Hiking in Mallorca: Helpful tips and the most beautiful hiking trails
Mallorca is an island with a thousand faces. Sea and mountains merge seamlessly. The flora and fauna of Mallorca could hardly be more diverse. Valleys that are thousands of years old are lined up with sleepy mountain villages. Without a doubt, Mallorca never ceases to amaze.
The best season for hiking
Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, hikes in Mallorca are possible all year round. Nevertheless, the weather situation often varies significantly between the mountains, the coast and the interior. It often rains the most in the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. It is also usually the coolest in this region. However, the mountains often keep larger rainy areas away from flatter areas in the south of Mallorca. The best time for hiking trips is from February during the almond blossom to the end of June. During this period the island presents itself in radiant green. Mallorca's nature is truly uniquely beautiful.
Hikes through the plains and the mountains
Summers are very warm, especially in flat regions, so most day trippers tend to go on coastal hikes or walks in the forest at this time of year. At high altitudes, temperatures are usually pleasant, even in summer. That's why nothing stands in the way of a mountain hike in summer. If you want to go hiking through the lowlands, you'll get your money's worth between mid-September and November. In mountainous regions there are usually massive storms and strong thunderstorms.
What you need to know about hiking trails and signage
Most hiking trails in Mallorca are rarely continuous and well marked. Most public routes are generally well developed. However, hikers must keep in mind that many hiking routes often run through private land. Numerous routes suitable for hikers are marked with colored dots or small cairns. However, hikers should always be attentive so as not to miss rugged rocky terrain or boulders lying in the tall grass. Many paths suddenly end unexpectedly and abruptly. That's why it's important, especially when planning longer tours, to always have a GPS system or a good hiking map to hand.
Tips for hiking in public and private areas or on closed paths
Hikers on Mallorca mostly conquer private terrain. Most landowners tolerate individual hikers on their property, but do not want mass tourism. In addition, hikers must expect that individual areas may even be closed. Particular caution is required for signs with the following inscription:
- Prohibido el paso or Prohibit pasar: Passage forbidden
- Coto privado de caza or Vedat privat de caca: Private hunting area
The latter hiking trails are also marked by black and white divided signage.
Special accommodation for hikers
Especially on the GR 221 long-distance hiking trail, there are so-called refuges at the end of each stage section. However, these mountain huts and hostels are rather an exception on Mallorca. Because Mallorca is not a classic backpacker destination, there are only a few campsites or official tent sites available on site. Instead, hikers in remote regions are welcomed in spartan domiciles or monasteries.
Tips for the right equipment
In general, hikers should remember to always carry enough provisions, drinks and rain protection with them during their excursions. If you are planning a hiking trip in summer, you should preferably explore cooler mountain regions in the north and always carry enough drinks with you. In addition, sufficient protection against UV rays is required during the warm season, including “sunproof” clothing and sunscreen. You also need sturdy shoes with a non-slip sole when you're out and about. Mountain boots are a good choice in many areas of Mallorca, as most of the hiking trails are partly on unpaved paths. It may even require short climbs – over scree or slippery paths. All hikers also want to play it safe by carrying a detailed hiking map with them. Hikers on Mallorca are often confronted with hiking trails whose width and nature constantly change or which suddenly end in nowhere. Hiking maps therefore serve as an important orientation aid, particularly on long-distance hiking trails.
On the way on the long-distance hiking trail GR 221
The hinterland of Mallorca is less developed for tourism. Nevertheless, the region is predestined to conquer the mountains of Northern Mallorca. Hiking tours lasting several days promise special moments, during which hikers can spend the night in functionally furnished and cozy mountain huts. A good example is the Dry Stone Walls route, which runs along the GR 221 long-distance hiking trail. This route makes its way from Port d'Andratx and runs 129 kilometers over the Sierra de Tramuntana towards Pollenca.
Mountains, olive groves, dry stone walls
This route, divided into eight hiking sections, extends in parts along paved paths that once led to farms and villages in the mountains. The view of the Tramuntana mountain range is a feast for the eyes and is lined with numerous olive groves. Delimited by dry stone walls, the hiking trail is always surprising. However, some parts of the mountains are privately owned.
Hiking excursion around Valldemossa
The Valldemossa is good proof that some of the most beautiful hiking regions in Mallorca are located in the north and west of the island. The destination of the hike is an idyllic mountain village with numerous hiking trails surrounding it. More than 40 different routes invite you to linger around Valldemossa. The big hiking tour around Valldemossa is a special challenge, during which hikers conquer a varied circular route. On this route, hiking enthusiasts pass through ancient holm oak forests on the northwest coast and the Caragoli ridge to ultimately reach Mallorca's highest peak - El Teix. At the same time, hikers conquer the so-called Archduke Trail on this excursion. This section of the route, once built as a bridleway for Archduke Ludwig Salvator, now promises hikers impressive panoramic views of the Valldemossa mountains.
Tips for the hiking trip
The largest circular hike around Valldemossa stretches over a length of around 14 kilometers. On this route, hikers have to climb around 770 meters in altitude. Highlights of this hiking tour are the peak of Talaia Vella, the plateau of Pla des Pouet and the Mirador de Can Costa. A permit is required for some areas of the circular hiking trail. Hikers can buy this special access permit in Mallorca.
Short hike around the Muleta lighthouse
The hilly landscape of Muleta is at home in the western part of Port de Soller. To the north of Muleta is Cap Gros, on which sits the Muleta lighthouse, one of the most famous buildings in the region. Adjacent to this is a former barracks, where hikers can now spend the night in the Refugi de Muleta if they wish. From the Refugi, most hikers take the opportunity to reach the GR 221 long-distance hiking trail or take a short hike through Muleta. The twelve kilometer long coastal path from Deia to Port Soller is also very popular in the region. The region is not just easy to walk around. Hikers also benefit from the thrilling sight of sparse pine forests and hilly mountain landscapes. A Mediterranean flair arises thanks to the surrounding olive groves that line the side of the path.
Hiking trip to the beautiful Marble Bay
Hiking enthusiasts should not miss this three-hour hiking tour on the cliffs of southern Mallorca. The tour begins in S'Almunia near the Casa de la Luz, where hikers climb stone steps to a picturesque stretch of beach. The hiking trail then makes its way through bushes up to the cliffs. On the way, hikers should allow enough time to stop at the coastal plateau of Punta des Bauc. From here you have a brilliant panoramic view of the bright turquoise sea. The region is also ideal for taking a look at some impressive buildings. Right at Punta des Bauc, visitors can still explore the remains of an old cistern, a pump house and an old watchtower. Hikers then come to Cala Marmols, one of the most beautiful bays in Mallorca. Mass tourism has not yet arrived in this picturesque bay. That's why there's a good chance you'll be able to relax in peace and quiet on the picture-perfect bay and enjoy the view of the turquoise blue lagoon to the fullest.
Mallorca – experience hiking regions in all their diversity
The Balearic island Mallorca is primarily known as a bathing paradise and for beautiful beaches. But some parts of Mallorca are ideal for one-day and multi-day hikes. From family-friendly to demanding, hikers get their money's worth in the Mallorcan mountains or on numerous coastal hiking trails.
