Time Passes

We had spent a week based in the old capital of Menorca, the beautiful harbour town of Ciutadella. I was re-learning how to holiday and relax, and so far Menorca was proving to be the perfect place to give it my best shot, as per the Menorcan Catalan phrase 'A poc a poc' or 'slowly, slowly.' For our second week on the island we headed a short distance south and set up camp almost directly opposite the lighthouse at Cap D'Artrutx. 

South coast of Menorca near Cala en Bosc

The Artutx Lighthouse enjoys a special vantage point with stunning views of the Balearic sunset. In the early evening it becomes a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and hundreds of people can descend on the cape for a view of the sunset. The lighthouse even has a bar that opens up to cater for the influx of people, which was a welcome first for us.

Far Cap D'Artutx, Menorca

A short walk from the lighthouse is Cala en Bosc which is a modern resort of hotels, restaurants and bars set around a pleasant harbour and is worth a visit if only for the huge choice of places to eat. It has a nearby beach, Platja de Son Xoriguer which is very popular, but if beaches aren't your thing then keep on walking along the fabulous Menorcan coastal path to the pretty cave, Cova des Pardals. Make sure you find the secret steps down to the hidden fisherman's cove.

As I've previously mentioned the Cami de Cavalls is a coastal path that circumvents the whole island. The ‘Way of Horses’ was once an ancient bridleway guarding the island but is now a well managed 185km coastal path that you can dip into at your leisure.

We picked up the path from the Cap d'Artrutx and headed north to the next town of Cala Blanca which took around ninety minutes. A slight word of warning, the terrain on the Cami de Cavalls can be a little uneven and in parts you do have to concentrate on where you are putting your feet. But we did encounter some brave souls who were attempting to run it, and even some on bikes....but they didn't last too long.

Far Cap D'Artutx, Menorca

There are five main lighthouses to visit on the island of Menorca. On the east coast of the island is the peninsula of the Cap de Favàritx and the lighthouse there is the spectacular focal point of the beautiful Parc Natural de S'Albufera des Grau.

Far de Favàritx, Menorca

From the official car park it is a meandering 2km walk towards the ragged coast and the lighthouse through spectacular natural landscapes that are harsh and beautiful at the same time.

Despite the popularity of the area, you will feel whisked away to your own private place by the intense remoteness and isolation that the lighthouse exudes.

The nearby seaside town of Es Grau offers a gentle seque back to reality. A quaint jumble of white washed streets and a couple of restaurants perched on a sheltered inlet. Perfect for lunch.

Far de Favàritx, Menorca

At the most northern point of the island is the impressive Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse. The lighthouse is immersed in dramatic scenery on this secluded island outcrop. But there is a café, amenities, even a small museum and plenty of caves and cliff top vistas to explore and keep you busy for a couple of hours. 

Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse, Menorca

The nearby town of Fornells is a picturesque and slightly upmarket fishing village, again on it's own sheltered harbour. You'll be spoilt for choice to pick from the vast array of excellent restaurants for a great lunch.

Fornells, Menorca

Having already spent a week in the old capital of Ciutadella we were keen to take a look at the modern  capital of Mahón, or Maó. The quayside has seen a regeneration in recent years and the port area of Baixamar now benefits from restaurants, bars and clubs residing in ex-dock yard buildings. The main town sits on cliffs high above the port and is reached by Monaco-esque steep and windy roads and steps, or you could just take a lift. The main square Plaça del Carme is home to a variety of indoor food markets and the city's main shopping areas all radiate out from here. It's not as pretty as it's older counterpart, but it's definitely worth a day exploring. 

Maó, capital of Menorca

We probably didn't spend as much time as we would have liked in Maó as we had one last lighthouse to bag whilst we were on the south east of the island. Punta Prima is a small resort based around a pleasant beach at almost the most southern tip of Menorca. More importantly it offers views of the Faro de Isla del Aire, the lighthouse on the magically named "The island of the Air". You can get close by boat but we chanced upon a deserted mirador that was the perfect spot to stop, take in the views of the small island and lighthouse whilst the sea ebbed and flowed and crashed against the nearby rocks.

Slowly, slowly.

Faro de Isla del Aire, Menorca