Walking in Mallorca

Arrive in Esporles, a laid back village in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. Esporles was established by the Moors and has maintained much of its original charm and blonde stone buildings.



For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Espores at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which is around 20 minutes' drive . Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to take a drink in the square, soaking up the scenery. For our first four nights we stay in the rustic Hostal Esporles, once a former Inn for travelling merchants. The comfortable rooms with beamed ceilings have maintained their traditional features and come complete with modern necessities including air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.

This morning our walk begins from the hotel, following the Postman's Trail, historically the daily route taking mail from Palma to the north west of the island. We ascend along a cobbled path into the holm oak forest above the town. Passing ancient olive terraces divided by dry stonewalls, peeking through the clearings we are rewarded with fantastic sea views. The path descends on a country lane into the authentic coastal village of Banyalbufar, ending at a beautiful rocky cove.



After a wander around the village we take the public bus back to Esporles. The food of this area has a distinct Castilian-Leonese influence, tonight you could try suckling pig at Mesón La Villa restaurant, said to be one of the best on the island!



Today's 8 kilometre/4.50 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours with 250 metres/820 feet of ascent and 300 meters/984 feet of descent.

After breakfast we travel by taxis or bus to the attractive hilltop town of Valldemossa. From here we take a circular walk along the stone path known as the Archduke's Trail, part of which was laid by Archduke Ludwig Salvador of Austria who owned the local estate in the 19th century. The path passes a number of lime kilns and charcoal stoves giving us an insight into rural life, as well as stunning coastal views.



Arriving back to Valldemossa, depending on timings, you could wander the maze of narrow plant-lined cobbled streets past art galleries and cafes to see the Real Cartuja (Monastery) before heading back to Esporles.



Today's 14 kilometre/8.70 miles walk is expected to take around 5 hours with 600 metres/1968 feet of ascent and descent.

This morning, we drive to Porto Soller and walk along the coastline to Deia village.



The walk follows what once was the old road that connected Deia with Soller. It was a vital trade route between the two and is now a restored stone path for most of the walk with some dirt roads at times rocky.



We walk along breathtaking sceneries and amongst olive groves to then arrive in the village of Deia where we have time for a coffee or a freshly squeezed orange juice. The village of Deia, tucked into a fold in the mountains, is outstandingly picturesque. Honey-toned stone houses are set into steep, terraced hillsides that are unusually verdant, thanks to the abundance of water in this area.



Today's 13 kilometre/8.0 miles walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 450 metres/1476 feet of ascent and 400 metres/1312 feet of descent.

Today's walk begins in the idyllic village of Biniaraix, where we will join the Ruta de Piedra (GR 221) trail taking us through terraced lands surrounded by mountains. The Serra de Tramuntana is the backbone of Mallorca, we walk in the shadow of the highest peak on the island, Puig Major (1,443m/4734 ft) following a network of ancient cobbled pathways. It's a gentle climb to cross Ofre pass (at 900m/2953 ft) before descending to arrive at Embalse de Cuber where the still waters of the lake mirror the rocky crags around and Black vultures, red kites and eagles may be seen soaring above.



Here we meet our bus and drive to Lluc monastery for a short visit and coffee stop. Monestir de Lluc has been a sanctuary and place of pilgrimage since the 13th century and still takes in visitors. We continue by bus via Pollenca to Cala Ratjada on the northeastern point of Mallorca. Cala Ratjada is an old fishing port that still plays an important role in Mallorca's economy. Today the port is an attractive harbour with a coastal promenade winding to sand beaches and coves.



Today's 10 kilometre/6.20 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 900 metres/2953 feet of ascent and 150 metres/492 feet of descent.

Today has been left to relax, enjoy the nearby beaches, or go for a coffee in the lovely Arta village (25 minutes by bus, 3€ one way).



You could head to the vicinity of the Parc Natural de Llevant for an optional walk (35 minutes from the hotel). Covering the majority of the Arta Peninsula the protected area is home to many species that are endemic to the Balearic Islands. The walk begins from Ermita Betlem, a 200-year-old monastery from which you walk along the ridge of the mountain range, passing through olive, almond, fig and carob tree groves. Following the rocky trail, ascend to the summit of Puig Ferrutx peak (523m/1716 ft), affording fabulous views across the north of Mallorca and the Alcudia Bay.



This evening you can savour Mediterranean cuisine back in Cala Ratjada overlooking the sea; the area is well-known for its fresh seafood.



Today's 10 kilometre/6.20 miles optional walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 400 metres/1312 feet of ascent and 550 metres/1804 feet of descent.

Today's walk starts directly from our hotel. Leaving the town our first stop of the day is Cala Agulla, a large golden sand beach surrounded by pine trees. Continuing along a wooded path flanked by mountains we approach the beautiful Cala Mesquida beach for a dip in the turquoise waters.



This afternoon there is the option to enjoy the beach here before getting a taxi back to Cala Ratjada or continue with your Tour Leader on a rocky trail to Cala Torta, taking a different route inland to return on foot to the hotel.



Today's 17 kilometre/10.6 miles walk is expected to take around 5 hours with 500 metres/4640 feet of ascent and descent.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cala Ratjada.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Cala Ratjada at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), around 1 hours drive away.