One of her favourite routes she calls the Turtle Trail. It winds through the hills to “Sa Bassa Verda,” a hidden oasis in the midde of a forest, before descending toward the pristine Algaiarens Bay. There, behind the dunes, hikers might spot European terrapins and Greek land tortoises.

The Nature Park Trail starts at s’Albufera lake and has fantastic views along the rugged coastline. You will discover the ‘Torre de Rambla, walk through pine forests, the Bassa de Morella ecosystem and protected dunes. The beautiful Cala Tortuga will invite you for a swim. The trail ends at the lighthouse Favàritx.

In the warmer months, her sunrise and sunset hikes are especially popular — offering cool air, magical light, and serene moments far from the midday heat. “We start before dawn with torches,” Vanessa shares. “Then hike along the Serra Rossa, with the sea on one side and glowing cliffs on the other. At the summit, we sip tea or coffee as the sun rises over the horizon.” THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BOOTS

At 53, Vanessa exudes youthful energy, bolstered by her active lifestyle and regular gym workouts in San Lluis. But she also believes in balance — when we meet at Es Llonguet café, she happily tucks into a slice of carrot cake with her coffee. “Perks of burning calories for a living,” she laughs.

Two years ago, Vanessa set foot on Menorca for the first time — just a brief stopover on a cruise. But for her, it was love at first sight. So much so that she and her partner returned not long after in search of a new home. When they discovered a perfect house in Binisafua, they made a bold decision: to leave Germany behind and start afresh. Vanessa’s husband, who works in insurance, transitioned seamlessly to remote work. Vanessa, however, faced a crossroads. After seven years at Boston Consulting, the company wouldn’t allow her to work from Menorca. So, she chose freedom over familiarity and began looking for a new adventure. Her passion for hiking — nurtured in the Bavarian countryside and honed on the alpine trails of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — would soon lead her to it. Enter Trails of Menorca. The island’s guided hiking company offered everything Vanessa dreamed of: nature, purpose, and community. She connected with its founder, Milan Grijmans, and when Milan had to return to the Netherlands for family reasons, Vanessa stepped in to carry the torch. A certified hiking and nature guide through the Natursport Akademie (NAka), and trained in first aid, Vanessa is turning her passion into her life’s work. And she’s thriving. Fluent in English and a natural communicator — thanks in part to her years working in hotels across the UK, Switzerland, and France — she brings warmth, professionalism, and international flair to her tours. “I kept the spirit of the company,” she says, “but added a few modern touches — like building up our presence on social media.” One fan favourite? A friendly Border Collie (belonging to a friend) who often tags along on hikes, delighting guests and helping dog-wary walkers find calm. Vanessa’s connection to animals runs deep. She spent two decades riding horses and has continued Trails of Menorca’s collaboration with the Trebaluger Equine Rescue Centre — a cause close to her heart. EXPLORE MENORCA ON FOOT Trails of Menorca offers 12 unforgettable routes — from gentle walks to more ambitious treks — each tailored to different fitness levels. Private tours are available, and Vanessa frequently welcomes cruise ship guests eager to experience the island’s beauty on foot.

“Hiking,” Vanessa says, “is walking in nature with varying levels of physical challenge — but it always nurtures the mind and body.” And on this quiet Balearic island, she’s found her own trail to happiness — and is inviting others to follow. Despite the heat she has been very busy all summer!

www.trailsofmenorca.com Tel +34 691 14 64 53

The final article in our 2025 series on the local fiestas ends with this month’s calendar of events in September. The largest event this month belongs to the capital, Mahón, whose patronal festival, Festes de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia, delights with colour, ceremony, and community spirit as well as concerts and fireworks. Each weekend throughout the month, towns and villages at the eastern end of the island host their own finales, giving visitors one last chance to experience Menorca’s most authentic traditions before autumn arrives. It’s an exciting time for locals who have waited all summer for their turn to gather together and celebrate with family, friends and their own town traditions.

Photo: Diari Menorca

Please note that all timings are approximate as often the event times and duration vary and are subject to changes. This is the nature of these traditional events. Use this guide as an orientation, and check each town’s council website for final programmes and updates. As a general rule, most activity avoids the hottest part of the day after lunch and starts up again in the late afternoon/evening.

The capital’s fiesta is the season’s crown jewel. The town transforms with giants, bands, horses, parades, and prayer, filling every street with life. The programme runs from 7–9 September, with some preliminary acts in the days before. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS: September 6th to 9th September 6 – Proclamation Day (Proclamation and Opening Night) Official opening speech (pregó) Evening celebration with music and dancing (verbena)