| Walk Destinations
in Mallorca |
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1.
Atalaya / Fontanelles 12 Km (Grade B)  The “Atalaya de Alcudia” walk has long been one
of the north’s most recognised walking excursions and
this new route underlines how attractive the dominant hill
on the cape of pines really is.
Our route starts in the coastal area of S’Illot with
it’s much painted inlet.
We travel up through the trees to find the Cami des Fontanelles,
which we follow until we get to the rugged wide ridge running
up to the Atalaya. This is a superb way to access the top,
with clear unobstructed scenery everywhere you look.
Our circuit continues by dropping down to the old hermitage,
recently converted into an interesting hotel. From here we
make for a pine tree clad valley to lead us to our eventual
goal Bon Aire.
2.
Banyalbufar - Esporles. 13 Km (Grade C+)
 This excursion is known
locally as the "Cami De Correu" which was basically
the Postman's route. Two very contrasting Mallorcan villages
make this route extra special. Banyalbufar is nestled high
on top of the cliffs on the lower west coast and is instantly
recognisable by the terraced cultivation all around. Our linear
pathway climbs up and out of the area passing vineyards and
smallholdings, to reach the equally attractive, inland market
town of Esporles.
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3.
Cala San Vicente / Pre- Historic Caves. 8Km (Grade C+) |
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The idyllic resort
of Cala San Vicente is not so difficult to reach from Puerto
Pollensa. The mountains on the west fall away at the Coll De
Siller to entice us over. The area has long been a favourite
with artists wanting to paint and you'll soon see why, as the
steep surrounding cliffs become more pronounced and the colour
of the sea like something you've mixed on your palette.
We also take time to visit the Talayotic caves Circa 2000 BC |
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4.
Cala Torta. 10Km (Grade C+) |
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This eastern part of the
island has recently been declared a protected area and it's
easy to see why. The landscape is very open and the vegetation
uniquely different from that of the west. We discover virgin
beaches at Estreta and the namesake of the walk, Torta. The
scents of wild thyme and yellow gorse are particularly apparent
in the early part of the year and the colours in the sea are
unforgettable! We travel along lanes, coastal paths and horse
trails to finish in Cala Rajada. We visit the historic castle
of Arta on the bus journey home.
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5.Cami
S'Arxiduc. 16Km (Grade B+) |
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One of the islands
most well remembered visitors would have to be the Archduke
Luis Salvador, who after touring most of the Med. on his boat
"The Nixe", finally set eyes on Mallorca in 1867 and
felt compelled to stay. He integrated very well and brought
new ideas to the locals, in the area of Valldemossa and the
west coast. Over the years he had purchased so much property,
you'd have thought it, a mini kingdom. He was desperate to view
all of this from above - and a local man told him he could from
the top of Teix Mountain. The Archduke paid a workforce to build
a fairytale path of considerable engineering to help him access
the great mountain on a mule, so the story goes. The work took
25 yrs, but the results were incredible and the legacy remains
in tact for us to enjoy probably one of the best hill walks
in the Mediterranean. |
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6.
Camino de los Cazadores. 13 Km (Grade B) |
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Curiosity and the need to
have a look, lead me to the area where this walk takes place,
after being aware of it's existence for quite some time. I
remember pulling away from the "Coll de Sabatia"
start and quickly arriving at a bluff with panoramic views
everywhere you looked. A raggy overgrown route lead you to
the edge of a ravine and a faint cobbled path took you down
as far as a wood like jungle complete with creepers and vines.
On the other side of the dense greenery, a house appeared
from nowhere, to mark our change of direction. An old traders
route running parallel to a torrente, took me first to pretty
Binibona and second to Caimari for the pub! I distinctly remember
thinking I'd found the Garden of Eden.
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7.
Cami Vell de Lluc. 11Km (Grade C+) |
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The village of Selva marks the start of our pilgrimage from
the eastern flanks of the Tramuntana up to the religious heart
of Mallorca - The monastery at Lluc. Along the way we stop off
at the pretty village of Caimari, still largely associated with
olive cultivation - and then pass through a dramatic steep sided
canyon. Our route is largely on cobbled cart tracks and mule
friendly pathways. We seem to gain height with the greatest
of ease to be rewarded with fantastic views for as far as the
eye can see!
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8. Sa Capalleta / Fornalutx. 11 Km (Grade C+)  Sa Capalleta is a unique shrine built high on the slopes overlooking the busy town of Soller. It’s unusual fairytale like appearance makes the climb up to it all the more rewarding.
We continue upward to the Mirador Ses Barques to picnic.
Afterwards a recently restored pathway leads us to the village of Fornalutx with its network of narrow cobbled streets and its magnificent backdrop. We make a stop for refreshments and then it’s back through Binibassi to reach Soller town.
9. Atalaya Sunrise (inc breakie) 7Km (Grade C+) The chance to witness the day beginning, with the type of changing light that makes you glad to be alive!
A pleasant forest track brings us to a lofty watchtower and we’re rewarded with a cuppa, as we look down on the serene world below.
Halfway through the trip, with curious Boc Balear goats nearby, we tuck into a tasty breakfast a la montaña laid on by our guide.
Afterwards we continue through a pine wood to emerge by the shoreline, with the chance for a refreshing swim to finish!
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10.
Castell D'Alaro. 10Km (Grade C+) |
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Puig D'Alaro is a large
geological plug reaching for the sky, with the remains of
an old Moorish castle on top. Starting in the peaceful valley
of Orient we climb up through olive terracing and a small
woodland to arrive at a plateau with surprise views all around.
We picnic on the summit and half way down the other side of
the hill stop at "Es Verger" renowned for it's interesting
red wine. This has to be one of the prettiest walks on Mallorca.
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11.
Cuber - Es Cornadors. 16Km (Grade C+) |
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The most inspiring
of walks starts at the gates of the Cuber reservoir, where it's
not uncommon to be treat to the official Black Vulture fly past,
as we set off. We start along a wide track dominated by the
islands highest peak Puig Mayor. A bit later we cross deep alpine
looking valley on our way to the Cornadors Summit (The Horns
in Catalan). The way from the summit is along a spectacular
balcony path, that keeps you up high to marvel at the mini villages
down below. We have to descend sooner or later and a zig zagging
path takes us back to civilisation.
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12.
Deia Coastal. 14Km (Grade C+) |
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We take a pathway often
trodden by the late poet Robert Graves as he went down to
Cala Deia to
swim in its deep azure waters. The waves have weathered the
rocks into marvellous shapes and the coastal path across to
Lluc Alcari is a landscape artists dream!
We climb up to the houses of Son Mico and then continue along
to our final goal, the shell shaped bay of Port Soller.
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13.
Deia - Soller. 11Km (Grade C+) |
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The Cami de Son Castello
was the original access route between the pretty village of
Deia and the busy character filled town of Soller. The vibrant
colours we encounter on this walk make it easy to understand
why this part of the world has attracted artists for so many
years. We start by descending towards the coast along lanes
and paths full of rich vegetation and then we gently climb back
up to a balcony path high above the deep blue Med for our picnic.
Later we see an interesting house called Ca'n Prohom which was
used by the then Queen of Spain, Isabel II, for a visit to Mallorca
in 1888. A little later arriving in Soller's citrus valley,
the day wouldn't be complete without taking time to try the
local fruit juice.
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14. Faro de Soller Horseshoe. 12Km (Grade C+)  The Cap Gros lighthouse situated on the cliffs above Soller is not terribly high, but gives the impression that you could be in a plane looking down on the surroundings. This attractive circular walk incorporates the best of the Muleta headland from where the big light scans the horizon. The majority of this path, previously only used by hunters, has been forged by the local government to attract people to the recently built refuge of "Muleta", where you can stay the night.
15. Farrutx. 15 Km (Grade B)  The Artana range of mountains across to the east are gaining increasing popularity amongst visiting walkers and of all the things you can do in the area the "Peak of Farrutx" is a must.
We commence near to the small urbanisation of Betlem facing the bay of Alcudia. A very accessible ravine takes us up to the Binialgorfa sanctuary and from here on in, we're up high most of the day.
The rocky sculpture of Farrutx is unmistakable and a delight to walk along.
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16.
Font Cuberta - Binifaldo. 11 Km (Grade C+) |
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This walk forms an arc around
the sacred Monastery of Lluc. The ground under foot is a combination
of country lane, forest track and cobbled path and should
present no difficulty to anyone used to walking. We pass through
an area previously involved in the felling of oak trees, for
the production of charcoal and traces of its preparation are
still in existence. We picnic at a rise high above, with sterling
views down into the basin that cradles Lluc. Later we come
to the spring water bottling plant at Binifaldo and further
still, the rock sculpture known as "The Camel".
On return to the monastery we allow enough time to let you
truly enjoy your visit.
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17.
Foradada - Deia. 11Km (Grade C+) |
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The Archduke Luis
Salvador said when asked why he'd paid so much for Son Marroig,
that it was for the view from it and not in fact the property.
He was referring to the outstretched peninsula of "Sa Foradada" instantly
recognisable by the pierced hole in the end. This excursion
allows us to walk in his footsteps along to the rocky
point and later to visit his house, before dropping down to
the heavenly setting of Deia.
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18.
Lluc - Pollensa. 15Km (Grade C+) |
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The old road from Lluc to
Pollensa, was the main access route from the north to the
mountains and
vice versa until about the 1950's. Nowadays this mixture of
country lanes and cart track, give the walker a great chance
to explore the Monastery of Lluc, before setting off on a
journey northwards along pleasant terrain backed by imposing
scenery such as Puig Tomir Mountain. Mostly downhill we finish
the excursion just short of a mind numbing road walk to Pollensa
at Les Creus, where our transport awaits.
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19.
L'Ofre / Sa Rateta Ridge. 14Km (Grade B+) |
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Everyone has a personal
favourite and this one, I'd have to say is mine. During this
circular excursion we summit three very impressive thousand
metre plus peaks, with the most breathtaking scenery imaginable
anywhere in the Med! Our first is the panoramic vantage point
of L'Ofre with its distinct coned shape, then onto the rocky
flanks of Na Francesa and finally finishing on the barren looking
Sa Rateta Mountain, with it's stunning views of the islands
reservoirs. A truly memorable day in the hills!
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20
Mirador Leandro Ximenis. 13Km (Grade B) |
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Leandro Ximenis was a very
accomplished mountaineer from the vicinity of Bunyola. A well
liked charismatic character, who the "Fomento de Turisme"
decided to commemorate after his death by re-naming a local
Bunyola hill called "Sa Gubia", with the new title
"Mirador Leandro Ximenis".
I'm pretty sure the man would approve of the accolade and
certainly the venue, which boasts commanding views back to
the village and shows you the entire bay of Palma almost at
your feet.
The circular walk we operate, takes us through the secluded
valley of "Biniforani Vell" up to some oak woodland
and an interesting tree assisted climb (steepish - if you
like?) At the top the scenery opens out and continues to surprise
at every twist and turn. A very satisfying day out!
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21.
Mortitx Gorge. 8 Km (Grade A) |
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This has to be one
of the wildest places in the entire Tramuntana range. It's
recognised
for its unusual karst rock formations, its many endemic plants
and for being the island's main feeding ground for the island's
Black Vulture colony. This walk is not very long in distance,
but it helps if you're sure-footed and adaptable enough, to
suit the rugged terrain.
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22.
Puig de Randa 8 Km (Grade B ) |
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Great chance to explore yet another part of the island, this
time in the south. The village of Randa sits in a fertile
valley bordered by a large flat topped hill “Puig
De Randa”.
We scale the hill to arrive at a well known religious sanctuary
on top where we picnic. On a clear day you can make out 32
towns and villages below. Our descent route is really spectacular
passing under rugged cliffs and overhangs with lavender hugging
the banks.
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23.
Namarit. 14Km (Grade B) |
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The village of Bunyola is some seven miles north of Palma,
nestled in amongst the Tramuntana Mountains and the setting
for some
great walking. The "Namarit" excursion starts along
country lanes and then forest track to bring us up to a plateau
where the rolling hills fade away to reveal the capital. An
interesting wooded valley called the "Comellar del Buscante"
is used to access our 670mtr. summit. The area is recognised
for the intense level of "Madroños"(strawberry
trees) which bear fruit in Autumn. Our return is via a deep
crease in the landscape that guards the fairytale cave house
of the "Comuna de Bunyola".
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24.
Penyals D'Honor. 13Km (Grade B) |
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The Penyals are high jutting
peaks of limestone escarpment overlooking a dense green valley
floor. Located near to the attractive village of Bunyola,
which has always offered great possibilities for walking.
We commence our day, pulling up through the cobbled streets,
which connect the tight cluster of houses; Thus giving us
a real feel for the place! Our climb throughout the day is
about 400 Mtrs in total, but for this, you're rewarded with
some truly outstanding scenery.
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25.
Pilgrim Steps. 14Km ( Grade C+) |
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Undisputedly the
most popular and well acknowledged walk on the island. Every
twist and turn of our route from the high mountains down to
the sea reveals something special. Along the way we pass through
a deep limestone valley and then drop down into an impressive
canyon, where we touch on the 16 Century pilgrims route, which
was once used regularly to get access to Lluc Monastery. The
day would not be complete without taking a journey back in time
on the Soller to Port tram which has been functioning since
1912.
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26.
Puig d'en Gallileu. 13 Km (Grade B) |
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The commanding peak of "Gallileu"
looks over the monastery of Lluc. Our route takes us from
the reservoir at Cuber toward the oak woodland surrounding
the Font Des Prat watering hole.
We then begin a gradual ascent through forest and rocky limestone
desert to arrive at a high coll, which used to be a settlement
for snow collectors up until the 1920's. From here we move
onto the mighty backbone of this mountain, which offer's some
of the most satisfying walking anywhere on the island.
Until you arrive at the top - the very best of this rock giant
is not revealed, but the views when you get there are well
worth waiting for!
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27.
Puig de Massanella. 11 Km (Grade B+) |
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Since the height
of the Cold War, when Puig Mayor (True roof of Mallorca 1445mtrs)
was declared out of bounds for anyone other than the military,
it's neighbouring peak "Massanella"1352mtrs has become
known as the islands highest accessible point. It's higher than
anything in the British Isles and is without doubt a classic
mountain walk. The excursion follows paths laid down by the
people who used to collect snow from near the summit, pre-fridges.
This took place up until about the 1920's and great climatic
change. Anyone who likes a challenge and the thrill of looking
down on the full expanse of the place they've come to visit,
will relish this! |
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28.
Puig de Morey. 12Km (Grade B+) |
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This peak is the highest in the Arta range of hills at 561
mtrs. The path travels through a ravine to arrive at a tiny
shrine with it's own spring! We're up high for most of the
day on rugged pathless terrain right until we reach the summit
after a short steep climb. The views are very surprising as
most expect scenery like this only in the west. We make our
return journey along the cliff edge, but on better ground
and this section is truly breathtaking.
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29.
Puig Roig. 16Km (Grade B ) |
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Wild limestone scenery, Vultures, Smugglers paths and Cave Houses
are all ingredients in this classic mountain walk. We commence
our route at the gates to the Mossa farm, in between Pollensa
and Lluc.
Shortly after passing the house the path stretches out before
you, like a stairway to the sky, on a famous section known as
the "Corniche". Travelling through a magnificent limestone
valley we arrive at the coast, which should give us the chance
to witness Black Vultures in flight, as this is regarded as
their "Comedor" (Dining room). Further on, we'll see
the fascinating cave houses at Coscona, carefully built into
an overhang, before crossing a large cultivated area, to arrive
at what is commonly known as the sting in the tail - which will
take us up to the monastery at Lluc and well earned refreshment!
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30.
Puig Tomir. 13Km (Grade A) |
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The dominant Puig Tomir
is somewhat symbolic in the north and watches over the town
of Pollensa. The excursion we take is full of diversity -
Walking across scree slopes, tackling rock chimneys before
gaining one of the best views on the island, which is held
back as an incentive until you're actually sat proudly on
top. An impressive coll, a wild looking valley and a karst
staircase (if your imagination is good) all follow the summit
on this cracking day out!
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31
Roca Blanca - Fumat. 8Km (Grade B+) |
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If you're adventurous and well equipped to tackle mountain walking
with some light scrambling you'll love this! The Formentor peninsular
is shown at it's very best on this excursion, as we head out
to the furthest tip of the island to watch visiting Eleanora's
Falcons grace the skyline. We surmount "Roca Blanca",
with it's steep terrain and this requires a short scramble ie.
No hands in pockets!
The prize is worth the effort and we follow it, with the peak
of "Fumat", which is accessed by a much better route
than it's neighbour. We picnic on top and then drop down to
reach the old lighthouse track that will take us to Cala Figuera
for a chance to swim. We travel by bus to the "Albercuitx
Watchtower" on top of a hill overlooking Formentor's most
famous beach and hotel. Here we toast the day with champagne
as the sun dips.
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32.
San Pere Coastal. 13Km (Grade C+) |
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The starting point for our
hike is the once thriving fishing port of Colonia San Pere
at the foot of the Arta Mountains. The coastline between here
and our finish in Son Baulo (C'an Picafort) has very contrasting
terrain - sometimes soil / sand stone, or dusty Mediterranean
horse trail. One of the most interesting parts of the walk,
being the ancient burial grounds we pass near to Son Serra.
On arrival at Son Baulo bay with its translucent waters we
finish with a well earned dip!
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33.
S'Arenalet Triangle. 15Km (Grade B) |
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Recently declared a protected natural park, the Arta coastline
and a fair amount of the interior provide the backcloth for
this interesting walk to a little known walking part of the
island. The fields we pass have an almost North African look
to them. This is as near as you'll get, to visiting another
island whilst not leaving Mallorca's shores! The main crops
that line the way, are Figs / Prickly Pears and Almonds, until
our return via an old fisherman's coastal path.
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34.
Santa Maria - Orient. 15Km (Grade C+) |
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34. Santa Maria - Orient.
15Km (Grade C+)
Just on the outskirts of Santa Maria village lie the houses
of Son Torrella, almost stately in their appearance. They
mark the entrance to a magical place, which connects the busy
east of the island with the somewhat lost in time Orient.
Our passage to get there takes us through a deep gauge in
the landscape called the Coanegra valley (Black cave). Named
after an unusual hidden cave found in 1824.
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35.
Sa Trapa. 14Km (Grade B ) |
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An abandoned Trappist
monastery located in the far-flung southwest is our destination.
This walk is truly a classic, with endless rocky scenery around
every twist and turn. Our hike starts and finishes in the pretty
village of S'Arraco not far from Andratx. On the way we pass
a mirador called "Cap Fabioler" which is one of those
places you never forget, keeping watch over the sleeping "Dragon
island" (Sa Dragonera) floating off shore!
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36.
Sierra Valldemossa. 14 Km (Grade B) |
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The hills west of Valldemossa offer the scene for this unforgettable
journey. A steady climb takes us to the Son Gallard pass
and this is where the trees part and reveal a breathtaking
mountain vista.
What comes next is pure magic as we travel along a stoney
path to arrive at the edge of these steep crags with the
full south west coast at our feet. Throughout the day we’ll
see the outstretched Foradada rock and the house of S’Estaca
and Son Marroig way below.
Above us we should see one of the islands impressive Black
Vulture colony. The descent path is one of the very best
with aerial views of Valldemossa village as we decide which
bar?
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37.
Ses Barques - Tuent. 12Km (Grade C+) |
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This has to be one
of the most complete excursions there is! A viewpoint high above
the Soller, is our starting point. We travel through centuries
old olive terracing to reach our picnic spot, the 16th Century
farmhouse at the bottom of Balitx valley. After lunch we climb
out of the valley to meet a welcoming breeze on the coastal
section of the walk. Our cliffside path offers spectacular views
down to the aqua marine sea below and the rugged limestone shapes
up ahead. We finish in Tuent with a beer and the possibility
to swim in its cove. The journey back is via the breathtaking
Sa Calobra road.
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38.
Talaia Son Jaumell. 10Km (Grade C+) |
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Talaia is the name given
to a series of watchtowers strategically placed around the
Mallorcan coastline.
About five hundred years ago, the island was the target of
many raiding pirate invasions, so the locals decided to develop
an early warning system with Talaia's operating as fire beacons,
to warn the community of imminent attack. Our walk starts
at arguably the best beach on the island "Mesquida"
and that is where we find a prominent hill that is begging
to be climbed "Son Jaumell". On the other side of
it we find pine woodland, that takes us down to the inlet
of Cala Molto, with its intense aqua marine colours. A short
stroll and we invade Ratjada to collapse by its pretty marina
with a rewarding drink.
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39.
Tossals Circuit. 14Km (Grade B) |
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High in the central
area of the Tramuntana, in the vicinity of the islands two reservoirs
we find the Tossals group of peaks. Birds of prey command the
sky and the scenery is magnificent. Some of the best ingredients
you could ever throw into a walk are included in this excursion!
Large tunnels housing the water pipe leading from Cuber take
us down into a dramatic canyon for our morning break. The tunnel
section should answer that burning question of "Why did
I pack that torch in my case?" We arrive just after the
tunnels in a lush valley, that leads up to the mountain shelter
"Tossals" where we picnic. Once beyond the house we
climb to reach a well constructed path that would have been
ever so busy during the times of charcoal production. Looking
north the barren slopes of the mighty Massenella mountain are
up ahead and to the east a cascading ravine opens out with the
village of Mancor to be found at the bottom. The return route
starts through woodland and offers a magnificent view of the
other reservoir Gorg Blau.
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40.
Valldemossa - Deia. 14Km (Grade B+) |
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The two named villages are
perhaps the most photogenic on the island. Lush vegetation
brought back from far away places flourishes in both valleys
giving them a unique splash of colour, as they lie cradled
by the mighty Tramuntana Mountains. A centuries old, rural
industry pathway, enables us to get from one to the other
on foot.
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41. Comasema / L’Ofre Circuit 13Km (Grade B+)  Proper high mountain walking at it’s very best!
We head off from the gates at Cuber to descend the canyon housing the reservoirs water pipe, as it travels east.
Changing direction, a short climb takes us through an oak wood to the coll den bosc and remains of charcoal production. At a massive house called Comasema, we find a rocky staircase called “Es Barrancons” which lets you know your fitness. At the top we can see L’Ofre mountain through the trees and within an hour we’ll be on the summit at 1090mtrs. Beyond the top a spectacular path drops down to a clearing were it feels like your infinitely small against the steep sided limestone scenery. The path winds it’s way down to the forest track, which like a magic carpet takes us back to the start. Memorable day.
42. Cap Figuera 12Km (Grade C+) Cap Figuera is the only truly unspoilt and undeveloped part of the Calvia coastline. It’s free from lego and filled with abundant interest.
The route is kind of triangular visiting several attractive inlets with transparent water. We explore caves and pass through a deserted military camp, now home to migrant birdlife.
43. Massanella South Face. 14Km (Grade A) (Lluc Area) This has got to be one of the top three excursions on the island. The route is circular and pushes up through the Comafreda valley reaching the old snow houses at the “Coll des Prat” (1126m) before following a narrow goat trail to the breathtaking view point of “Ses Bassetes” which displays depth and ruggedness, and puts you in one of those adrenalin filled, “Ain’t life great!” situations.
A rocky scramble (and the reason why the walk is graded ‘A’) takes us up to the summit area. Afterwards we drop down the eastern side of the mountain, passing and entering the “Font de S’Avenc” cave along the way.
44. Bendinat Massif (Calvia) 17km (Grade B) The Calvia coastline is probably better known for the resorts that hug the sea, which is why excursions like this are an absolute delight. Like a magic carpet (not that I’ve been on many) the route lifts you above real estate to arrive in real heaven! Rough forest track takes us from the playground of the rich and famous Portals Nous to the high backbone of the Bendinat Massif, with spectacular views towards Puig Galatzo, highest peak in the south west and down to the islands capital.
We make a detour to a lofty mirador called “Alzamora” were falcons grace the skies.
It’s a fairly long route, but surprisingly made a lot easier by the remarkable scenery.
45. Cami Dels Cingles. 10Km (Grade C+) (Puig Mayor)) This excursion has previously featured before and I’m pleased to say that it re-appears with a new modified route, but retaining all the original ingredients and much more.
The path follows the old muntanyençs way, which once linked Soller and the north coast and hangs under the neck of Mallorca’s highest mountain Puig Mayor 1447mtrs, like a string of pearls.
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46.
Esporles – Valldemossa. 16Km (Grade B) (South West) |
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If you were trekking from Andratx to Pollensa, this section
would surely play a major part. The walk takes us through
an area heavily used in the production of charcoal until
the 40’s.
Esporles is a distinct market town with an unusual shape
and interesting buildings, which is seldom included on the
tourist trail – all the more reason to take a peek!
The walk itself twists and turns as it gains height, taking
us through woodland to surprise vistas, as we make our way
to one of Mallorca’s real treasures : the hillside,
flower-bedecked village of Valldemossa.
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47. Karst Valley 11Km (Grade C+) (Lluc) Dramatic, twisted and weathered karst rock offers the backdrop to this circuit near to Lluc Monastery. One section of the route is like a secret garden with velvety moss coating the jagged shapes and you’d be forgiven for thinking yourself on the Lord of the Rings film set, as this is truly fairytale stuff!
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48.
Galatzo - Estellencs. 10Km (Grade B+) (Puigpuyent) |
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Located in the Calvia region, this prominent giant looks
every bit the part, with it’s shark toothed form. A
great opportunity to explore an area untouched by Mallorcan
Walking Tours until now, with the village of Puigpunyent
proving a real discovery.
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49. Palma Explorer 11Km (Grade C+) Palma is the sixth largest city in all of Spain and a wonderful place to explore. We board a train at the market town of Santa Maria to help us glide into the centre. From here we’re guided through a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys to show you the true flavour of the city, old and new! We sample local tapas and vino along the way.
50. Dragonera Island : 8Km (Grade C+) (South West)  The island takes on the shape of a giant dragon sleeping off shore, and the fact that it is inhabited by thousands of little lizards gives a clear indication as to how it got it’s name “Dragonera”.
We travel to idyllic Sant Elmo in the south west to take a short boat trip across to the start of our walk at the jetty of this wonderful natural park. We make for the highest part of the island to survey its contents on a true voyage of discovery, finishing with a swim in an aqua marine heaven!
51. Es Pujadors 7km (Alcudia half day and cava) (Grade C+)  Fancy a short excursion in the near vicinity that gives fabulous sweeping views without having to invest all day.
“Es Pujadors” is a low lying hill on the Alcudia peninsula and the route we take is a steady circular, that finishes with chilled cava.
52. Deia Discoverer. 8Km (Grade C+) (West) This village is an absolute must to visit and it’s easy to see why it’s warm stone architecture and lush flower filled terraces have inspired artists from all over the world. We walk to and old defence tower overlooking the sea and swim in crystal waters at a place previously known as “Smugglers Cove”. The day also includes a stop at Valldemossa and sparkling cava at Foradada.
53. Cala Murta. 9Km (Grade C+) (Formentor) When you’ve seen this inlet, it’ll never leave that special part of your mind which stores select images. Cala Murta is located on the south side of the rocky Formentor peninsular and is not too far from the lighthouse itself. Maritime Pine and Dwarf Fan Palms dominate the vegetation in this area and pleasant walking enables us to better explore this unique part of Mallorca. There will be chance to swim, and snorkelling is highly recommended.
54. Port Des Canonge. 14Km (Grade C+) (South West) Steep landscaped terracing cascades down to the community of “Port des Canonge”, on the beautiful south west coast. This excursion takes us off the beaten track and into an area that you really should take time to see! South of “Canonge” Aleppo pines fringe the shoreline and our route becomes a magic carpet high above the Med, as we head for the very attractive Moorish influenced village of Banyalbufar.
55. Atalaya de Alcudia Classic 14Km (Grade C+) This is without doubt a Mallorcan classic, surrounded on all flanks by the sea and offering rewarding views wherever you look.
The sanctuary (Now a hotel) of Ermita de la Victoria is where we commence our steady climb to arrive at the remains of an old watchtower.
Most breathtaking part of the day is still to come, as our path cuts along a wide ridge and takes us to the stunning viewpoint overlooking the bay of “Platja Coll Baix” with its distinct and very unusual paint pallet mix of aquamarine!
56. Arta Triangle 8Km (Grade C+) The Cap Farrutx headland is a rugged government protected area and an interesting place to be in all weathers.
If it’s calm and sunny, the colour of the water is the most enticing anywhere in the Balearics.
If it’s wild and blowy the same sea can explode like a thousand cava bottles right at your feet and take your breath away.
Herbs and vegetation scent the air almost all year around and the coastal rock colours are unlike anywhere else.
Our route follows paths forged by hunters and fisherman.
57. Cuber – Mancor del valle 14Km (Grade B)
Taking advantage of the very well engineered GR221 dry stone way, this route cuts through the very heart of the Tramuntana mountains.
The scenery is fabulous and the terrain varied as we traverse from the reservoir at Cuber to the sleepy village of Mancor del valle, which sits in a heavenly valley on the eastern fringe of the hills.
58. Porto Cristo Coastal Path 12Km (Grade C+)
 The rocky shelf that borders the east coast has some wonderful scenery to view and this route takes us to an old watchtower / Castle on the Punt D'en Amer peninsular near Sa Coma and then meanders through a mix of cliffside pathway and interesting urbanisacion, passing hidden coves that invite you in with their tantalising colours.
We arrive at our destination Porto Cristo to take one of two forms of transport back to the start.
Bus which is included in the tour price, or ferry which will cost an additional 8€ p.p.
59. Parc Serra Levant (Arta) 15Km (Grade C+)  The local government in the north east of the island, have invested a lot of time and money establishing a natural park between Arta and the rugged Cap Farrutx Headland.
It offers a fabulous network of paths, so that you can explore a landscape that previously looked difficult to approach.
This circular route delivers great variety, as it weaves its way through superb hill and coastal scenery. The information building for the park is where we start and finish this undulating adventure.
60. Tossals Peak and Loop 14Km (Grade B+) Many of the islands best walks start from cuber lake and this adventurous Serra Tramuntana gem is one of the best.
We set off alongside the familiar water channel transferring H20 from Gorg Blau reservoir to Cuber.
An hour of steady walking brings us to a sign pointing in the direction of Tossals Verds Peak.
Our path quickly gains height with a wild, rugged panorama being the reward at the top of this Mallorcan giant. (The islands 3rd biggest mountain at 1118mtrs).
Beyond the summit our path drops into a valley, between Tossals and Morro D’almallutx peaks guiding us through stunning scenery to the edge of a deep chasm, which harbours the water supply from cuber to the east.
This gives us the chance to be Indiana Jones for a minute, using a fixed rope to get past a momentary lack of path ....
We come mighty close to the island’s most authentic refuge “Tossals Verds” and, time permitting, we’ll drop in for refreshments.
Unfortunately no jacuzzi’s installed when I wrote this!
The remainder of our path circumnavigates Tossals mountain on the east flanks to arrive back at the place we started, after a thoroughly stimulating day.
61. Castell Del Rei + Vineyard visit 14Km (Grade C+) This Moorish castle was always supposed to be inaccessible to invaders, but for over a decade private land closure has done that job!
Fortunately nowadays, with a permit which we need to request some days before the hike, we can re-discover a truly fabulous stretch of northern Mallorca.
The walk climbs gently through oak and pine forest eventually reaching the castle 490m above sea level.
Founded by the Moors and strengthened by Jaume I, this was the last fortress to surrender to Pedro of Aragon when the brief-lived kingdom of Mallorca came to an end. The castle has been abandoned since 1715.
The solitude of the Ternelles valley gives us a great opportunity to see resident black vultures
After the walk we round off the day by visiting a nearby family vineyard.
62. Fita del Ram (Esporles) 14Km (Grade B+) The Fita del Ram is the highest point on the heavily wooded massif separating Esporles and neighbouring Puigpunyent, with its summit reaching for the sky at 833mtrs.
This whole area was once a vital source of charcoal, as a result of which, the mountain is crisscrossed with charcoal burners’ paths.
Charcoal production was still a major rural industry until the late seventies on Mallorca before the accessibility of gas made this lifestyle redundant.
This walk offers the chance to lose the crowds and find your own slice of heaven.
It’s one of the only out and back routes offered on the MWT programme, but you’ll see why this privileged piece of landscape is included when you’re on it.
63.Ermita de Bonany (Petra) 8Km (Grade C+) According to legend, in the year 1609 a severe drought moved the residents of Petra to climb the hill in a procession in order to pray for rain. The rains came and there was a good harvest, and ever since, the hill and the Sanctuary of the Mother of God have been known as Bonany (good year).
Petra is an inland village situated between the Mallorcan plain and the Serres de Llevant range of hills.
This is where the connection between Mallorca and California originates, with the two places brought together by the figure of Juníper Serra. This Franciscan monk, who was born in Petra in 1713, was head of the missions to higher and lower California, setting up ten missions which, over time, have become great cities within the US, such as San Francisco, San Diego, San Antonio de Padua, Santa Clara, etc.
We follow in those early villagers’ footsteps to climb the 317mtr hill, before dropping down to Villafranca, to see if our prayers have been answered and the bar is open?
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Email:
richstrutt@hotmail.com
