Leisure Cycling – Minorca Biosphere Reserve

About this tour

Discover the stunning landscape of one of the best preserved islands of the Mediterranean, Minorca, a biosphere reserve of stunning beauty.

As you cycle on tranquil roads, you have time to enjoy the rich flora and birdlife.

Six cycling stages will take you through pine and holm oak forests, lush green countryside and beaches, coves and cliffs.

The architecture of the towns of Mao and Ciutadella is unique to Minorca. Paradise still exists, and it is closer than you think.

Highlights

The charming towns of Mahó and Ciutadella
Favaritx Lighthouse and the lunar landscape
Hidden coves and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters
Archeological sites like Torre d’en Galmes or Cala Morell
Passeriformes and birds of prey
Menorca´s rich flora

Included/Excluded

Welcome meeting with a guide speaking English
7 nights accommodation (rural hotels, 3* and 4* hotels)
B&B or Half-board
Gps with everyday tracks
A map for every day
All the tourist information about the route
A telephone number in case of any problems
The transport of belongings between overnight stays

Tranfer: Private transfer from Ciutadella to the airport (185€)
Flights
Extra drinks
Rental bike

Itinerary

Day 1: Maó

Arrival at your hotel where we will hold a welcome meeting. Your bike will be specially fitted for you and you will be presented with all the documentation, cyclemaps and GPS with all the tracks of the route. We can arrange a transfer from the airport to your hotel (optional).

Day 2: Maó and the south coast

40.0 km

Distance:40.0 km

You start the tour with a nice ride around Maó to visit its fortress called La Mola and riding along the bay to the Port of Maó, and back to the city centre. After visiting the city you leave Maó to go to Cales Coves (a cove with caves dug into the rock), Cala en Porter and its beautiful beach and Torre d’en Galmés, a talaiot period settlement. You will arrive at Alaior, in the middle of the island. Accommodation in a typical menorquin rural house.

Day 3: Cape Faváritx and its lunar landscape

41.0 km

Distance:41.0 km

Today’s stage is a circular route in the northern part of the island,through green countryside, pine and holm oak forests. You arrive at Cap de Favàritx, with its extraordinary lighthouse nestled in a lunar landscape of arid rock.

Day 4: The north coast

42.0 km

Distance:42.0 km

The first part of the stage will lead you to the lighthouse of Cap de Cavallería which rises on top of a spectacular cliff. Cycling back from the lighthouse, we recommend to visit the stunning beach of Cavalleria and Binimel·là with its lagoons and dunes. Today’s route ends in Port Fornells, the perfect spot for a drink in the small harbour overlooking the bay.

Day 5: North to south

35.0 km

Distance:35.0 km

Leaving from Port Fornells you head towards Sant Tomás along the old Royal Path (Camí Reial). You cross the island from North to South, passing Es Mercadal and es Migjorn Gran. You arrive at Sant Tomas beach. Your final stop is Cala Galdana, a huge bay with high cliffs dotted with pines and magnificent villas. The sandy beach has a gentle slope and the waters are crystal-clear.

Day 6: Remote beaches and historic ciutadella

30.0 km

Distance:30.0 km

Today’s itinerary visits the incredible beaches of the South, The beautiful and remote beaches such as Turqueta have high cliffs covered in pine-trees which drop down to pale white sand and crystal-clear water. The day ends at Ciutadella. Ciutadella is an architectural jewel, built of limestone. It lights up the facades of the stately palaces in creamy golden hues, it paves the narrow streets with their lovely arched porches built in ancient medieval times. The gargoyles on the cathedral were carved from it. Ciutadella’s walls tell a story of feudal lords, medieval tradition and invasions of Turkish pirates. But the city has moved on within these historic surroundings, and filled the streets and little squares with charming outdoor cafes and designer shops. The sheltered harbour lies under the ramparts and has plenty of delightful restaurants to choose from.

Day 7: The cliffs of the north coast

38.0 km

Distance:38.0 km

Today´s trip is a magic voyage along the rugged coastline of the North. The coastline here is part of the stunning scenery of la Vall, which includes the hillside called Falconera (the cliff-face is 207 meters high), woods, lowlands, lakes, dunes, spectacular gorges and unspoiled beaches. We will visit Algaiarens and Cala Morell. Cala Morell is a small natural harbour on the north coast of Ciutadella and the site of a beautiful necropolis. A set of fourteen artificial caves have been excavated in the rocky walls of a small ravine and formed one of the largest and most spectacular prehistoric burial sites on the island. It was used as a cemetery in the Naviforme era (1700 B.C.) up until the 2nd century A.D. Return to Ciutadella.

Day 8: Departure

It is time to say goodbye. We can organize a transfer to the airport (optional).