Menorca Rural Hotel

Menorca

Overview Description Horses & Riding Food & Accommodation Other Activities Travel Testimonials Itineraries

Overview

Menorca was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993 with the S'Albufera d'es Grau national park, a bird-filled wetland at its heart. With this national park, five nature reserves, a marine reserve and 19 ANEI areas (natural areas of special interest), the island can offer many unspoiled green… read more

Highlights

Top class hotel with fabulous cuisine
Well schooled Menorcan horses
Ride the Cami de Cavalls
3 km from a fabulous sandy beach

Essential Facts

2 itineraries available
Max 6 riders per group (12 in camp)
Average of 5 hours riding per day
Weight limit: 95kg / 210lbs / 15 stone

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Description

Menorca was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993 with the S'Albufera d'es Grau national park, a bird-filled wetland at its heart. With this national park, five nature reserves, a marine reserve and 19 ANEI areas (natural areas of special interest), the island can offer many unspoiled green areas to be discovered by visitors on horse back. Here you can ride around the rural tracks such as the Cami de Cavalls (used as a perimeter track by military in the 18th century) and enjoy the magnificent landscape and views offered by this island, as well seeing some beautiful and unspoilt beaches. Menorca is a natural paradise shaped by a multitude of canyons, caves, underwater caves and unique plants and animal species.

The rural architecture of Menorca, so different from that of Mallorca, forms an integral part of the landscape. The whiteness of the farmhouses and hamlets scattered across the countryside is one of the island's most characteristic images. Houses were always built facing south with a minimum of doors and windows on the north side to exclude the cold tramuntana wind. The endless dry stone walls crisscross the land to divide up the farmhouses and fields, their construction clearing the fields of stones and preventing the spare topsoil from being blown away by the strong winds. Wooden gates, often made of twisted olive tree wood, prevent cattle and sheep from straying. When riding here, you will appreciate this unique countryside and see how time has stood still.

Menorcan horses are renowned as one of the finest breeds in the world, mostly entirely black in colour. They were bred for speed and agility to cover the rocky ground of the island, as they were considered vital to the security of the island in the 14th century when riders were stationed along the coastline ready to report an enemy sail. They were also appreciated for their usefulness in farm labour. Today they are truly magnificent animals and are most famous for the spectacle they provide at the various fiestas in Menorca where they lead parades doing their signature trick - standing and walking on their hind legs. They are a noble breed, resilient and energetic, and they are a joy to see. During these trails you will ride horses from the host's own stud farm - the horses will be calm and well schooled.

Each night during these trips you will return to an ancient Menorcan farm which has been restored into a 4 star rural-country hotel. Located roughly in the centre of the island, yet just 3km from sandy beaches, it is in an ideal position for guests who wish to explore the surroundings and enjoy the charming atmosphere. It has a relaxing swimming pool and excellent restaurant in which to taste the local style food.

PLEASE NOTE - all guests will need to pay a "tourist tax" of approx. 3€ (EUR) per day for their visit to Menorca. This tax is used to fund environmental and sustainable projects around the island and to counter the impact of tourism during the high summer season.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English

Horses

Menorcan.

All the horses are Menorcans or "Menorquians" as the locals call them, which are born, bred and trained at the stud. They have to be pure black to take part in fiestas, but they are occasionally other colours such as chestnut. Your trail horses will all be mares or geldings, but if you opt for the dressage lesson then this is likely to be on one of the stallions.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

Eight Day Programme is a based ride
Five Day Programme is a based ride

Ages

12+ years for riding, none for non-riders.

Health

No special vaccinations are required. We recommend a reasonable level of fitness.

Weight

95kg / 210lbs / 15 stone

Food & Accommodation

Food

The traditional cuisine of Menorca is a reflection of its history and island status. Superb dairy products reflect the British introduction of Friesian cattle to Menorca in the 18th century. Mahon Cheese is produced across the island to strict standards and is very popular throughout Spain, characterised by a square shape with an oily yellow rind and a variety of types, depending on their maturity.

Meat dishes are also worthy because of their meticulous and traditional preparation. Pork is put to good use in dishes such as baked rice and Spanish omelette with delicious pork sausage and Menorcan style meat balls. Seafood is an unsurprising favourite with an abundance of prawns, mussels, squid, mullet, sole and sea-bass, however the island is famed for caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew once prepared simply by local fishermen.

They also produce an array of pastry desserts including almond macaroons (carquinyols) and ensaimada (a fluffy spiral pastry made with lard and sugar). Menorcans also have their own ice cream from Alaior - La Menorquina. Its smooth, creamy taste is highly popular and is now sold throughout Spain.

As with much of the Spanish wine produced on the mainland, the wines of Menorca are very good quality. Commercial production of gin in Menorca began in the 18th century, stimulated by demand from British sailors. Xoriguer is the last remaining distillery on the island, whose gin is still sold in traditional earthenware bottles. Unlike British gin (NOT recommended with tonic) and more akin to the Dutch version, it is traditionally drunk neat, with herbes (a locally made liquer) or with lemonade to make a pomada.

You will find that in Menorca the main meal of the day is lunch which is a relaxed affair with no sense of urgency.

Accommodation

Guests stay in a 4 star hotel which combines real amenities and comfort, respecting a long Menorcan architectural tradition and showing the aesthetics of the island's farmhouses.

Located just half a mile from the municipality of Es Migjorn Gran, the hotel provides a magical setting in the centre of what was once a 220 acre farm. The farm produced cereals and also milk - the prime ingredient of the very tasty Mahón cheese manufactured locally by skilled cheesemakers.

The hotel offers 6 double rooms, 9 superior double rooms each with their own terrace and 5 junior suites, also with their own terraces. It is situated some 20-30 minutes from the beach at Binigaus and some 10-15 minutes from the spectacular cova des Coloms, accessible through protected pine groves and scenery of incomparable beauty.

The hotel has a salt water swimming pool, designed in keeping with the environment, and a restaurant which offers you delicious local flavours. Bedrooms all have an ensuite bathroom, TV, telephone, internet and a safety deposit box.

Itineraries

Eight Day Programme Luxury accommodation.

Five Day Programme Luxury accommodation.

Other Activities

There are a variety of historical and cultural places of interest available to visit during your stay in Menorca. You can sample local wines and cheeses and visit local manufacturers making shoes and jewellery. It is also possible to see the island from the air with a flight in a light aircraft. You can hire a boat and spend a day discovering all the hidden beaches only accessible by the sea. From sailing boats to pedalos, windsurf boards and motorboats almost every kind of craft is available for hire.

A day on the golf course is also available. Excellent facilities can be found and there are also a profileration of municipal tennis courts in the towns.

There are several interesting museums in Mahon and visitors are often surprised by the variety of musical activities that take place on the island. Jazz, rock and folk concerts are held throughout the year.

Spas, massages, snorkeling, bike rides, cultural tours and sailing can all be arranged for non-riders whilst riders take part in the programmes.

Travel

Flights are to Mahon. Airport transfers are included but we recommend you hire a car to make the most of this trip.

Testimonials

Lynne A., July 3, 2023

This was a lovely holiday. The horses, home bred Menorquians, certainly knew their jobs. They were as sure footed as mountain goats and very responsive; they were also friendly, affectionate and beautiful! The riding had to be slow most of the time due to the terrain but we did have a few canters and the scenery was breathtaking. And it was lovely to be in a place where the horse is such a major part of the local culture. The food and accommodation were also wonderful. Surprisingly, since I have never much enjoyed riding in an arena, my most powerful memory is of the optional classical dressage lesson on the last afternoon on a Menorquian stallion, which ended with us doing the "bot" when the horse stands on his hind legs. What an amazing sensation!

Laura & Steve S., June 7, 2021

Loved it. A great short-haul destination; beautiful island and top-quality hotel. The riding took up through stunning scenery & the sure-footed horses were a pleasure to ride. Not too many opportunities for fast work, but the technical nature of the riding more than made up! Horses were lovely - friendly, easy to do. Quiet & fairly steady, but perfect for the job. Tanck was of good quality & in good order. Horses were very fit - they had to work very hard at times! No improvement needed! Just must say that the idea of a dressage lesson on the stallions was just genuis! We couldn't stop grinning!

Faye W., June 7, 2021

A great time of year to visit as lots of flowers and birds in song. Lovely condition horses, good tack, a slow ride generally as the terrain simply sis not lend itself to cantering due to the gradient, trees and stones, but great scenery and the horses were very surefooted. Three days riding was just right for me. Gorgeous geldings no "order" to avoid kicking or biting they were all happy in each others' company. There were English saddles, mine was a Wintec. No saddle or girth sores. The stallion (Biscuit) ridden on the last day in the arena was smashing, Wow. Well behaved among five stallions.

Valerie B., May 31, 2018

Excellent! Fabulous, high quality, brilliant organisation. The hotel could not have been better. Everything was spot on. All staff were wonderful. The hotel made sure we were happy at all times. More than happy with the horses. Tack was excellent. (Our guides) went all out to make sure we got the most from our day, could not have been better!! (Favourite memory?) So many, but riding through woods and fields full of flowers. & Doing the bott!!

Jane K., Nov. 2, 2017

A beautiful destination with diverse rides on very well mannered horses. Accommodation was tip top with lovely friendly staff. I don't eat meat so the food was restricted, we had the same menu all week with one fish dish - asked for other dishes which they did for me. Horses and tack all good - horses well looked after which is important. the rides were quite a roller coaster at times and you had to have a good head for heights.

Carol B., Aug. 25, 2017

The holiday was very enjoyable and relaxing - a great introduction to Menorca, which I've not visited before. The hotel was very comfortable and clean. I had a spacious room with a/c overlooking the pool and gardens. The food was of high quality and the breakfasts were superb. (favourite memory?) Riding along the Cami de Cavalls - the stunning scenery and the delightful birdsong. Lunches at the seaside restaurant and the picnic on Wednesday were also memorable.

Tippi W., Dec. 3, 2014

Fabulous - Menorca is beautiful. Stunning scenery and very well-behaved horses. The accommodation was good and the staff were excellent, nothing was too much trouble.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival and welcome: You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel to check in. Dinner will be at the hotel's restaurant.

Day 2

Riding: 4 hours

To begin the programme, you will visit the stud of San Adeodate, where you will be told more about the fabulous Menorcan horses. After learning more about them, you will be assigned to your horse and enjoy a short ride around the farm and visit the historic village of Sant Agusti.

Lunch will be taken a typical beach restaurant where you will enjoy some time to sit around a table trying the Menorcan produce. In the afternoon you will ride inland along one of the trails of the Cami de Cavalls. On the way, you will cross the Barranc de Son Fideu, a famous ravine which holds one of the highest and most impressive caves on Menorca: Sa Cova d'es Coloms, also known as "the Cathedral". You can ride into this cave! The end point of the day will be back at the stables of the hotel.

Day 3

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Today's ride is long but magnificent. After breakfast, you walk down to the stables to meet your horse again. Your ride will pass through the major ravines of the island: Algendar, Trebaluger and Albranca. Following the Cami de Cavalls, you will find that on many stretches of the path you will need to leave the coast to venture inland through woods and fields to avoid some of the steep slopes caused by the cascading water. During the morning, you will venture off the Cami de Cavalls briefly in order to visit some of the beautiful, wild and difficult to reach beaches of the area: Escorxada, Fustam and Cala Mitjana. After a visit to the beach of Cala Mitjana your lunch is delivered to you by van, along with tables and chairs. A 3 course lunch is served under the trees alongside the horses. After lunch you ride back to the stables.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast, you and the horses are transported to the north coast to begin your day of riding. Today's path runs entirely within the boundary of the Natural Reserve of S’Albufera (marsh) d’Es Grau (the centre of the Biosphere Reserve) and it covers some of the most impressive cliffs on the island. During the route, you will find several wetlands (Tamarells Cove, Sa Torreta creek, Arenal de Morella) and also some of the Watch Towers which, in the past, safeguarded Menorca from attacks and sieges.

This stretch will lead you to one of the seven Lighthouses which surround Menorca’s coastline: Favàritx Lighthouse. Here is where you will enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch whilst the horses relax nearby.

After lunch the route will alternate between cultivated farming land and more wild and remote landscapes. At the end of the trail, the path will present a new ecosystem: the Port of Addaia wetlands, combining salt marshes and aquatic vegetation. Both in autumn and spring, this is a good place for bird watching.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

REST DAY: An optional excursion (not included in the price) will be organized to enable you to discover more about Menorca. Lunch will be to your own account (not included in the price) and dinner will be back at the hotel.

Day 6

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast this morning you will be transported to the start of your ride, which is through one of the most unspoilt, hidden and beautiful stretches along the north coastline. The starting point is the beach of Binimel.là. The path through the dunes will take you to Cala Pregonda, where you will discover a unique landscape - a beautiful cove with a golden sand beach and offshore rock formations. Following the coast, you will ride parallel to the Menorca's Northern Marine Reserve, created in 1999, which safeguards an area of around 5.2 marine hectares of reef along the northern coast. You will ride along several steep, rocky cliffs in order to reach Ets Alocs, where you will have a well-deserved break to eat a picnic lunch and whilst the horses rest under the trees.

Moving on, you will pass Cala Pilar, with to its red dyed slopes and following the path you will come to Arenal d’Alfurí: another spot with a high concentration of important endemic plants and floral species. Next, you will traverse Es Pla de Mar with its fantastic pebble cove before turning inland through the flatter agricultural area of La Vall where some faster riding should be possible.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Today will be your final journey; you will ride through the Cami de Cavalls, heading toward the east side of the island. Today's ride will begin in a gentler landscape but soon progresses to the rugged, ravine studded terrain that this region of Menorca is best known for. Passing through Talis farm, you will arrive at the longest beach on the island - Son Bou and its associated wetlands. This is an ideal spot for bird watching as it is one of the most biodiverse habitats on Menorca. At certain times of the year, it's possible to ride on the beach itself but during the summer months of May to October (inclusive) it's forbidden by Menorcan law. You then take the path back, via Sant Tomas, to where you started your ride: the stud of San Adeodato. Lunch is taken at a beach restaurant overlooking the sea.

In the afternoon you have the option of taking a 1-hour dressage lesson on a Menorcan stallion which will include learning to perform the famous Menorcan dressage move "The Bot". The Menorcan horse is one of the only breeds in the world that is able to perform this upright movement where the horse stands (and sometimes even walks) on its hind legs!

* Please note that this lesson is not compulsory and you can certainly opt-out if you wish, however, many riders consider this the highlight of their trip. No alternative riding will be offered if you choose not to take part.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport.

The route can be changed due to security reasons, bad weather or for reasons beyond our control such as natural disasters, local events, local strikes etc. The staff will provide all the means and resources to provide the best solution, even modifying the route if necessary or offering alternatives.

According to the Menorca law, during the summer, (from May to October, both inclusive) horse riding on some beaches is forbidden.

Accommodation	All nights spent at the hotel, which offers 6 double rooms, 9 superior double rooms each with their own terrace and 5 junior suites, also with their own terraces.
Experience	Intermediate / Experienced Intermediate+. Riders must be capable of riding at all paces with a medium level of riding experience. Good physical fitness is advised (riders must be 12 years old or more).
Minimum group size	4
Maximum group size	6 Accommodation for up to 12.
Departure windows	April 5, 2025 - April 12, 2025 Oct. 4, 2025 - Oct. 11, 2025

Pricing

£ $ €

2025 Rider, sharing	£1875 $2370 €2250
2025 Non-Rider, sharing	£1030 $1305 €1235
Included	7 nights accommodation, full board meals including table wine and water (except lunch on rest day), 5 days riding, transfers from and to Mahon airport and transfer from and to the starting/ending points of riding trails as necessary.
Not included	Flights, personal travel insurance, lunch during rest day, other drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

£ $ €

2025 - Accommodation Upgrade	£58 $74 €70 per night Paid to Far and Ride Room upgrade to a junior suite at the hotel (per room per night)
2025 - Single Supplement	£42 $53 €50 per night Paid to Far and Ride

Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel upon arrival to check in. Dinner will be at the hotel's restaurant.

Day 2

Riding: 4 hours

To begin the programme, you will visit the stud of San Adeodate, where you will be told more about the fabulous Menorcan horses. After learning more about them, you will be assigned to your horse and enjoy a short ride around the farm and visit the historic village of Sant Agusti.

Lunch will be taken a typical beach restaurant where you will enjoy some time to sit around a table trying the Menorcan produce. In the afternoon you will tour inland along one of the trails of the Cami de Cavalls. On the way, you will cross the Barranc de Son Fideu, a famous ravine where you will ride into one of the highest and most impressive caves on Menorca: Sa Cova d'es Coloms, also known as the Cathedral. The end point of the day will be back at the stables.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Today's ride is long but magnificent. After breakfast, you walk down to the stables to rejoin your horse. Your ride will pass through the major ravines of the island: Algendar, Trebaluger and Albranca. Following the Cami de Cavalls, you will find that on many stretches of the path you will need to leave the coast to venture inland through woods and fields to avoid some of the steep slopes caused by the cascading water. During the morning, you will venture off the Cami de Cavalls in order to visit some of the beautiful and wild beaches of the area: Escorxada, Fustam and Cala Mitjana. After a visit to the beach of Cala Mitjana a 3 course lunch is brought by a van along with tables and chairs, and served sitting under the trees alongside the horses. In the afternoon you ride back to the stables.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Today will be your final journey; you will ride through the Cami de Cavalls, heading toward the east side of the island. Today's ride will begin in a gentler landscape but soon progresses to the rugged, ravine studded terrain that this region of Menorca is best known for. Passing through Talis farm, you arrive at the longest beach on the island - Son Bou and its associated wetlands. This is an ideal spot for bird spotting as it is one of the most biodiverse habitats on Menorca. At certain times of the year, it's possible to ride on the beach itself but during the summer months of May to October (inclusively) it's forbidden by Menorcan law. Take the path back via Sant Tomas to where you started your ride: the stud of San Adeodato. Lunch is taken at the beach restaurant overlooking the sea.

In the afternoon you will have the option of taking a 1 hour classical dressage lesson on one of the Menorcan stallions which will include learning to perform the famous Menorcan dressage move "The Bot". The Menorcan horse is one of the only breeds in the world that is able to perform this upright movement where the horse stands (and sometimes even walks) on its hind legs!

* Please note that this lesson is not compulsory and you can certainly opt out, however, most riders consider this a highlight of the trip. No alternative riding will be offered if you choose not to take part.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

After your last delicious breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport.

Accommodation	All nights spent at the hotel, which offers 6 double rooms, 9 superior double rooms each with their own terrace and 5 junior suites, also with their own terraces.
Experience	Intermediate / Experienced Intermediate upwards. Riders must be capable of riding at all paces in the outdoors with good general riding experience. Good physical fitness is also advised.
Minimum group size	4
Maximum group size	6 Accommodation for up to 12.
Departure windows	April 14, 2025 - April 18, 2025 April 21, 2025 - April 25, 2025 May 5, 2025 - May 9, 2025 May 12, 2025 - May 16, 2025 May 19, 2025 - May 23, 2025 Sept. 22, 2025 - Sept. 26, 2025 Sept. 29, 2025 - Oct. 3, 2025 Oct. 13, 2025 - Oct. 17, 2025

Pricing

£ $ €

2025 Rider, sharing	£1075 $1360 €1290
2025 Non-Rider, sharing	£585 $745 €705
Included	4 nights accommodation, full board meals including table wine and water (except lunch on rest day), 3 days riding, transfers from and to Mahon airport and transfer from and to the starting/ending points of riding trails as necessary.
Not included	Flights, personal travel insurance, lunch during rest day, other drinks, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

£ $ €

2025 - Accommodation Upgrade	£58 $74 €70 per night Paid to Far and Ride Room upgrade to a junior suite at the hotel, per room per night.
2025 - Single Supplement	£42 $53 €50 per night Paid to Far and Ride

Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

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Menorca Rural Hotel