Not all of Menorca is discovered by the sea.

In the island’s interior there is a quiet road that crosses fields, traditional farms and kilometres of dry-stone walls while connecting some of Menorca’s most authentic rural landscapes.

It is the Camí d’en Kane.

Built during the British period in the 18th century by order of Governor Richard Kane, this old road was for many years one of the island’s main transport routes.

Today, the section between Maó and Es Mercadal offers a route completely different from the usual excursions to beaches and coves.

You can travel it by car or bicycle, stop in inland towns, discover local producers and experience a much slower-paced Menorca.

In this Menorca4You guide, we explain what the Camí d’en Kane is, how to travel it and what is worth visiting along the way.

The most important things you need to know

• The Camí d’en Kane was created during the British rule of Menorca in the 18th century.
• It is named after the British governor Richard Kane.
• Historically, it crossed a large part of the island.
• Today, the easiest and most continuous section to travel is between Maó and Es Mercadal.
• The section open to road traffic is around 25 kilometres long.
• Much of the road is paved.
• It is a great alternative for discovering rural Menorca away from the main road.
• You can travel it by car or bicycle.
• Spring and autumn are two of the best times to go.
• The road is narrow in some places and is shared with other vehicles.

What is the Camí d’en Kane?

The Camí d’en Kane is one of Menorca’s most important historic roads.

Its origins date back to the 18th century, during the island’s first period of British rule.

Richard Kane, governor of Menorca, promoted the construction of a road to improve communications between the east and west of the island.

The original road connected the area of Sant Felip Castle, near the entrance to Maó harbour, with Ciutadella.

For more than a century, it was hugely important for travel around the island.

With the construction of more modern roads, especially today’s main road, the old route gradually lost importance.

However, a significant part of it is still used today.

The section between Maó and Es Mercadal preserves the character of that old road particularly well.

A route to discover inland Menorca

Most visitors travel around Menorca using the Me-1 road.

It is fast and practical for travelling between Maó and Ciutadella.

But the Camí d’en Kane offers exactly the opposite.

Here, the aim is not to arrive quickly.

The road crosses farmland, grazing areas and landscapes bordered by Menorca’s traditional dry-stone walls.

You will find entrances to farms, small rural lanes and long stretches where the landscape has barely changed for decades.

It is a route for driving slowly.

And that is precisely where its charm lies.

Camí d’en Kane route: Maó → Es Mercadal

The route we recommend follows the section of the road that is currently the most accessible.

You can do it in either direction, although we will start from Maó.

1. Maó

Maó is an excellent starting point.

Before joining the Camí d’en Kane, you can spend a few hours exploring its historic centre.

The city offers a very interesting contrast with what you will find afterwards.

Within just a few kilometres, you will go from shopping streets, historic buildings and harbour views to a completely rural landscape.

What to visit

• Maó historic centre
• Mercat des Claustre del Carme
• Viewpoints over the harbour
• Maó harbour
• Museu de Menorca

You can then head towards the beginning of the rural route.

2. The dry-stone landscape

Once you enter the Camí d’en Kane, what is probably the most beautiful part of the route begins.

The road runs between Menorca’s characteristic dry-stone walls.

These walls are an inseparable part of the island’s landscape.

For generations, they have been used to divide fields and farms, with stones placed by hand without the need for cement.

On both sides you will find farmland, grazing areas and Mediterranean vegetation.

Here it is worth slowing down and simply enjoying the road.

3. Alaior

Although the route does not pass directly through the centre of Alaior like an urban road, its proximity makes the town a perfect stop.

Alaior is one of the main inland towns of Menorca.

Built on a hill, it preserves narrow streets and several areas with magnificent views over the countryside.

What to do in Alaior

• Walk around the historic centre.
• Visit the church of Santa Eulàlia.
• Try local products.
• Have a coffee or breakfast.
• Combine the route with a nearby Talayotic archaeological site.

The area is also closely linked to the production of Mahón-Menorca cheese.

4. Discover local produce

One of the best ways to understand the Camí d’en Kane is to connect it with rural life.

In different parts of the route there are farms and producers where you can discover Menorcan agriculture and gastronomy.

Some offer pre-booked experiences related to cheese, cured meats and other traditional products.

We do not recommend turning up at a farm without first checking whether it accepts visitors.

But if you plan the excursion in advance, adding a gastronomic experience can turn a simple drive into one of the most authentic days of your trip.

5. Es Mercadal

The route ends in Es Mercadal, practically in the geographical centre of Menorca.

It is one of our favourite towns to combine with an excursion through the island’s interior.

Its white houses, quiet streets and gastronomy fit perfectly with the spirit of the Camí d’en Kane.

It is also strategically located for continuing on to Fornells, Cavalleria or Monte Toro.

What to do in Es Mercadal

• Walk around the centre.
• Try traditional sweets.
• Buy local products.
• Eat Menorcan cuisine.
• Go up to Monte Toro.
• Continue towards Fornells.

If you do the route in the morning, Es Mercadal is probably the best place to finish with lunch.

Go up to Monte Toro

From Es Mercadal, it is well worth adding one final stop.

Monte Toro is the highest point in Menorca.

From its summit you can see a large part of the island and understand its geography perfectly.

After travelling for kilometres through rural Menorca, seeing it from above is a fantastic way to end the excursion.

The Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Toro is also located at the summit.

On a clear day, the views are spectacular.

Can you drive the route?

Yes.

The section between Maó and Es Mercadal is paved and can be travelled by car.

However, you should not imagine it as a main road.

It is a rural road and in some places may be narrower than you are used to.

Drive slowly, especially when passing other vehicles.

You may also encounter cyclists, farm entrances and agricultural machinery.

The aim of this road should not be to save time.

If you want to travel quickly, use the Me-1.

The Camí d’en Kane is worthwhile precisely because of the journey.

Can you do it by bicycle?

Yes, and it is probably one of the most beautiful ways to travel the route.

The landscape, the relative tranquillity of some sections and the ease of stopping make it a very interesting cycling route.

That does not mean it is a road exclusively for cyclists.

You will share the road with vehicles.

Wear a helmet, use visible equipment and always ride carefully.

If you are not used to cycling long distances, you can also do only part of the route.

Can you walk it?

There are areas where you can walk, but we would not suggest the entire Maó–Es Mercadal section as a conventional hiking route.

Much of the route is a paved road shared with traffic.

If you are looking for a route entirely on foot, Menorca has more suitable alternatives, especially different stages of the Camí de Cavalls.

The Camí d’en Kane makes more sense as a scenic route by car or bicycle.

How much time do you need?

If you simply want to drive from Maó to Es Mercadal, you will not need much time.

But we do not recommend doing it that way.

To really enjoy the route, you can spend half a day or a full day.

A good combination would be:

Maó → Camí d’en Kane → stop in Alaior → rural landscape → Es Mercadal → Monte Toro

And if you still have time:

Es Mercadal → Fornells

This gives you a very complete day combining history, scenery, towns, gastronomy and nature.

Best time to travel the Camí d’en Kane

Spring

Probably one of the most beautiful times of year.

The Menorcan countryside is much greener and the temperatures are perfect for exploring the island.

Summer

You can also do it in summer.

If you are cycling, avoid the middle of the day.

By car, it can be a good alternative for taking a few hours away from the busiest beaches.

September and October

An excellent time.

Temperatures fall, there is less tourist traffic and the landscape begins to regain a much more peaceful atmosphere.

It is one of our favourite times to discover inland Menorca.

Winter

It can be a beautiful route on clear days.

That said, always check the weather forecast.

What to combine with the Camí d’en Kane

One of the advantages of this route is its central location.

From Es Mercadal you can easily continue to several different places.

Monte Toro

The easiest option.

Fornells

Perfect for ending the day by the sea.

Cavalleria Lighthouse

Highly recommended if you want to continue towards the north coast.

Torre d’en Galmés

An excellent option if you want to add some Talayotic heritage.

Alaior

Ideal for a gastronomic stop or a walk.

Tips for travelling the Camí d’en Kane

Do not rush

If you want to reach Es Mercadal quickly, use the main road.

You are here to enjoy the journey.

Respect the farms

Much of the landscape you see belongs to private properties.

Do not cross barriers or enter private roads.

Watch out for cyclists

The road is popular with people cycling around Menorca.

Do not block entrances

Avoid stopping your car in front of farm entrances.

Check visits in advance

If you want to visit a cheese producer or farm, confirm opening times and availability beforehand.

Make the most of autumn

September, October and spring are especially pleasant times for this excursion.

Can you continue to Ciutadella?

An important distinction needs to be made here.

Historically, the Camí d’en Kane crossed the island and connected the east with Ciutadella.

But today you cannot simply continue along the same road from Es Mercadal to Ciutadella.

There are historic sections farther west with different access conditions, including stretches where the route is interrupted or crosses private land.

For this reason, for a straightforward tourist route we recommend treating Maó–Es Mercadal as the main Camí d’en Kane itinerary.

If you then want to continue towards Ferreries or Ciutadella, use the current road network.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Camí d’en Kane?

It is an old road built during the British period in Menorca in the 18th century, on the initiative of Governor Richard Kane, to improve communications across the island.

Where does it start and end today?

For a straightforward tourist visit, the most accessible and continuous section is the one connecting the Maó area with Es Mercadal.

How many kilometres is it?

The section open to road traffic between Maó and Es Mercadal is around 25 kilometres long.

Can you drive it?

Yes. The road is paved between Maó and Es Mercadal and can be travelled by car.

Is it suitable for bicycles?

Yes, although it is a road shared with vehicles rather than a cycle lane.

What is the best time of year?

Spring and autumn are especially pleasant because of the temperatures and scenery.

Is it worth it if I have already travelled the Camí de Cavalls?

Yes.

They are completely different experiences.

The Camí de Cavalls is mainly associated with coastal paths and nature, while the Camí d’en Kane lets you discover British history and the agricultural landscape of inland Menorca.

Conclusion

The Camí d’en Kane does not have turquoise waters, huge cliffs or some of Menorca’s most famous views.

And that is exactly why it is worth it.

This road allows you to discover another side of the island.

A Menorca of fields, dry-stone walls, farms, small towns and roads that invite you to drive slowly.

Travelling the section between Maó and Es Mercadal is an easy way to get away from the most touristy routes for a few hours and discover inland Menorca.

Combine it with Alaior, Es Mercadal, Monte Toro or a gastronomic experience and you will have a perfect excursion for spring or autumn.

Because Menorca is not discovered only by following its coastline.

Sometimes you also have to cross it through the middle.