MALLORCA: TREKKING IN THE SIERRA DE TRAMONTANA RANGE

Plus catamaran sailing in the Balearic Islands

Next scheduled departure:
13 May 2019


Hiking the Sierra de la Tramontana range is a unique Spanish experience, with combined sea and mountain views along the 90 km coast-to-coast route.
The range became part of the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010 thanks to the natural and cultural landscape features along the GR-221 trail, a point of reference for our routes across the island.
You will see its transformations by terracing for crops and the positive results of nature and cultural conservation initiatives for the land.
The GR-221 dry stone route has witnessed intense historic human activity, from hunting, farming and shepherding to the extraction of coal, limestone and other raw materials. The diverse fauna and flora along the route also deserve a special mention, including many endemic species.
One of the most striking aspects of this walk is the way the landscape changes along the way. From pure mountain environments that resemble the Pyrenees or Picos de Europa, we cross a pass to find ourselves face-to-face with a fabulous panoramic view of the north coast of the island and its crystal clear greenish-blue waters.


Day 1. Valldemossa - Deiá
10,5 km ↑651 ↓916: 5h


Trekkimg tramontana, Mallorca

Pick up at Palma de Mallorca airport at the agreed time and travel by public bus to Valldemossa. This magical bohemian village in the heart of the Tramontana range is steeped in history. Its monuments include the Rey Sanç Palace, the Royal Cartuja (former monastery and originally a royal residence) and Costa Nord (a modern cultural centre founded by Hollywood actor Michael Douglas).
The route takes us through the streets in the direction of the Son Gallard Pass (770m), which we climb to discover the landscape along the Archduke Louis Salvador of Austria track. We also visit the Cave of Hermit Guillem, whose remains have been preserved since his death in 1635. After the Puig des Caragolí Peak, we continue to Deiá, a small village nestled in a ravine with fantastic views of the Sa Foradada Peninsula.
Accommodation: Can Boi Refuge, with shared rooms and bathrooms.
Meals included: dinner.

Day 2. Deiá - Sóller
12,3 km ↑482 ↓598: 5h


tramontana, Mallorca

A quiet day near the sea, with unbeatable views of Mallorca’s coves, walking through groves of centennial carob and olive trees, with a chance to visit the historic Cap de Gros lighthouse (1842) and Soller Harbour to cap off an enjoyable day. Transfer from Soller Harbour to our accommodation in Soller by electric tram, a 5 km long line that opened in 1913 to transport both passengers and freight.
Accommodation: Hostal Nadal. Double or triple rooms with shared bathrooms.
Meals included: breakfast and picnic lunch.

Day 3. Sóller - Refugio de Tossals
17,4 km ↑1269 ↓779: 8h


tramontana, Mallorca

The core stage of the journey, the longest but unparalleled in beauty. Immersed in the heart of the Sierra de Tramontana, we climb the cobbled Biniaraix Ravine path, declared a Cultural Monument and listed as one of the best walking routes on Mallorca. We arrive at the foot of Puig d l´Ofre, with a fantastic panoramic view of Puig Major (1445m), the island’s highest peak, and the Cuber Reservoir. We than switch valleys as we descent to the Tossals Verds Refuge, with views of the Solleric Valley and Alaró Castle.
Accommodation: Tossals Verd Refuge. Shared rooms and bathrooms.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch picnic and dinner.

Day 4. Refugio de Tossals Verd - Lluc y Son Amer
14,3 km ↑832 ↓874: 7h


tramontana, Mallorca

This day’s walk is rewarded with the best views of pure Tramontana landscapes: bare, solitary mountain passes and dales, rush vegetation and the odd restored path. We descend along the curious route of the ancient ice-makers’ “Snow Houses” to the majestic Lluc Sanctuary, now converted into a hospice surrounded by mountains and Mediterranean forests in a location that was once the spiritual centre of the island.
Accommodation: Son Amer Refuge. Shared rooms and bathrooms.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch picnic and dinner.

Day 5. Son Amer - Pollensa
19 km ↑336 ↓805: 6h


tramontana, Mallorca

A pleasant descent through woods along the Camí Vell trail from Lluc to Pollença, past several charcoal-making structures along the way in impressive centennial Holm oak forests. Our walking route ends in Pollensa, the best part of the island for coves and coastal landscapes.
Accommodation: Pont Romá Refuge or hostel. Shared rooms.
Meals included: breakfast, midday picnic and dinner (only if we spend the night in the refuge).

Day 6. Catamaran sailing


tramontana, Mallorca

In the morning, we head to Palma de Mallorca to board our catamaran.
Sailing along the south coast of Palma de Mallorca, we will see the island from a different perspective. We disembark in coves that are inaccessible from land to do some snorkel diving or swimming. Overnight anchorage in one of the beautiful coves on the south side of Mallorca.
Accommodation: catamaran.
Meals included: all.

Day 7. Sailing to La Cabrera Island


tramontana, Mallorca

The La Cabrera archipelago became a National Park in 1991. It is home to over 500 plant and 950 animal species. On the way, we visit s'Espalmador beach with its old military barracks, and Sa Cova Blava, a natural cave where the mid-afternoon sun's rays produce spectacular lights and colours. Anchorage in the National Park.
Accommodation: catamaran.
Meals included: all.


Day 8. Sailing back to Palma de Mallorca harbour

We continue to enjoy La Cabrera, its beaches and its unique environment before heading back to Palma de Mallorca harbour where our journey ends.
Meals included: breakfast.


tramontana, Mallorca
Price per person: 1.195
Includes:
  • Mountain guide (AEGM and UIMLA-certified).
  • Skipper with official PPER sailing qualifications.
  • Car and driver for backpacks and belongings.
  • Dinner, accommodation, sleeping sheets and breakfast at Can Boi, Tossals Verd and Son Amer Refuges.
  • Accommodation, sheets and breakfast at Hostal Nadal in Soller and Hostal or Refuge in Pollensa.
  • Picnic on the 5 hiking days.
  • 3 lunches and 2 dinners on the catamaran.
  • Public transfer from Palma Airport to Valldemossa and from Pollensa to Palma.
  • Transfer from Sóller Harbour to Sóller by tourist tram.
  • Third party and accident insurance for all 8 days of activity.
  • Shared first aid kit and technical equipment for mountain safety and maritime navigation.
  • Advice prior to the activity.
  • Photographic report.

Not included:
  • Round trip by plane to Palma de Mallorca.
  • Dinner on the 2nd day in Soller and on the 5th day in Pollensa.
  • Lunches on trekking days (snacks are provided on each stage).
  • Extra expenses for drinks and meals not specified as included.

Material to bring:Suitable clothes for mountaineering, depending on the time of the year, mountain boots/shoes, water bottle, sunglasses, cap and sunscreen, trekking poles (recommended), 40 L backpack or similar (you won’t have to carry it!), 20-25 L day pack to carry on the trekking days, headlamp, sleeping sheet (recommended), pants, long- and short- sleeve T-shirt, polar fleece, waterproof jacket and pants, swimsuit and towel x 2, closed toe flip-flops or white-soled sandals (not black rubber), basic toilet bag, some snack food (recommended).