4| Distributed with The Daily Telegraph|SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009MENORCAÞ For more information on Menorca, go to www.illesbalears.es and www.spain.infoTHE PERFECT PLACE FOR RIDING HIGHIN THE SADDLE Deborah Stone goes horse riding and cycling through spectacular Menorcan sceneryAmoment’s hesitation at a big soggy puddle was the cause of my mountain bike comedy moment. My foot left the pedal searching for firm ground, but I stepped into thick mud nearly up to my calf. For a few hysterical minutes I thought my shoe was permanently stuck, until I was hauled out of the mire by our long-suffering guide Javier. Javier’s problems started when we turned up at his cycle and kayak hire shop, Dia Complert in Fornells, for a two-hour guided ride. He wanted to take us along some nice woodland paths — just right for families and people not used to extreme mountain biking — but I had a better idea: I wanted to ride part of the round-the-island Cami de Cavalls, the old horse road. I imagined a glorious coastal path with beautiful empty beaches not accessible by road, and breathtaking views of valleys and hills. I was right about the glorious views and empty beaches but, as Javier had tried to warn me, this was no ordinary coastal path. Despite ultra-light bikes with gears set on easy, within minutes of setting off from the car park at Binimella beach on the north coast — a virgin beach within a Natural Area of Special Interest — we were walking our bikes up a rock-strewn path and just jumping on them for the flat bits. We did make it around the headland to Cala Mica — deserted and only accessible by the path — before turning back for the downhill ride, and the mud. Javier was good enough not to say: “I told you so.” He normally tailors guided bike tours to his customers’ ability or, if people just want to hire bikes without a guide, he gives them maps with suitable off-road trails drawn on them.This local knowledge is invaluable, because although there are hundreds of country paths in Menorca, many are on private land — and very few are signposted. Only experienced mountain bikers would enjoy tackling Cami de Cavalls on the north coast, although the south coast sections are easier. But there are other great onand off-road options for cyclists, including the Menorcan Cycle Tourism Network — launched two years ago. These six signposted routes use old country lanes, some still just tracks, and take you from one side of the island to the other in 4to 11-mile chunks. You can pick up a leaflet from tourist offices. Several of these routes take you past the many prehistoric settlements and burial remains and the route near Ferreries uses the Cami Reial, a medievalMenorca is tailormade for expeditions by horse, mountain bike or on footfootpath that provides a challenging ride. Despite our failure to cycle very far along the Cami de Cavalls it wasn’t all bad news, because we discovered that the path is absolutely perfect for walking and — not surprisingly — horseriding. Groups of riders from the stables we visited — Menorca a Cavall, near Mercadal — can be seen regularly taking excursions along sections of the Cami de Cavalls. The stables are run by the farm owner Tolo and his partner Indika, with help from English guide Sarah, who also told us about the beach rides the stables offer. We were riding with a beginners group, but the route along a private section of the early 18th-century Cami d’en Kane was a real treat. This was the first proper road built on Menorca, on the orders of the British governor of Menorca, Richard DANA JAKOUBKOVA ROMAN SOUKUPKane, to get soldiers and supplies across the island quickly. Few people get to see this section of the road, which has its original paving stones intact in some places, and the wild flowers — several types of orchid, blue and scarlet pimpernel, Burmuda buttercup, borage and asphodel — add colour to an unbelievably green landscape for a Mediterranean setting. Sarah described the hills and valleys around the stables, which are in the centre of the island, as “Devon with year-round sunshine”, and the spring countryside is just as green. Even when the wild flowers have disappeared, despite arid summers the evergreen woods of holm oak, myrtle and wild olive trees keep the countryside verdant all year. We left the private section of Cami d’en Kane but joined the properly surfaced part of the ancient road, which is now a quiet country lane with few cars and ideal for cyclists and walkers. Then it was back onto another private track to see views of the sea in the north, and of the island’s highest point, Monte Toro, before heading back, shaded by the woods. Menorca is tailor-made for round-theisland expeditions — whether by horse, mountain bike or on foot. There is no need to be an expert, just pack your sense of adventure.FIND OUT MORE Menorca a Cavall: 0034 971 37 46 37; www.menorcaacavall.com Dia Complert: 0034 609 67 09 96; www.diacomplert.comHorsing around: riding in the hills above the sea, top; off-road mountain biking, above left; hiking along the coast
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009|| 1The Daily Telegraph Saturday, April 4, 2009MENORCA A new look at Britain’s favourite Spanish holiday island.INSIDE SPECIAL SECTION ON THE MAGIC OF MENORCAin association with
2||SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009THE BALEARICSÞ For more information on the Balearics , go to www.illesbalears.es and www.spain.infoAbout this supplement The British have long enjoyed a love affair with the Balearic Islands. With 300 days of sunshine a year, flights of just over two hours from the UK, wond
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009| Distributed with The Daily Telegraph| 3For more information on Menorca, go to www.illesbalears.es and www.spain.infoMENORCAcatamaran for a trip around the port and close-up views of the military buildings that have defended the island over the centuries. In just over an hour
4| Distributed with The Daily Telegraph|SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009MENORCAÞ For more information on Menorca, go to www.illesbalears.es and www.spain.infoTHE PERFECT PLACE FOR RIDING HIGHIN THE SADDLE Deborah Stone goes horse riding and cycling through spectacular Menorcan sceneryAmoment’s hesitation at
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009| Distributed with The Daily Telegraph| 5For more information on Menorca, go to www.illesbalears.es and www.spain.infoMENORCASIMPLY THE BEST New spas and modern restaurants sit side by side with tradition, writes Ruby SimpsonPAMPER YOURSELFWhen holidaymakers started visiting M
6| Distributed with The Daily Telegraph|SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009MENORCAÞ For more information on Menorca, go to www.illesbalears.es and www.spain.infoSUPERSTOCK.COMSECLUDED SPOTS PERFECT ISOLATION Followan ancient coastal path to find tranquillity and charming wildlife, writes Tiffany FieldIt’s easy
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009| Distributed with The Daily Telegraph| 7For more information on Menorca, go to www.illesbalears.es and www.spain.infoMENORCADelve into a treasure trove of intriguing relics CULTURE Spend some relaxing time amidFascinating sights: Stone Age Menorca; inset, Plaça d’es Born; bel
