Holiday apartment in Es Mercadal: Monte Toro, coast and historic paths
Accommodation in Es Mercadal
Es Mercadal combines Menorcan history, distinctive coastal landscapes and paths through the island's interior. From Menorca's highest mountain and Playa Cavalleria to historic routes, the range of places and topics to explore around the municipality is extensive.
File:Es Mercadal, Balearic Islands, Spain - panoramio (1).jpg
Photo: Anka D. via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Culture and history
At Cap de Cavalleria, the Centre d'interpretació del Cap de Cavalleria presents exhibitions on the history and archaeology of Menorca's northern coast, as well as its natural and cultural heritage. The centre is located on the grounds of Menorca's oldest lighthouse, built in 1856. For educational purposes, the Centre d'interpretació uses a restored annex of the lighthouse as an educational space covering geology, climate, the marine reserve, fishing and livestock farming.
Monte Toro, the highest mountain in Menorca, is also part of the area's historical heritage. The Santuario Monte Toro sanctuary and the monastery have medieval origins documented as far back as 1291 and were rebuilt in 1670. The medieval Torre de El Toro was converted and extended to become part of Menorca's coastal watchtower network. At the entrance to the natural harbour of Sanitja, there is also the Torre de Sanitja, a defensive tower built by the English during their second rule over the island from 1798 to 1802. The Roman town of Sanisera is an archaeological site in the municipality of Es Mercadal.
Nature and coastal paths
Playa Cavalleria lies between the headlands of Es Vernís and Ferragut and is part of the marine reserve in northern Menorca. From Es Mercadal, it can be reached via the Camí de Tramuntana; from the car park, a footpath of approximately 400 metres and stairs lead to the beach. A hiking trail also leads from Playa Cavalleria to a viewpoint with panoramic views.
The island's interior can also be explored along various paths. The excursion to Cova dels Coloms follows the Barranc de Binigaus from the centre of Es Mercadal towards Platja de Sant Tomàs. Cova dels Coloms can be visited all year round. From Monte Toro, it is possible to see almost the entire area of the island of Menorca.
The Camí d'en Kane
The Camí d'en Kane connects Es Mercadal and Alaior via a historic rural route. During British rule in the 18th century, it was Menorca's most important transport link for crossing the island. The cycling route along the Camí d'en Kane between Es Mercadal and Alaior is just over seven kilometres long in total, takes no more than around two hours for the return journey and is predominantly flat and paved. The route passes through the Menorcan landscape and runs between dry-stone walls on both sides.
Market, crafts and Fornells
Es Mercadal's agro-food and craft night market takes place every Thursday evening from June to September. Products on offer include handmade cheese, homemade bread, wines, local baked goods, as well as basketware, wooden items and rustic ceramics.
Fornells is located in the municipality of Es Mercadal and has a sheltered marina for pleasure boats and fishing vessels. The waterfront promenade in Fornells highlights the opportunity to try Caldereta de Langosta.
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Discover more destinations
You can also visit the destination pages for Port D'addaia, Fornells, Cala Tirant, Son Parc and Na Macaret. Further destination pages in Menorca are available for Sant Lluis, Arenal D'en Castell and Ciutadella.
To the higher-level travel overview: Menorca.