Menorca MAHON 2019 - HF Holidays
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Menorca MAHON 2019
WELCOME TO
Menorca
Menorca is an ideal island for a week of exploration on foot: just 30 miles long
and 12 miles at its widest point. Its sundrenched coastline is the base for many
of our walks. The low-lying terrain makes for relaxing walking with its highest
point, Monte Toro, rising to a height of 1,175 feet in the centre of the island.
Menorca’s long and fascinating history dates back legacy of this period. In the summer months,
to prehistoric times and one of the highlights is to Menorca is a popular holiday destination, but in
visit the extraordinary concentration of prehistoric spring and autumn it is much quieter and has a
monuments, standing stones and burial chambers. sleepy ambience. Most of the local population
There are several hundred such sites on Menorca live in the five main towns: Mahon, the island’s
and we will visit some of the best examples. capital, Alaior, Es Mercadel, Ferreries and
More recently the island was ruled by the Moors, Ciutadella, which are all linked by one main road
whose influence is particularly apparent in running from one end of the island to the other.
Ciutadella, Menorca’s second largest city, which we Away from this central highway are peaceful
visit on our sightseeing day. traditional villages and a few modern tourist
During the 18th century the strategic importance of resorts.
Mahon’s huge natural harbour was recognised by During your holiday we’ll explore much of the
the British Navy and Menorca became part of island on coastal and countryside walks with
Britain’s expanding empire. A succession of beautiful scenery, rich displays of wild flowers,
fortifications around the harbour remain as a historical sites and a relaxed way of life.
2 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION stamps. You can book car hire through reception
should you wish to explore further afield on your
Hotel Port Mahon free day. Internet access and free Wi-Fi are also
Av. Port de Maó available in the reception area.
07701 Mahon The hotel has one main dining room on the lower
Menorca floor which opens out onto the large terrace at
Tel: 0034 971362600 the front of the hotel.
The 4-star Hotel Port Mahon occupies an Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and
excellent position overlooking Mahon Harbour. evening meal. If you have any special dietary
Located in a peaceful residential area above the requirements including vegetarians, it is always
marina, it is a pleasant 15 minute walk from the better if we know before you travel. On arrival in
historic city centre. The hotel is owned by Seth resort please confirm your requirements with
Hotels, a small chain who manage hotels on reception.
Menorca and mainland Spain. Most of the staff Breakfast: Served from 7.30am until 10.30am
speak good English and are very keen to ensure (Mon-Fri) and 8am until 11am (Sat-Sun) this is an
you have an enjoyable stay. extensive self-service buffet with a good choice
Bedrooms: There are 82 bedrooms in the main of hot and cold options.
hotel building. All the room types have en-suite Evening meal: Hotel Port Mahon offers a 3-
facilities together with a hairdryer, telephone, safe course evening meal and it is served buffet style.
deposit box, mini-bar, central heating/air The first course comprises soups or salads, a
conditioning, satellite TV and tea/coffee making variety of hot dishes is offered for the main
facilities. course, and there is a large dessert buffet.
Facilities: The main area for meeting fellow Lunch: Packed lunches cannot be purchased
guests is the Piano Bar on the ground floor, which from the hotel but it is possible to buy ingredients
has lots of comfortable seating. Outside in the from local shops or on some days to eat at one of
garden is a good sized outdoor swimming pool the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the
which is open most of the year, depending on the options.
weather. The main reception desk is manned
throughout the day and sells postcards and
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 3
Guided Walking
ITINERARY
A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks.
Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next
day and answer any questions that you may have. In Menorca you’ll have a
choice of two guided walks on each walking day.
Easier Walks: 4 to 7 miles (6½-11km) Harder Walks: 7 to 10 miles
generally gently graded but (11-16km) sometimes on rocky
sometimes on rocky paths. Up to paths. Up to 800 feet (240m) of
600 feet (180m) of ascent in a day. ascent in a day.
Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most
up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and
your leaders will talk every evening about the next day’s walks.
Day 1: Arrival day Day 2: Coastal defences to Punta
Depending on your arrival time you may have the Prima
opportunity to see a little of Mahon before your Menorca has an impressive collection of
evening meal. On the first evening your leaders Talayotic sites. Both groups have a short visit to
will explain more about our walks and there will be Trepuco and its emblematic taula. Both walks
plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests. then follow the coast which allows good views of
Mahon harbour and its impressive fortifications.
4 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
Easier Walk: After a short bus journey to the Cavalls which we follow passing secluded
delightful inlet of Cala de Sant Esteve, there is an beaches, only accessible on foot, to reach the
opportunity to make a short visit to Fort boathouse at Cala de Sa Toretta. Here we can
Marlborough. Built by the British in the 18th enjoy lunch before retracing our steps to Es Grau
century it is largely hidden from view. Leaving the beach. At this point the route visits S’Alburfera
fort we head south passing two further defensive Lake, an important site for migrating birds; we can
towers. Our route follows the Cami de Cavalls spend time here or relax in the local bars. 5 miles
coastal footpath passing modern day resorts to (8km) with 500 feet (150m) of ascent.
reach the resort of Punta Prima with its sandy Harder Walk: The walk follows the Cami de
beach and lighthouse. 6 miles (9½km) with 500 Cavalls leading to Cap Favartix lighthouse. In just a
feet (150m) of ascent. couple of kilometres the landscape changes
Harder Walk: Leaving Trepuco it’s only a short dramatically from lush countryside to a lunar
journey until we arrive on the outskirts of Es landscape. After a visit to the lighthouse our route
Castell. This has a very military feel to it as the turns south to follow the east coast to Es Grau.
centre is a former parade ground. A short walk We pass secluded beaches and Bassa de Morella
leads to Calas Fonts with its attractive harbour Nature Reserve before reaching Cala de Sa
before we join the Cami de Cavalls en route to Toretta. Our route then joins the easier route to
Cala de St Esteve. From this point we follow the Es Grau and its inviting bars, beach and nature
easier group route to arrive in Punta Prima. 8 miles reserve. 8 miles (13km) with 800 feet (240m) of
(13km) with 700 feet (210m) of ascent. ascent.
Day 3: Along the east coast to Es Grau Day 4: Ciutadella - sightseeing day
Today we’ll travel to the north of Mahon to enjoy Today we’ll visit Ciutadella, the second largest
walks along the east coast. We’ll pass delightful town on the island situated at the western end.
beaches taking in views over the coastal village of Originally settled by the Moors, this was formerly
Es Grau and beyond to the island of Colom. Our the island’s capital until this was switched to
journey takes us to a protected nature reserve Mahon by the British. The historic centre is
which overlooks the S’Albufera Lake before clustered around its narrow harbour and contains
reaching the village of Es Grau. a maze of narrow alleys and Moorish buildings. We
Easier Walk: We start the day by visiting the Cap continue to Monte Toro, the highest peak of the
Favartix lighthouse, before travelling onto Es Grau island, to enjoy the view before visiting Fornells, a
for the start of our circular walk. Our walk takes us picturesque fishing village on the north coast.
north along the beach to meet the Cami de Allow approximately €10 for sightseeing costs.
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 5
Day 5: Free day impressive historic site on Menorca and a visit
lasts about 2½ hours. It is best reached by taxi or
Each week there is a free day when no guided
hire car. Please check with hotel reception for
walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to
opening hours and possible guided tours.
relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit
local places of interest. Some options for your Local information website: For information on
free day may include: Menorca please visit www.spain.info
Mahon: A 10 minute walk from the hotel will take Day 6: Cliffs and coves of the
you to the centre of Mahon. With a population of southwest coast
around 25,000, this is the island’s capital and it has
Our penultimate walks head to southwest
a good selection of shops, cafés and facilities. The
Menorca for some particularly attractive coastal
city’s great harbour has long been recognised for
walks. Both walks visit sandy beaches before
its strategic importance and over the years has
finishing in the resort of Cala Galdana, a popular
been a base for the British and Spanish fleets.
resort with sandy beaches, pine clad headlands
Boat trips around the harbour depart from the
and plenty of bars to relax in after a day’s walking.
main quayside and are a great way to see
its full scale. The city’s main historic sites, Easier Walk: The day begins with a choice –
including the cathedral, can be found on the hill Lithica stone quarry for an hour’s visit or stay on
just above the harbour and display a variety of the coach to Son Xoriguer where the harder walk
different influences from the island’s various starts. Best described as a butterfly walk, the
rulers. easier route visits two coves local to Cala
Galdana. The first, to the east of Cala Galdana is
La Mola Fortress: The immense fortress of La
Cala Mitijana. After returning to Cala Galdana you
Mola was built between 1848 and 1875 to guard
may decide to explore its facilities whilst the group
the entrance to Mahon Harbour. This is the most
6 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
visits the second cove, Cala Macarella to the west. Thomas. After lunch we continue to return to Es
We then return to Cala Galdana for our transport Mighorn Gran. 6 miles (9½km) with 600 feet
to Mahon. 6 miles (9½km) with 400 feet (120m) of (180m) of ascent.
ascent. Harder Walk: Our walk starts in Son Bou, a
Harder Walk: Our journey to Son Xoriguer takes modern resort with the remains of a 5th century
about an hour. We will follow this scenic path on basilica. The walk follows the new routing of the
our walk to Cala Galdana; this coastal path has Cami de Cavalls which heads to the marshland of
sections of limestone paths, woodland, low cliff Sant Jaume. The route turns south to the sea and
tops, beaches and coves. We will pass this natural then west of St Thomas.
coast of remote and deserted caves and several It may be tempting to stay for lunch or a swim
tempting beaches. The walk finishes in Cala before continuing to Binigaus and its barranco.
Galdana with its many facilities. 9 miles (14½km) The rugged path ascends close to Cova des
with 700 feet (210m) of ascent. Coloms, our second “cathedral” of the day before
Day 7: Limestone valley and sandy returning to Es Mighorn Gran. 9 miles (14½km)
with 900 feet (270m) of ascent.
beach
Day 8: Departure day
Today we head to the south for walks which
combine both inland and coastal scenery. A
limestone valley descends from Es Mighorn Gran In the evenings
to the sea and is well known for an enormous
In Europe, our walking holidays continue into
cave, Cova des Coloms (cave of the pigeons), said
the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local
to be large enough to accommodate a cathedral.
beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining
Both groups visit this impressive site.
the next day’s walks. After a relaxing evening
Easier Walk: We follow the track from the village meal, you may like to join your group listening
to Barranco de Binigaus, where the path becomes some live music, watching Flemenco dancing
more rugged and descends to reach the beach at or a stroll along the harbour front before bed.
Binigaus. There is an option to visit the Covo des
Coloms and to visit a small bar for lunch in St
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 7
couple might make on a private outing. Walks
WALKING may be modified or cancelled following the
leaders’ assessment of the day-to-day situation.
INFORMATION Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest
whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking
Your Walking Leaders: HF Holidays’ leaders are a
ability is considered unsuitable, and where it
pivotal feature of our walking holidays. During the
could affect the safety and enjoyment of other
day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and
guests on the proposed walk. It is your
considerate way, showing you places of interest on
responsibility to follow the leader’s guidelines, for
the route. All our leaders have been selected on an
the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If
intensive residential course so you can relax and
you leave the group, then your leader will no
enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe
longer have responsibility for you.
hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on
For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party
the holiday survey; constructive suggestions are
size of two guests in addition to the leader.
very helpful.
First aid: In line with current practice, each leader
We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work carries a group first aid kit but is not able to
closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays supply any ‘medication’, including aspirin,
meet your expectations. If for any reason you are paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic
not satisfied our leaders are the best people to help. cream.
Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we Hydration: In warm weather it is very important
may employ the services of a local interest guide to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water
who will accompany you on a walk to enhance your with you on walks, more during hot weather or on
enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into more demanding walks.
its history and culture. One good way of hydrating is to use a hydration
Tips for local guides have not been included in the pack which allows drinking without constant
price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion stopping. This can then be filled up from water
and we invite you to do this directly with the local sources as required.
guide. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking.
Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps Therefore if you have not already arranged
and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and
The maps available for this area are advise us of the insurance company and policy
1:100,000 scale and therefore do not detail many of number. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and
the walking routes. out-patient treatment normally have to be paid
Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of for at the time and the costs reclaimed
14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can afterwards – details are available at dh.gov.uk/
take full responsibility for themselves. Children travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely
under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an important, as is access to emergency money,
adult. preferably a credit card.
WALKING HOLIDAY TIPS
Language: Spanish
SAFETY Currency: Euro
We are committed to running our Guided Walking Money: There are several ATM machines in
holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation Mahon where you can obtain money.
with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs;
can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible you will need an adaptor for any appliances
precautions and adhere to your leaders’ brought from the UK.
instructions, your holiday will be both safe and
Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you
enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday
prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased
(dependent on arrival time, the leaders will give a
from the hotel or local supermarkets.
short talk about safety on the walks – we would ask
Telephone code: If the international number
everyone to attend.
you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the
Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider
starting digit when dialling the number.
the safety of the group as a whole and will show
To dial a UK number 0044
more caution over potential risks (such as bad or
exceptionally hot weather than an individual or To dial a Spanish number 0034
8 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.ukTRANSFER INFORMATION
If you have booked your holiday ‘with flight’ you will arrive at Mahon Airport. From the UK we offer flights
from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, which may arrive at different times. Please note
that meals are not usually provided on European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack.
Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays’ leader. Your leader may
be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach
company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an ‘HF Holidays’ sign.
Please note that where possible we combine our airport transfers and you may have a short wait at the
airport for the rest of your group who will be arriving on a different flight. You will be notified of this in
your final confirmation letter.
The onward journey to Mahon by coach takes approximately 15 minutes.
For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday ‘without flight’ HF Holidays can
help you to reach the hotel in the following ways:
HF Holidays’ transfer coach from Mahon airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays’ flights
(provisional flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling (0)208 732 1220). Cost per
single journey is £12. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail
to meet the transfer coach underany circumstance.
Our Airport Taxi service is available at this resort - price per taxi £30 per single journey. Transfers and
taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20
8732 1220
Airport parking and accommodation
If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we
recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2603 and quote HX031
or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 9WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, • hat and gloves
it is essential that your footwear, clothing and • spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar
equipment are suitable for the conditions likely or Kendal mint cake
to be encountered. Please note that some of our • torch
Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations You may also wish to consider bringing:
are also in mountainous areas and at high • camera
altitudes (up to 4,000 feet) the temperatures
• personal first aid kit
can be as low as 0°C. You will need:
• walking pole(s) – many guests find these
• comfortable outdoor clothing useful, particularly for descents
• ankle supporting footwear with non-slip
soles FOOTWEAR
• water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot We recommend wearing walking boots on all our
climates) and a thermos flask if you wish walks, as these provide the best ankle support
• sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses and grip. Modern ‘approach shoes’ offer
• small rucksack appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on
The following are also recommended to all some low level walks, but users should be aware
walkers, and are essential for mountainous and that they offer less ankle support.
hilly areas: Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and
• walking boots waterproof capes are not recommended for any
• spare pullover or fleece walks.
linger a little
LONGER
that you don’t have to. See our brochure or website for
more information.
Self-guided Walking
For those who prefer to explore independently, we
recommend our Self-guided Walking holidays. In
selected European destinations you can discover
unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at
your own pace by following our carefully planned walking
routes.
If you enjoyed your holiday in our destination of Leisure Activities
Menorca, Spain, we recommend our other holiday in We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some
Catalonian Spain, Roses. of our European destinations, including Discovery or
Two weeks or more Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga.
Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer Worldwide
holiday – either two weeks of walking at one resort or From Alaska to Vietnam our Worldwide Journeys invite
by combining complementary holidays, such as Limone you to explore world famous destinations, and some
on the shores of Lake Garda and Schenna, in the South lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe.
Tyrol. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so
SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING
From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests.
Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers.
10 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.ukRECOMMEND A FRIEND
JOIN US TODAY
AND SAVE UP TO £50 AND BENEFIT
TOMORROW
Do you know someone who would enjoy our HF Holidays is the only UK holiday
holidays as much as you do? Invite them to provider that’s a co-operative. We’re
book a holiday and you’ll receive up to £50! owned by our members who help shape
If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend, our business for future generations.
who then makes their first ever booking with Join our award-winning and sociably
us, we’ll give you £50 off your next 7 night responsible society that’s passionate
holiday or £30 off your next 3 or 4 night short about helping others to enjoy holidays in
break. Plus as a welcome, we’ll give your beautiful countryside.
friend, or friends, up to £50 off their holiday
For a minimum purchase of 100 £1 shares
too, meaning savings for everyone! you can benefit from:
M
embers’ loyalty scheme – earn points
Claim up to £50 in three easy steps…
on your holidays and use as a discount on
When your friend books a holiday, ask your next holiday
them to mention your name, address M
ember-only events and holidays
and the ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme M
embers come first with advance
at the same time. registration for the holiday you want
1
0% discount at our country house bars
I f they have never been on holiday with 1
5% discount at Cotswold Outdoor
us, we’ll give them a discount of up to
1
5% discount at Rohan
£50 per person.
2
5% discount at Hi-Tec
We’ll send you a voucher for up to £50 A
nnual interest on your shares
off a future HF Holidays’ break for each
friend you have recommended.
ALREADY A MEMBER?
There are many ways for you to further
Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. your support:
Help choose our Board
Attend member events
Encourage others to join us
Increase your shares at any time
T
op up to 1,000 shares to become an
investment member with
PATHWAYS FUND enhanced benefits
Last year guests donated £19,500 to our Give membership as a gift
Pathways Fund and we spent £25,000 on projects.
For more information on the projects the
Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to
donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways
HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with
the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel To join or increase your investment call
Good Breaks – designed to reward families who our Membership team on
could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a 0208 732 1290,
break in the outdoors and the chance to spend email membership@hfholidays.co.uk
quality time together. Help us continue this work or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership
by donating to the Pathways Fund.
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 11Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we’re here to help, so please contact us on: +44 (0)20 8732 1250 Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Email: info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays’ leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays’ emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0)7918 737777 or emergency@hfholidays.co.uk
You can also read
