Maó - es Grau The first section begins at the end of Maó’s port and continues by road to the small village of Sa Mesquida, where there is a defence tower that was built during the British rule of the island in the 18th century. From the tower, the influence of wind and salt on the landscape is evident. The Tramuntana wind leaves its mark on coastal vegetation, especially the socarrells; an endemic bush with strong, thorny branches that is shaped like a cushion, the shape is because of its exposure to harsh weather conditions.     Along the route, there are coves of great natural value, such as Macar de Binillautí (pebble beach), which is attached to a marsh. The final section of the route leads into farmland, which together with wild olive trees, forms a typical Minorcan landscape, one of farms or llocs. Characteristics Distance: 10,00 Difficulty level: Medium

Absolutely amazing journey, I have walked it 7 times

This section is covers several different ecosystems and habitats along the route. After departing from the pebbles at El Alocs, the path leads to the sands of Cala del Pilar and Alfurí, which are home to a high concentration of endemic flora. The route crosses scenes that are typical of Minorca’s north coast, with views of crystal clear waters making a sharp contrast with the terracotta red of the rocks and the yellow sands. The path’s route leads through woods and past a wide variety of bush species. As the path advances, the unmistakable scent of sea air and saline vegetation indicates the arrival at Pla del Mar. The route then returns inland until it reaches La Vall, a dune system that leads to Cala Algaiarens.

This section is filled with strong and beautiful natural contrasts, as the route crosses the Tramuntana area to so-called dry Minorca. The change between one zone and another begins at Vall d’Algaiarens (valley) which is covered with woods, before it gives way to low level vegetation at the popular bay, Cala de ses Fontanelles. This radical change of scenery allows us to discover a new kind of flora, formed by a diverse number of endemic species. There are many of these species concentrated at the Corniola marine, where there are abundant plants such as rosemary and heather as well as the traditional camamil·la (Minorcan camomile); a plant valued for its medicinal qualities. Following the coastline, the path leads to Cala Morell. There is an an important necropolis dating back to the Talayotic age (1500-300 BC) on the impressive cliff face, formed by caves dug into the rock. This busy cove is also of great geological interest as it is the exact spot where the island’s two geological units meet, Migjorn and Tramuntana.

Nicknamed the windy island, much of Minorca’s landscape is arid. That is the case here, as the strong influence of the fierce north wind has carved the terrain. Gentle slopes characterise the land, apart from at Cala Morell where the deep gorge marks a strong contrast against the smooth terrain. Along the rocky path there is low vegetation but no bushes, these are replaced by by herbaceous plants. Punta Nati has a historical lighthouse that was built during last century in order to reduce the vast number of shipwrecks caused when strong storms affected this part of the coast.There are many typical Minorcan rural buildings along the route,such as ses barraques or es ponts de bens or de bestiar where cattle and other livestock take shelter from fierce weather conditions.

Minorca was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. This section crosses the core zone of this reserve: Albufera des Grau Natural Park (lagoon). The wide variety of ecosystems and landscapes in this area are an indication of its great natural value. Leaving the beach at Es Grau behind, the beach connects directly with the Albufera wetlands, which incorporate many different ecosytems and there is a high level of biodiversity. Among these is Cala de sa Torreta and La Morella, both have dune systems and attached marshes. The Morella lagoon is the largest, and is home to many tamarinds. Continuing along the coast, the path leads to Cap Favàrtix, where a type of vegetation living among the rocks has adapted to the effect of the sea. The prehistoric settlement at Sa Torreta is close to this section, the remains include architectonical elements of great beauty.

The course passes through typical Minorcan agricultural surroundings, formed of ploughed fields, fields for livestock to graze in and areas with Mediterranean bushes. As the path approaches the coast again, it reaches Pou d’en Caldes, a space with a dense concentration of endemic plants. Leaving this cove behind, the path turns inland, where there are spectacular rock formations, such as Es Capell de Ferro, which are covered in foliage. As the path continues, a new ecosystem emerges, the important stretch of water at Port d'Addaia, ground. This occurs at Cala des Tamarells, Cala de sa Torreta and the best example can be found at Arenal de Morella, where the Bassa de Morella is situated, a large body of water next to a salt Addaia with Arenal d’en Castell.

This section, which is essential flat, follows the southern coastline at the western end of Minorcan. It starts at the port and crosses Ciutadella, Minorca’s most westerly town, continuing along paved roads until Cala Blanca, some four kilometres from the beginning of the route. The beach here is a popular one, with fine white sands. It is surroundd by low cliffs that have dune vegetation lining the top. At the end of the beach, there are the remains of a naveta. It was built during the pre-Talayotic period (2000-1500 BC) and is evidence of the first human settlers on the island. Advancing along the path, there are several different ecosystems inhabited by many interesting plant species, the endemic thorny bush, socarrell, is one example. In the spring, walkers may be able to spot the presence of blossoming orchids, in dazzling and attractive colours. Heading inland, where the sea’s influence on the land declines, woodlands begin to gain ground.