Photography by Jim Powell except where noted.
When we first went to the Mediterranean island of Menorca in the early ’70s, no one had heard of it.
Yes, there are beaches on Menorca, sandy in the south and rocky in the north, but it’s also a fantastic place to walk.
Photograph by Julian Arkell.
The best kind of walk culminates in a swim, and this hike ends at Bini Dali, a small cove on the south of the island with a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and rocks to jump from.
Photograph by Sarah Webster.
This walk could really end anywhere, as the island is criss-crossed with paths which were originally bridleways, hence the name Cami de Cavalls on the sign above.
The route we are taking begins in a small lane near the airport and is known as Camin Vell de Bini Dali.
Photograph by Sarah Webster.
It is likely that you will find yourself encountering this kind of terrain.
Photograph by Sarah Webster.
“These revived trails have been embraced by a new generation of young Spaniards,” says Webster.
Striking off the main highways and byways, the agricultural fabric of Menorca reveals itself. The fields are mainly red-brown soil punctuated with desiccated plants, having adapted in their own way to the desert-like conditions.
There are farmhouses and gardens along this walk but no paved road in sight.
Photograph by Kendra Wilson.
Much of the vegetation in Menorca looks familiar, but different.
Other edibles look positively inviting, like these figs readying themselves for ripeness toward the end of August.
When you pass this unmissable tree you know you almost deserve a swim. Fauna to look out for on any hike in Menorca are hoopoe birds (Upupa epops), quail, vultures, a multitude of beetles and the island’s mascot, the gecko lizard.