This section has a first part that coincides quite closely with the Camí de Cavalls. At Binimel·là, the Standard and Basic routes turn off towards Ferreries, while the Plus route follows the GR 223 through the area that some know as Mordor.
Camí de Cavalls 360º offers a mountain bike route around Menorca inspired by the Camí de Cavalls and adapted to maximize enjoyment on two wheels. It is an exhilarating route with short but intense uphills and downhills. The rugged terrain of the Menorcan coast gives it great appeal and high difficulty. Hardness and fun are guaranteed.
The route has three options (Standard, Plus, Basic) to suit the participants’ level. It can also be divided into three to six stages, depending on the pace and availability of time. The MTB 6 stages option is a favorite that suits a wider range of cyclists. However, it requires a physical and technical base that allows participants to tackle a much tougher and more demanding route than its total figures of over 190 kilometers and almost 2,500 meters of elevation suggest.
With Camí de Cavalls 360º, participants only have to think about biking and enjoying the landscapes and scenery. The organization team takes care of the rest: advice on the route and its variants, logistical issues, and even transfers to accommodations when necessary.
STAGE #01: MAÓ – ARENAL D’EN CASTELL
STAGE #02: ARENAL D’EN CASTELL – FERRERIES
STAGE #03: FERRERIES – CIUTADELLA
STAGE #04: CIUTADELLA – CALA GALDANA
STAGE #05: CALA GALDANA – CALA EN PORTER
STAGE #06: CALA EN PORTER – MAÓ
Distance: 32,00 km / Elevation gain: 463 m
The second stage of the route begins in Arenal d’en Castell. For about two-thirds of it, until Binimel·là, the route follows the Camí de Cavalls. However, from there, the GR 223 becomes extremely challenging for cyclists. Many refer to the section up to Es Alocs with the graphic name of Mordor, recalling the fictional hell of The Lord of the Rings. The Standard and Basic routes bypass this part and end the stage in Ferreries.
From Arenal d’en Castell to the Fornells road
The first kilometer of the stage goes through a path that, although not very steep, is very rocky and demanding. In a slight ascent, it leads to the Son Parc residential area, which must be crossed to reach the parking lot of Arenal de Son Saura.
The inland landscape opens up, while the path borders the Prat de Son Saura. This wetland is the gateway to the wooded area of Mola de Fornells. The pedaling, mainly on tracks, leads to pass near the paleochristian basilica of Es Cap des Port.
The path ends at the Me-7 road from Maó to Fornells, which must be followed until the roundabout with the Es Mercadal Me-15 road.
From the Fornells road to Binimel·là
The next three or four kilometers are quite manageable and flat, much of them on paved road and wide track. From Cala Tirant, the route returns to the coastline and links small ascents and descents. It goes through several coves of pebbles and coarse, dark sand.
The path eventually reaches the Cf-3 road, by the remains of the Roman settlement of Sanisera. After a stretch on road, the path heads to Platja de Cavalleria. This wonderful beach is the first in a series of very characteristic and wild landscapes, such as the little-frequented Cala Mica and the emblematic Platja de Binimel·là.
From Binimel·là to Ferreries
The Plus route follows the GR 223 along the coastline and successively visits unspoiled coves such as Calesmorts, Cala Pregonda, Cala Barril, or Cala en Calderer until reaching Es Alocs. It is a section of very high difficulty, only suitable for the most experienced cyclists and called Mordor by some.
Meanwhile, the Basic and Standard routes divert in the Binimel·là area to head towards the town of Ferreries. It is a much more manageable eleven-kilometer stretch that combines road and track. Despite this, it features a steep uphill before descending finally towards Ferreries.
