In the previous section of the Cami de Cavalls, the trail took us from the Punta Nati lighthouse to the centre of Ciudadela, now the route we are taking today takes us from the Episcopal religious capital to yet another lighthouse, Artrutx. A path that starts out as long but flat as it passes through urban areas with paths, until later when we go along the coast in a natural environment.
The starting point is in the northern area of Ciudadela. The road borders the famous enclave of Es Pla, where the renowned horse races are celebrated during the Sant Joan fiestas. We will walk along the old city wall, crossing the Plaza del Borne and the Plaza de los Pinos, along Mallorca Street until we arrive at the Playa Grande. From there we walk along the coast passing the new docks of Son Blanc (the berth and departure of passenger ships) until arriving at Sa Caleta and Cala Santandria. In this cove we can stop and take advantage of some refreshments as during the summer months it has all the necessary services and even a restaurant.
The trail continues along the coast passing the urbanization of Son Carrio and Cala Blanca, where we can find yet another rest area with bars open if we are lucky and fantastic views. Behind the beach we can take the opportunity to visit the remains of a naveta (a prehistoric building) from the pre-talayotic period, approximately between 2000 and 1500BC. Menorca has been inhabited for many years!!
Once we leave the bay of Cala Blanca behind us, we enter into the second part of the trail with a great variety of landscapes. First we cross the area called S’Agua Dolca (Sweet water) where we can see the vegetal formation of the “limoniumspp” grasses that co exist with the dune vegetation. Further on when we pass the Cap Negre area, we can see the low growing wild vegetation of winter heather, rosemary and Sabina. Those of you who walk in the spring time will be delighted to see the beautiful orchids that are present in this area.
Arriving at the lighthouse of Artrutx will can observe how the forest vegetation becomes dense with the white pine. You will also see a type of vegetation called socarrells exclusive to Menorca adapting well to the climate and the winds. The Artrutx lighthouse along with that of Cap de Pera, north of Mallorca, marks the closest strait between the two islands. The lighthouse Artrutx built in 1858, used to work with olive oil until they started using petrol. If you can go there in the evening and sit near the lighthouse or in the restaurant if it is open, you can see the most spectacular sunsets worth waiting for, with the mountains of Mallorca in the distance.
Distance: 13.2 km
Estimated time with stops at points of interest: 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
