Many holidaymakers choose to rent villas in Menorca rather than pay for an expensive hotel room. It’s a decision that few ever regret because it gives you the freedom to do what you like when you want to – in addition to being a lot cheaper if you come with the family or a group of friends.
If you like cycling, then there is another fantastic reason for renting a villa – how many hotels do you know of that have somewhere to store a bike or for you to make repairs, change a tyre and so on?
Bring Your Own or Rent
If you’re a keen cyclist, then Menorca is for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced cross-country rider or just enjoy cycling around the neighbourhood to the shops. In Menorca, there’s terrain to suit everybody.
If you bring your own bike, remember to also bring a helmet because it’s compulsory in Spain and the police are sticklers. Also bring a lock because not all villas in Menorca will let you keep the bike inside and waking up in the morning to no bike… Need I say more?
But if you didn’t bring your own bike, or just want to explore the countryside for a day or two, then you can hire one at most of the beach resorts for as little as 10 euros a day. If you hire for a week, you could get a good deal – it all depends how much you want to cycle around the area.
We’ve put together some routes for the more accomplished cyclist and the beginner or casual rider. Enjoy!
The Long Distance or Experienced Cyclist
Menorca has a number of long and more challenging rides that will give the experienced cyclist everything they’re looking for – climbs, straight and curved sections, varied terrain – everything!
The Cami de Cavalls is a 115-mile unpaved track that takes you around the island’s perimeter. See some of the most spectacular sea views and, as an added bonus, you can enjoy remote beaches that are hardly ever visited by tourists.
But if you’re a competitive spirit, then May is the time to look for villas in Menorca as your base for the Tour of the Lighthouses Race. This 130-mile race takes competitors to lighthouses around the island and ends with a gruelling 360 foot climb up Monte Toro. Of course, you can also take the route any time of year.
The Weekend Pedaller
If you like your cycling to be at a more relaxed pace, then Menorca has plenty of picturesque country lanes where you’ll meet few cars, if any. Spring and autumn are perhaps the best time of year as the weather is great for cycling and the island has yet to be inundated with tourists. The terrain, for the most part, makes for a pleasant and easy ride, taking you through Menorca’s beautiful countryside and small villages where you can stop to explore the local church, and have a drink or a bite to eat.
If you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, there is a new route that take you through the island’s interior passing through towns such as Alaior, Es Mercadal, and Ferreries.
If you’re a ‘townie’ but still fancy a ride – don’t worry because Maó (Mahon) and Ciutadella both have a pretty good system of cycling lanes that let you explore their narrow streets and lanes.
So, enjoy your cycling – and be sure to wear a helmet and take plenty of water with you!
Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine – no secret of the island remains hidden to her. Personally selecting the finest properties for her clients, Brenda is the go-to person for anyone looking for villas in Menorca for a relaxing holiday. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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