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WALK 1

Maó and Es Castell

Start	Plaça d’Espanya, Maó
Finish	Plaça de S’Arraval Vella, Es Castell
Distance	8km (5 miles)
Total Ascent/Descent	100m (330ft)
Time	2hrs 30min
Terrain	Easy walking along coastal roads, promenades and narrow cliff paths.
Refreshment	Plenty of choice in Maó, Es Castell and Cales Fonts.
Public transport	Regular daily buses link Maó and Es Castell, extending to Sol de l’Est in summer.

The built-up southern shore of Port de Maó, between the city of Maó and neighbouring Es Castell, is more interesting than maps might suggest. There are fine, short cliff-top paths, lovely little coves and views of Fortalesa de la Mola, the fortified headland guarding the harbour. This coastal walk can be followed instead of the first part of the long-distance GR223, or Camí de Cavalls, which simply follows a main road directly from Maó to Es Castell.

Maó’s waterfront reflected in the waters of Cala Figuera

There are many ways to leave the Plaça d’Espanya in the centre of Maó, and a street map (such as the one at the front of this guide) will be useful. Walk down the bendy road, Costa de ses Voltes, or take a short-cut down broad flights of stone steps. Reach the shore of Port de Maó beside ticket booths for a variety of short cruises. Cruises include the ‘Glass Bottom Boats’, circuits of the harbour and the Fortalesa de la Mola.

Turn right and follow a generous path between the sea and the coastal road. A multitude of boats are moored alongside, while across the road are plenty of bars and restaurants. Swing right round the Moll de Llevant, pass the Casino Marítim and follow the road round the small inlet of Cala Figuera. The buildings are rather shabby here, and the road ends suddenly at a slipway.

Just before the slipway, climb steps beside an electricity transformer tower. Turn left and climb more steps past houses. A narrow, well-trodden cliff-top path squeezes between bushes of càrritx and euphorbia, and the surface is often worn to bare limestone. Note the island of Illa del Rei, where the British built a substantial hospital. Houses lie ahead, so join a track to approach them, then continue straight along Carrer Gran into Es Castell.

Turn left down Carrer Cala Corb to reach the cliff-bound harbour of Cala Corb. Climb steps on the right to reach the cliff-top and continue along a broad, brick-paved path called Miranda de Cala Corb. Turn right along Carrer de Bellavista, losing views of the sea, then turn left down Carrer Sant Ignasi, passing below the Hotel Hamilton. Follow a fine brick-paved promenade, later turning right to reach the inlet of Cales Fonts (bars, restaurants, boats offering harbour tours).

A narrow cliff-top path can be followed away from Cales Fonts

At the head of the inlet, either follow a wooden walkway below a cliff, and later climb steps up the cliff, or head inland, turn sharp left and pick up a cliff-top path that enjoys fine views of the harbour. Either way, continue along the cliff-top path, which is narrow and unfenced. Steps later drop to a rocky shore popular with fishermen, then climb back to the cliff-top. Pass wooden decking and climb a few more steps, following the cliff path to the head of another inlet at Cala Pedrera.

Climb concrete steps beside the Bar Restaurante Sol Naciente and turn left along a road. Watch for a narrow path on the left, squeezing past broom bushes to continue along the low cliffs at Sol de l’Est. The path passes a housing development and crosses a bouldery wall into fields, but cannot be followed much further. Enjoy the views across to the Fortalesa de la Mola, then retrace your steps until a short concrete track can be followed inland.

Barrack-style buildings above Cala Corb in the village of Es Castell.

Turn left along a road, the Passeig Marítim, which bends right and climbs, becoming the Avinguda del Port. Reach a crossroads where the long distance Camí de Cavalls passes (see GR223 – Stage 1).Turn right to follow a broad pavement beside the road, straight back to Es Castell. Finish at the bus stop on Plaça de S’Arraval Vella. A bus can be caught here back to Maó.