · CAMÍ DE CAVALLS

Image: Map of the sections of the Camí de cavalls

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A small medical kit may contain material for cuts and grazes including, gauze, ant iseptic, plasters, ant ipyret ic (paracetamol), inflammatory (ibuprofen), and high sun protection. You should consider the lack of mobile phone coverage during most of the tour.

Take care to step over the wooden sleepers that form steps when wet or wet with rain as they can be slippery

All the sections of the Camí de cavalls mountain biking can be done in four days as proposed in Chapter 1.25 CAMÍ DE CAVALLS MOUNTAINBIKE RIDE / 4 DAYS.

GR 223 · CAMÍ DE CAVALLSSa Gola in the Albufera des Grau

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SECTION 1 · Maó - es Grau

he first section of the Camí de cavalls of 10 Km, announces a spectacular journey. After leaving the historic port of Mahon and reaching the small village of Sa

Mesquida by a secondary road, the road runs along coastal creeks (dry rivers) and meadows of great beauty and natural interest. The gradient of the route is moderate with some steep climbs. In the end, after passing through farm land, the road reaches the heart of the Biosphere Reserve of Menorca.

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TRAM 1

GR 223 CAMÍ DE CAVALLS

SECTION 1

Maó - es Grau< Fishermen at Mahon Port

T

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SECTION 1 MAÓ > ES GRAU

10 Km.

2 h 45 min. (estimated walking)

250 m.

Easy, except 2 steeper parts

DISTANCE

TIME

GRADIENT

MOUNTAIN BIKE

The first part of the trip is on the highway Me-3 heading northeast toward sa Mesquida. After the first half, the road takes a northerly direction along the coast and a more irregular gradien to Caleta de Binillautí. At this point enters inland to lead the Me-5 highway which leads to the entrance of the Albufera des Grau, where the section ends.

2 4 6 8 10m

20

40

60

80100

km

sa M

esqu

ida

Cale

ta d

e Bi

nilla

utí

Maó

es G

rau

Cala

Mes

quid

a

Mac

ar d

e Bi

nilla

utí

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TRAM 1 · Maó - es Grau es Murtar

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The specific point of beginning of the section is located at the inner end of the port of Mahon, called sa Colàrsega. The first stage information panel, however, is located 1 km away, on the highway Me-3. After the military base of San Isidre, the path follows the left until sa Mesquida. After the village, the road continues to the car park of Cala Mesquida, leaving the right defense tower, built by the British in 1799, at Punta de sa torre. Once on the bay, protected by es Pa Gros, the dune area in recovery can be observed.

The road follows the coast by the Raconada de sa Mesquida Vella sharply ascending and then descending to the Macar de Binillautí.

SECTION 1

MAÓ > ES GRAU

SECTION 1 · Maó - es Grau sa Mesquida road >

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In a landscape of meadows and shale rock a rich vegetation of low scrub conditioned by the North wind and its proximity to the sea and the salt can be seen. The road ahead goes up sharply then down to Caleta de Binillautí. At this point the path breaks into a sharp rise into the entrance of the Natural Park of s'Albufera des Grau. After the sa Cudia Vella houses and fields, the road leads off the road Me-5 to access the lagoon sa Gola.

SECTION 1 · Maó - es Grau Defense tower at Punta de sa torre >

Information panel

Gallery

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MAHONThe city of Mahon has always been linked to its natural harbor which is the largest in the Mediterranean and the second worldwide. Mahon is the administrative capital of Menorca and the second most populous city, its occupation dates back to antiquity. The Roman settlement was located on previous Talayotic buildings (under the church of Santa Maria and Plaça de la Conquesta) from 123 B C.

Aerial view of the Mahon Port

Gallery

SECTION 1 · Places of interest

SECTION 1 · Maó - es Grau< Mir House

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Since then, this small town grew due to the importance of its port. Later the city obtained the title of Roman town and highlights include its necropolis funeral urns (Plaça del Príncep and Plaça del Carme). Then there is knowledge of a brief Jewish community. In the VI century, Menorca fell under the Byzantine Empire, a fact that made it a marginal place. During the Muslim occupation the city was reduced to a monitoring site. In the XIII century the city was conquered and repopulated by Christians. The XV and XVI centuries marked a period of instability and in 1535 the Turkish corsair Barba-rossa sacked Mahon. During the XVII century came many religious communities and there were epidemics, such as plague, and crop failures. During the first British occupation of Menorca, Mahon benefited from developments including, increased population, new buildings and stately homes, such as the Street of Isabel II. The port was also very important and popular and was closely linked to the military until the navigation of steam boats and the time Menorca sovereignty returned to Spain (1802). It was not until the late XX century that the city was modernised and acquired its current appearance. Attractions: Saint Roc gate, church and cloister of el Carme, Mir house and a fish market.

SECTION 1 · Maó - es Grau< Costa d’en Deia Street, Mahon

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