Looking for sunshine, wild landscapes and discoveries on two wheels?
Quentin tells us about his cycling adventure on the island of Menorca, a family getaway among turquoise seas, rocky tracks and peaceful villages…
After the cold and mountains of Lake Constance last year… We wanted warmth and a more Mediterranean atmosphere… We set our sights on cycling in Menorca! I knew nothing about it, but many friends had recommended it as the wildest island in the Balearic Islands, and the flattest, with its highest point at 360m.
We wanted to reduce our carbon footprint and have our bikes with us, so we chose to travel by ferry. We sailed from Toulon to Ciutadella overnight, with an overnight crossing from Ciutadella to Toulon on the way back too. Once we had parked the car in Toulon, cycling aboard the ferry marked the start of the journey for the children… And cycling off before the cars, into bright sunshine and 25°C, felt like the start of an adventure.
We planned the route in advance and booked our accommodation, but for the first time we would be carrying our own luggage… So we went from 4 suitcases to 8 panniers, which meant cutting back a little on what we packed. The route crosses the island from Ciutadella to Maó along the “cycle touring route”, with a detour to its northernmost point, the Cavalleria lighthouse. Then we would return along the island’s south coast, following small roads and the Camí de Cavalls, the GR long-distance trail that circles the island.
Ciutadella and the surrounding area
Ciutadella is a lovely little town, and cycle paths make it easy and safe to leave the port and town. Our first impression, which was confirmed throughout our stay, was that drivers were attentive and respected pedestrians and cyclists.
Menorca, an island designed for cycling
Menorca has several waymarked cycle touring routes, with varying degrees of smooth riding, generally along roads with little traffic. These cycling routes very often lead to Talayotic sites or beaches that attract varying numbers of visitors.
Although our crossing of the island from west to east went well, we were still surprised by a few substantial climbs. Even though the island’s highest point is only 360m, it is cut by 2 major faults, creating some impressive descents but some impressive climbs too. The small roads between the stone walls are really enjoyable to cycle along, and the walls give the landscape its structure.
Returning along the Camí de Cavalls
The return along the Camí de Cavalls, from east to west along the south coast, is another adventure… We had mountain bikes and gravel bikes fitted with panniers, so our bikes were suitable for riding on trails… but we encountered some very rocky sections of this trail that forced us to carry our bikes in places. Still, that is part of a cycling adventure. Hybrid bikes or electric bikes are well suited to the roads and cycle paths.
What will really stay with us is the beauty and variety of the landscapes: barren, rocky areas in the north, farmland stirred by a wind that brings the fields to life, and magnificent beaches where we were able to swim in April.
Looking for inspiration? Discover Giovanna’s article about her walking tour of La Gomera!
Article written by
Quentin Vanaker
Travel experts in France and Switzerland
Skier, cyclist and runner! He works in tandem with Estelle. He's unrivalled at confirming last-minute bookings in the blink of an eye, with impressive calm and efficiency. Read more
