Hiking tours on Mallorca

The diverse hiking trails on Mallorca offer the best conditions for hikers, climbers and runners in a wide variety of environments.

Hiking in Mallorca, the paradise for active sports enthusiasts 

While many Germans thought of Mallorca as a party island until a while ago, the Balearic island is now increasingly being recognised as a dream destination for active sports enthusiasts. Whether cycling, diving, surfing or sailing - Mallorca offers the ideal conditions for many types of sport.

In addition to the diverse landscapes and Caribbean-like waters, the mostly good weather and pleasant year-round temperatures also play an important role. Ever since Mallorca was connected to the Way of St James, attracting more and more pilgrims, the island has been regarded as an absolute paradise for hikers.

The Mediterranean landscapes and the best hiking conditions seem just as attractive as a dip in the sea after completing the route. There are few places where hiking and swimming can be so wonderfully combined as in Mallorca. But it is also clear that there is hardly any other place in the Mediterranean that is as ideal for hiking as Mallorca.

Fauna, flora and hustle and bustle in the old town - from Soller to Port de Soller

A hiking trail popular with young and old alike leads along the Camí de Castelló from Sóller to Port de Sóller. Over a distance of just under twelve kilometres, hikers can expect 500 metres of elevation gain and a landscape along the way that is reminiscent of centuries past.

The Camí de Castelló leads past densely overgrown mountain landscapes and the Capella de Castelló from Sóller to the coast. From the finish at the Far del Cap Gros lighthouse, it is not far to the water, where hikers can look forward to a refreshing swim. The fish restaurants in the bay of Port de Sóller are also known for their fresh specialities and are a great place to eat.

The small, historic tram, Tren de Sóller or Orange Express, which connects Sóller and Port de Sóller, takes hikers back to the town at a leisurely pace.

Depending on the walking speed, the route takes two to three hours, which can be perfectly combined with a visit to Port de Sóller and a tram ride to make a day trip.

Long-distance hiking trail Mallorca - Pilgrimage on the Way of St James from St. Honorat to Palma

For some years now, there has also been a route on Mallorca that is considered part of the Way of St James. The 30-kilometre route leads from St. Honorat via Randa and Llucmajor to Palma de Mallorca. Although the section of the Way of St James on Mallorca is not yet marked with shells, pilgrims can still obtain a pilgrim's identity card at the St. Honorat monastery on the Holy Mountain.

The route leads over hills, through wide landscapes, small, quiet villages and the somewhat larger Llucmajor, eventually even passing the Ballermann and through the centre of lively Palma, where it finally ends at La Seu Cathedral in the middle of Palma's old town.

The route can be walked in one day or split into two stages for a more relaxed option. If you want to complete the entire Way of St James all the way to Santiago de Compostela, you can travel from Palma to the mainland by plane or ferry to continue the route there.

But even those who want to tackle an easy day hike on the island without a spiritual background are in good hands on this route, thanks to the fact that it is also suitable for beginners.

Hiking in the east of Mallorca - kilometres of views and unspoilt nature on the GR211 dry stone wall trail

The hiking trail from Port d'Andratx to Pollença is also known as the Serra de Tramuntana or dry stone wall route and leads past villages, unspoilt expanses and deep canyons with impressive views over the sea and mountain landscapes.

With a total distance of around 140 kilometres, the dry stone wall trail is the longest long-distance hiking trail on Mallorca. From Port d'Antratx in the south to Pollença, the most popular place on Mallorca for hiking in the north, it takes between seven and nine days, depending on your hiking speed.

The route, which can be wonderfully divided into stages, offers plenty of hostels and places to stop off for the day and night. Although wild camping is not permitted on Mallorca, it is tolerated in the Serra de Tramuntana as long as pilgrims treat nature responsibly and leave their nightly resting place clean.

Hiking in the north of Mallorca - Torrent de Pareis: Through the canyon to Sa Calobra

The path from Escorda to Sa Calobra is an absolute tour for adventurers. The Torrent de Pareis has fully earned its reputation as the most dangerous hiking and climbing tour on Mallorca. It is impossible to cross safely without sturdy shoes and the right equipment.

You should allow four to six hours to conquer the approximately six kilometre-long route. It is also important to pack enough water and energising snacks, as there are no opportunities to buy anything along the route.

The path through the riverbed of the Torrent, which is mostly dry in summer, offers fantastic views in many places and the unique feeling of absolute tranquillity between the rock faces. With a difference in altitude of over 600 metres, it is clear that you not only have to hike here, but also climb. It is therefore advisable to have a five to ten metre long rope with you.

Those who set off early in the morning in particular will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the deserted canyon. Most visitors who don't want to miss out on the beauty of the bay only visit the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis, which is located not far from the small fishing village of Sa Calobra.

As the route runs directly through the gorge, there is no possibility of shortening the hike or cancelling it early. For large parts of the route, the narrow path is so remote through the canyon that neither GPS nor mobile phone reception is possible. This is another reason why this tour should never be tackled alone. Even in summer, when most of the water in the Torrent de Pareis has evaporated, hikers must expect to get their feet wet in places, which means they need to be particularly careful not to slip on the rocks.

If you are physically fit and not afraid of unpaved paths and narrow gorges, you should definitely take the time to discover this hiking tour. If you are travelling alone or have too much respect for the gorge without an experienced guide, you still don't have to miss out on the adventure. Guided hikes start daily in many places on Mallorca, including from Escorta into the canyon. Sa Calobra and Escorta are connected by a regular bus service, which adventurers can use to get back to the car.
 

Traul Run at Puig Tomir

Trail runners should not miss out on Mallorca either. The most beautiful routes can be found in the mountainous landscape on the west side of the island.

Probably the most popular tour for trail runners runs around and over Puig Tomir, a mountain to the south-west of Pollença. The tour is considered one of the most impressive circular hiking trails in Mallorca. The 42-kilometre route, which only rarely leads over paved paths, starts and finishes in the old town of Pollença. Runners have to contend with 1,800 metres of elevation gain along the route, which is immediately rewarded with breathtaking views. Once a year, at the end of March, the Cursa Tomir 42 takes place here, a trail run that is primarily reserved for members of the Balearic Islands Mountain Sports Association. But whether as a participant in the Cursa Tomir or on your own, a passionate trail runner should not miss out on the Puig Tomir.

If you want to go trail running on Mallorca, you should never set off without the necessary clothing and equipment. Sufficient water and provisions are just as important. Running in the middle of the day is not advisable, especially at the height of summer, as the midday sun can be dangerous in addition to the exertion on the mountain. The early morning hours are better suited, ideally runners choose the cooler times of year for a trail run on Mallorca.