Trekking in Mallorca

A trekking tour is both an adventure and a challenge. In Mallorca, the mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana is ideal for both one- or multi-day trekking excursions.

No all-inclusive buffets, no entertainment programme at the pool and no beach nearby - trekking in Mallorca could not be more different from the typical package holiday. The majority of tourists come to enjoy the beaches and night life of Mallorca. However if you want a change from the daily routine of the beach or pool, you can take car trips to well-known sights such as Lluc Monastery or Cap Formentor - places which are just off the beaten track yet open a gateway to adventure in the spectacular outdoor paradise of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

The mountain range in the northwest of the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. The aim of the World Heritage Commission is to protect and preserve centuries-old cultural heritage and unique natural landscapes. The mountain rises to a height of 1,445 m. Deep canyons, steep rock faces and rocky mountain peaks with sparse vegetation are what these mountains are best known for. The region is perfect for trekking tours: stony paths, rough terrain and fantastic views of the Mediterranean. While in the distance white spray dances on the water and waves crash against rocks, the song of the cicadas is the only thing you will hear in the Tramuntana mountains.

Trekking Mallorca on the Dry Stone Route

The Dry Stone Route in the Serra de Tramuntana is 150 km long. Starting at Andratx through Deià and Port de Sóller on your way to Pollença, the long-distance path meanders through Mallorca's coastal mountains. The first part runs by the coast and offers a panoramic view of the sea in many places. Later, the GR 221 long-distance trail leaves the coastal area and winds up to the highest peaks of the Tramuntana.

The trekking tour takes about six days from southwest Mallorca to the northeast coast. At the end of each day's journey, you stay in a stone hut with bunk beds. The trekkers meet at long wooden tables where traditional Mallorcan dishes are served. Vegetable or fish stew and stuffed aubergines are typical local fare with refreshing slices of melon for dessert.

A trekking tour on the dry-stone route will leave a lasting impression on you. On one side you have the sea with its white foam crowns, on the other side dry stone walls as far as the eye can see. In the "Valley of Gold", the barren mountain landscape gives way to a green plateau. More than 100,000 orange trees with colourful and shiny fruits are scattered around the town of Sóller. The sweet citrus fruit was once exported to Marseille in southern France. The steep trails go back up into the mountains, past gnarled olive trees and the occasional sheep or goat until after six days, you wind up at the kitesurfing paradise, Port de Pollença.

Trekking in the Serra de Llevant

In the northeast of Mallorca you will encounter the 600 m high Serra de Llevant mountain range. The mountains are not as spectacular as in the Tramuntana mountains, but the pristine natural surroundings in the Peninsula de Llevant nature park make up for this lack of elevation. For trekking tours in this natural paradise, there are more than ten marked routes to choose from, reaching altitudes of up to 560 metres.

The landscape has a wealth of miniature palm trees, Mediterranean maquis, olive trees and occasional almond trees. With a bit of luck you might even see a Egyptian vulture or a booted eagle circling in the sky. The beautiful trekking tours start on the main road (MA-3333), which connects the town of Artà with the Hermitage of Betlem.