Es Grau to Faro de Favaritx: The Ultimate Hiking Guide

The coastal walk from Es Grau to Faro de Favaritx (Favaritx Lighthouse) explores some of the most gorgeous beaches in Menorca. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beaches such as Platja es Grau, Cala Tamarells des Sud, Cala Rambles, Platja d’en Tortuga and Cala Presili. To be honest, these are just some of the beaches you’ll experience along the route. The coastline stretching between Es Grau and Faro de Favaritx, located on Albufera des Grau Natural Park, is jam-packed full of secluded and hidden beaches. It’s what makes this coastal walk one of the best in Menorca.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the important information related to this coastal walk. After describing the trail and showing you epic aerial photos, we’ll talk about how to get there and where to stay in Es Grau. Then, we’ll tell you about gear essentials and bonus tips.

Before you read this guide, watch our Menorca hiking video.

Albufera des Grau Coastal Walk: Platja Es Grau to Faro de Favaritx

Near Maó (Mahón), the capital of Menorca, you’ll find Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau (Albufera des Grau National Park). Generally speaking, the national park is simply known as Albufera des Grau. It’s the only Menorca national park that exists. Located on the northeast part of the island, the area was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Since then, this approx. 51 square kilometre national park has been protected and preserved.

This means the natural surroundings at Albufera des Grau remain largely untouched and pristine. For this reason, we recommend doing the coastal walk from Es Grau to Faro de Favaritx. By doing so, you’ll explore around half of the stunning coastline of this national park.

Read our Binimel·là to Cala Pilar, Cala Mitjana to Cala Turqeta and Pont d’en Gil to Punta Nati guides

Camí de Cavalls Stage 2

The coastal walk from Es Grau to Faro de Favaritx is actually a section of the multi-day 184km Camí de Cavalls circular Menorca coastal path. Officially, this section is Stage 2 of the Camí de Cavalls. So, you may see multi-day hikers along the way. But, if you don’t plan on doing this multi-day hike, doing just a day hike is a great way to experience the beautiful trail circling the island. Indeed, Stage 2 between Es Grau and Faro de Favaritx is an excellent section of the Camí de Cavalls.

FYI – another awesome section of Camí de Cavalls is from Cala en Bosch to Cala Turqeta.

Platja Es Grau to Faro de Favaritx: Details and Map

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 19.3km
• Time: 5–6 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 275m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Es Grau Car Park
• Map: Wikiloc

Platja Es Grau to Faro de Favaritx Description

In this trail description, we’ll break down the route into sections to show you the best parts of this epic coastal walk. By doing so, we’re going to talk about Platja Es Grau, Isla de Colom, Cala en Vidrier, Cala Tamarells des Sud, Cala Rambles, Cala en Cavaller, Cala Morella Nou, Platja d’en Tortuga, Bassa de Morella, Cala Presili, Cap de Favaritx and Faro de Favaritx. Indeed, there are many beaches and attractions to explore between Es Grau and Faro de Favaritx.

Platja Es Grau

The coastal walk begins on the outskirts of the small town of Es Grau. After crossing a footbridge, you’ll immediately arrive at Platja Es Grau. Also known as Playa Es Grau, Cala Es Grau and Es Grau Beach, this is a highly visited beach in Menorca. Platja Es Grau is not only a popular beach because it’s easy to access. This beach has extraordinary natural surroundings. Certainly, you’ll feel a sense of tranquillity when you visit Platja Es Grau.

Personally, Beck and I visited for sunrise before the crowds rocked up. We highly recommend experiencing sunrise at Plaja Es Grau. Inevitably, that means starting the coastal walk at the crack of dawn. The other benefit of doing this is that you’ll likely enjoy a quieter coastal walk to Faro de Favaritx.

Isla de Colom (Colom Island)

Opposite Platja Es Grau, you’ll see Isla de Colom. Also known as Isla d’en Colom and Colom Island, this island is only around 200 metres from the northeast Menorcan coastline. You’ll be able to see the island during the early stages of the walk, even after you’ve left Platja Es Grau. The island is majestically perched in the Balearic Sea and is a beautiful landform to enjoy on this coastal walk.

Cala en Vidrier

After leaving Platja Es Grau from its northern end, you’ll follow a dirt trail heading towards Cala en Vidrier. Admittedly, Beck and I didn’t visit Cala en Vidrier on this occasion. To do so, you’ll leave the official Camí de Cavalls trail heading to Faro de Favaritx. Of course, it’s possible to leave the official trail if you’d like to explore Cala en Vidrier. In doing so, you’ll get to experience yet another pristine beach in Albufera des Grau.

FYI – if you head to Cala en Vidrier, you can do this as an out and back. Alternatively, you can follow another trail circling the headland, which re-joins the official trail to Faro de Favaritx further along.

Cala Tamarells des Sud

If you follow in our footsteps and remain on the official path, the next beach you’ll explore is Cala Tamarells des Sud. Just before reaching this beach, you’ll ascend and then descend a series of steep steps. This will certainly get your heart rate up. Arriving at Cala Tamarells des Sud brings with it a welcomed rest to enjoy the views.

Admittedly, Beck and I weren’t very impressed with Cala Tamarells des Sud. That’s because there was a tonne of rubbish scattered along the coastline there. Sure, without the rubbish, Cala Tamarells des Sud would be a pleasant sight. But, on this occasion, our experience at Cala Tamarells des Sud was tarnished by the litter.

Cala Rambles (Cala Sa Torreta)

After passing by Cala Tamarells des Sud, the next major attraction along the coastal path is Cala Rambles. Also known as Cala Sa Torreta, this pebble beach provides splendid coastal views. Cala Rambles is a fairly long stretch of coast, which is lovely to walk on. This is a great place to rest on the way to or from Faro de Favartix.

Cala en Cavaller

After leaving Cala Rambles, you’ll then veer away from the coast. For around 2.1km, you’ll follow a trail that weaves in and out of forest and farmland. Eventually, you’ll steer nearer to the coast towards Cala en Cavaller. There, you’ll find a small pebble beach that’s not overly extraordinary. You’ll very likely continue your walk without spending too much time at Cala en Cavaller.

FYI – in winter, the section of trail after Cala en Cavaller can flood. You’ll see this on our GPS-guided map. We had to backtrack and walk via an unofficial path by the coast to reach Cala Morella Nou.

Cala Morella Nou

Cala Morella Nou is a small sheltered beach. Similar to Cala en Cavaller, it’s not one of the major highlights of this coastal walk from Es Grau. But, it is a peaceful and quiet spot. So, for that reason, you may enjoy the section passing by Cala Morella Nou. Of course, there won’t be too much reason to stop here for long. Just further along, you’ll arrive at Platja d’en Tortuga, which is one of the most spectacular beaches on this coastal walk.

Platja d’en Tortuga

Platja d’en Tortuga is a breathtaking pebble beach. Also known as Cala Tortuga and Capifort, the beach provides sweeping views over the Balearic Sea. You’ll even catch a glimpse of Faro de Favaritx in the distance. The turquoise colour waters at Platja d’en Tortuga are superb. Certainly, you’ll be tempted to go for a dip in the calm and crystal clear waters.

Bassa de Morella

Behind Platja d’en Tortuga, you’ll find Bassa de Morella, which is a freshwater lake. You won’t actually be able to see Bassa de Morella from Platja d’en Tortuga. It’s only once you leave Platja d’en Tortuga and climb a steep series of steps, that you’ll see the lake. Indeed, the views of Platja d’en Tortuga on one side and Bassa de Morella on the other side from the steps are marvellous. You’ll notice a subtle difference in the colour of the water between the two.

Cala Presili

After exiting Platja d’en Tortuga, the next major attraction is Cala Presili. Indeed, Cala Presili is one of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca. From this beach, you’ll enjoy more mindblowing coastal views. You’ll find Cala Presili is quite close to Faro de Favaritx. So, although it’ll be tempting to set up your beach towel and go for a swim, we recommend that you keep going! Besides, Cala Presili will be waiting for you on your triumphant return from the lighthouse.

FYI – somehow, Beck and I missed the trail turnoff for Cala Presili. At the time, it seemed easier to follow another trail that skipped this beach. We’re not going to lie, we’ve got major FOMO for not walking the sands of Cala Presili. But, as they say, there’s always next time!

Cap de Favaritx

After exiting or passing by Cala Presili, you’ll follow a dirt trail heading further north. Eventually, you’ll reach the road leading to Cap de Favaritx. Also known as Cape de Favaritx, Favaritx Cape and Cabo Favaritx, this spectacular headland consists of epic black-coloured volcanic rock. Indeed, the rocks that make up the shoreline at Cap de Favaritx are quite different and unique. There aren’t many other coastal areas in Menorca that look like this. Of course, Cap de Favaritx is home to Faro de Favaritx.

Faro de Favaritx

Faro de Favaritx is the final highlight along the coastal walk from Es Grau. Also known as Far de Favaritx, Faro Favaritx and Favaritx Lighthouse, this lighthouse is an outstanding attraction. Its black and white stripes are similar to other lighthouses in Menorca such as Faro d’Artrutx. Certainly, the lighthouse’s appearance and colours help it to stand out. Wandering around the lighthouse and the headland is a non-negotiable to discover the beauty of the coastline there.

Once you’ve explored Faro de Favaritx, it’s time to retrace your steps to finish the coastal walk. Will you stop for a swim on the way back? Will it be at Cala Presili, Platja d’en Tortuga or Cala Tamarells des Sud? Well, that’s up to you! Personally, Beck and I wanted to visit Binibeca in the afternoon. So, on the way back from the lighthouse, we made sure to speed hike our way back to Es Grau. We enjoyed this workout in beautiful coastal surroundings.

Logistics on How to Get to Es Grau

It’s possible to get to Es Grau using public transport but only during peak season. From September to May, there is usually no bus service running to Es Grau. If you do happen to visit in the summer months, you can catch the Line 23 bus to Es Grau from this bus stop in Maó. The journey time is around 15 minutes and costs €1.70 ($1.70USD) per person one-way. To return to Maó, catch the same line bus from this bus stop in Es Grau. Click here for the latest timetable.

Personally, Beck and I visited in November when there was no bus service running to or from Es Grau. We didn’t fancy an expensive taxi. So, we had no option but to drive ourselves there. Of course, hiring a car is the easiest and quickest way to get around Menorca. It made getting to Es Grau super easy and convenient. We hired an automatic car from Menorca Airport for only around €13/day.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Es Grau Accommodation

Es Grau is a tiny seaside town. So, you won’t find much in the way of accommodation. Admittedly, most people will visit Albufera des Grau as part of a day trip from nearby Maó or from elsewhere on the island. That’s what Beck and I did. We stayed on the other side of the island near Ciutadella in Cala en Blanes. From there, we drove to Albufera des Grau to do the coastal walk there.

Despite Es Grau lacking accommodation options, its remoteness and quietness make it an appealing place to stay. Fantástico Apartamento en Primera Línea de mar en Menorca is possibly your best choice when it comes to accommodation in Es Grau. This modern apartment is a newcomer on the scene but is highly rated. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Whilst, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Platja Es Grau from your balcony.

Gear Essentials

These are our five hiking gear essentials for this coastal walk.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

You should also pack water, snacks, lunch, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, swimmers and a towel.

Bonus Tips Including Services and Facilities

• Services and facilities: once you leave Es Grau, there aren’t any services or facilities on your way to Faro de Favaritx. So, if you’re needing any supplies, make sure to stock up at Es Grau or before you arrive at Es Grau. After all, there’s not much happening in Es Grau outside of the peak season.
• Other great walks in Menorca: read our Menorca hiking guide to find out about the eight best day hikes on the island.
• Other activities to do at Albufera des Grau: it’s possible to mountain bike this coastal trail. Of course, there are tricky sections where you may not be able to peddle. But, we saw a few people doing this route on a bike. Otherwise, we recommend hiring a kayak or doing a boat tour along the Albufera des Grau coastline to experience this part of Menorca in all its glory.

For other nice coastal walks in the Balearic Islands, check out our Mallorca hiking guide, where we talk about the nine best hikes on the island.