Barranc d'Algendar

Routes | Ferreries

The most important gorge on the island is the one at Algendar. It starts near Ferreries, alongside the main road between Maó and Ciutadella, at the so-called Mount Santa Magdalena or d’Ugell, and it runs out into the sea at Galdana beach. It is seven kilometres long, making it half the island’s average width, which is 13.5 km. The gorge’s steepest walls are as tall as 80 metres at some points, although they are on average 50 metres high. The gorge was dug by the force of water in the stream that runs through it, this stream is unique on Minorca as it carries considerable water throughout the year, even in dry years. The stream drains an extensive area of land from the Pla Verd to the Santa Águeda hill, and also receives water from the underground streams lined to the Migjorn aquifer, which rise up to the surface at the lowest parts of the gorge. Spectacular evidence of this can been seen at the gorge’s outlet, at the eucaliptos fountain, where leaking aquiferous water permanently flood the gorge’s surroundings. This constant source of water in the steam means that river bank vegetation thrives, plant life that is rarely seen in Minorca. Towards the mouth of the outlet, the stream is clearly influenced by the sea. Hydrophilous vegetation such as rushes and ditch reeds, which are better adapted to salt water, dominates. Aqua flora and fauna includes watercress and boga as well as canes, elm trees and laurel trees. We can find pampalonia in shaded areas of the gorge, an endemic specimen present Minorca and Majorca, with spectacular flowers. The Barranc d’Algendar, as is the case with every other gorge, is used as a hunting area by birds of prey like the kestrel, the goshawk, the sparrow hawk, the barn owl and the peregrine falcon. Turtles are present where there is fresh water, as are frogs; the only fish that inhabit the stream are eels and gambusias. There are two caves in the gorge walls, where evidence of human activity found dates back to the Talayotic age; one is Cova Murada, which was been known about for many years, and the other is Cova del Càrritx, discovered recently (1995). The discovery of Cova del Càrritx was of considerable importance for archaeologists; it had been closed off since a rock avalanche in Roman times at the very latest. When discovered, archaeological objects and human remains, bones and hair, were found intact, as well as other evidence of human activity. From Caritas Menorca we would like to extend to all the population the possibility of knowing our project closely, located in a special place like the Algendar ravine, specifically in the farms of Es Canaló and S’Aranjassa. There, in addition to the production nursery and genetic bank of fruit trees of local varieties of Menorca, you can find the source system, canals and cistern of S'Aranjassa, dating from the Andalusian period, which Càritas has recently recovered. We offer, therefore, the possibility of arranging guided tours. For a duration of 90-120 minutes and a price of 3 € / pers (with a minimum of 40 € the visit), they start in front of the houses of Es Canaló and go down to the estate of S'Aranjassa. We would be delighted to welcome you. Visits can be arranged at 971386279 (Gemma). Més informació/Más informaición/Information: http://www.arbresalgendar.com/ca/index.php http://www.caritasmenorca.org/proyecto/casa-rural-saranjassa/