Menorca Explorer

Introduction
Mallorca/Menorca Spain
Visit the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside and beaches of Menorca on horseback on this equestrian escape, based at a beautiful 4-star country estate. Enjoy high grade purebred horses out of the own breeding farm on daily excursions to explore the breathtaking surrounding.

Menorca, the smallest and most eastern of Spain’s Balearic Island, has a long standing history with horses. In fact, some might say that Menorca has no history without its equestrian friends. The horses on this program are the finca’s own breed of the infamous Menorcan horse: a harmonious animal, it has a peaceful character and is smart and obedient. With a sleek silhouette and a handsome black coat, this noble horse has led explorers around this gem of an island for centuries.

The Menorcan Riding Program takes advantage of Cami de Cavalls, the island’s ancient route once used to defend the island and allow military officials surveillance of the coastline. Today, it is an efficient and rewarding way to discover the beauty of this island. Following the entire Menorcan coastline and occasionally crossing through farms, the Cami de Cavalls is a path that resourcefully takes the equestrian traveler to diverse areas of dynamic topography. The Menorcan Riding Program also takes advantage of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve, declared as such by UNESCO in 1993.

However, what would a great riding program be without a venture off the beaten path? The Menorcan riding tours one dip in and out of the interior to discover plentiful and great ravines and caves, unique flora and fauna, isolated and pristine beaches, and historical and beautifully preserved churches and buildings, all nestled among breathtaking landscapes and views across the Mediterranean. When all the riding has worn you out, you can relax at the ancient Menorcan farm, redone as a 4 star country hotel. Here, no amenity is out of your reach: the onsite restaurant prepares local flavors and dishes in a charming atmosphere, the swimming pool is delightfully refreshing and several beaches lie within 3 kilometers. Located amongst nature in the centre of the island, the restored accommodations are easily accessible from each coastal area.

Accomodation


Accommodation
This is a stationary ride where all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
Your accommodation is an ancient Minorcan farmhouse restored as a tranquil rural hotel. Situated in the midst of natural surroundings, the hotel offers Mediterranean comfort and tranquility. The hotel exists in peaceful harmony with its surroundings and features 20 rooms which have been refurbished respecting the original Minorcan style. They have all possible amenities (TV, telephone, Internet, safety deposit box, bathroom, etc.). 
The swimming pool with salt water chlorination and its organic form has been designed with the environment in mind. Its shape, colours and textures are reminiscent of the pristine beaches of Menorca. 

Standard Room (up to 2 pax)
2 beds (90 cm x 2 meters), bathroom (including hairdryer), television with international channels, telephone, internet, minibar and free safety deposit box.   

Superior Room (up to 2 pax)
Same as standard room plus a terrace (equipped with 2 chairs, table and umbrella).  

Junior Suite (up to 4 pax)
Same as superior room plus a living room with double sofa-bed.



There is a list with the cost of laundry in the room and the prices depends of what and if it needs to iron it or not.

The hotel is situated at less than 1 km from the beautiful village of Es Migjorn Gran and at less than 3 km from the sandy beaches of Binigaus and Saint Tomas.

Room Occupancy
If there is nobody to share the room with, the single supplement fee is not mandatory.



Meals
All meals are included except for lunch on day 5.

During your stay, you will get to try the Mediterranean diet featuring Minorcan and Spanish cuisine.
The restaurant offers you the opportunity to taste the local flavours in a pleasant and charming atmosphere. A menu - both modern and traditional - offers the best of excuses to blindly surrender to the intensity of tastes and smells which invite the guests to submerge themselves in a whirlwind of sensations.

Wine is included with dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Required Riding Level
Riders must be able to master the horse at a medium level in all gaits (walk, trot and canter). It is advisable to be physically fit.

Horses
The horses are from our own stud (Yeguada de San Adeodato) and are Minorcan, Andalusians and crossbred. The Minorcan horse is well-balanced, has a peaceful character, is elegant and obedient.

Guides
We have at our disposal guides specialized in horse trek, speaking English, French or Spanish. They know the horses and terrain, providing the necessary security and maintaining at all times the pace and tempo of the route.

Insurance
It is mandatory to take out travel insurance for this trip.

Itinerary


Please, note that 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, both inclusive) horse riding on some beaches is forbidden.


Sample Itinerary: 8-day Explorer Program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Transfer from the airport. Check-into your rooms.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 2 (Sunday): Introduction
To begin the programme, you will visit the stud of San Adeodato, 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 -  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.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 3 (Monday): Ravines Trail
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 goes 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 stud.
Riding approx. 6.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 4 (Tuesday): Natural Reserve of S’Albufera d’Es Grau
After breakfast, you and the horses will be 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 (meaning ‘marsh’) d’Es Grau (the centre of the Biosphere Reserve) and it covers some of the most impressive cliffs on the island. You will see 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 Favàritx Lighthouse, one of the seven lighthouses which surround Menorca’s coastline. Here you will enjoy a delicious 3-course picnic lunch while the horses relax nearby.  After lunch the route alternates between cultivated farm land and more wild and remote landscapes.
At the end of the trail, the path enters 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.
Riding approx. 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Farmhouse

Day 5 (Wednesday): Rest Day (no riding)
An optional excursion (not included in the price) will be organized to enable you to discover more about Menorca.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 6 (Thursday): North Coastline
After breakfast, you be transported to the start of your ride through one of the most unspoilt, hidden and beautiful stretches along the north coastline. The starting point is the beach of Binimellà. The path through the dunes will take you to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Cala Pregonda, where you will discover a unique landscape, a beautiful cove with a golden-sand beach with offshore rock formations. Following the coast, you will ride parallel to 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 and the horses will have a well-deserved break, and you will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch while the horses have a rest tied under the trees.
Moving on, you will pass Cala Pilar, with its red dyed slopes, and then come to Arenal d’Alfurí, which has 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.
Riding approx. 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 7 (Friday): Winding South
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 bio diverse 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 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 do take part.
Riding approx. 3 hour-trail + 1-hour lesson
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
Breakfast and transfer from the Hotel to the Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 5-day Getaway Program - subject to changes

This program includes days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 of the 8-day itinerary.

Day 1 (Monday): Arrival
Transfer from the airport. Check-into your rooms.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 2 (Tuesday): Introduction
To begin the programme, you will visit the stud of San Adeodato, 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 -  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.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 3 (Wednesday): Ravines Trail
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 goes 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 stud.
Riding approx. 6.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 4 (Thursday): Winding South
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 bio diverse 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 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 do take part.
Riding approx. 3 hour-trail + 1-hour lesson
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel

Day 5 (Friday): Departure
Breakfast and transfer from the Hotel to the Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riders
Non riding activities such as biking, cultural tours, spa, massage, snorkel, sailing… are plentiful in the area. We can also organize an unforgettable nautical experience for you in a sailboat to go out sailing along the impressive coastline of Minorca.

Rates and Dates for Menorca Explorer

Dates Note: Other dates are possible for 3+ riders

Other Info
Meeting: Es Migjorn Gran
Airport: Menorca - Mahón Airport
Transfer: Menorca Airport

Climate:
                                            Minorca area