Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana
Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana
Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana
Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana
Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana
Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana

Mallorca: Serra de Tramuntana GR221


Hiking holiday in Spain

Hike the spine of the island of Mallorca along the glorious Serra de Tramuntana, the GR221. It is a truly beautiful route through this UNESCO World Heritage Site that ranks among the top treks in Europe. Imagine wild limestone mountains rising up above a jade green sea, with pine trees sculpting the horizons. Quaint little villages, fruit orchards, olive groves, and farmers working in the fields as you stroll along the trail pretty much sums up this experience. This is the 'hidden' Mallorca, and most certainly not the Mallorca of busy beach holidays! We get well away from the crowds as we head for the hills.

Highlights

  • Hike through this UNESCO World Heritage landscape
  • Traverse the Northern Mallorcan coast and mountains
  • Eight days of excellent walking totalling 120kms (75 miles)
  • Climb the highest trekking peak - Puig de Massenella
  • Characterful and historic Mallorcan coastal villages
  • Stay overnight at the famous Lluc Monastery
  • Daily luggage transfers 

Situated in the Western Mediterranean of Spain, the island, also known as Majorca, has been a passing point for navigators since antiquity, giving the landscape a rich and varied history. Throughout our journey we pass through quintessential Mallorca villages with whitewashed houses and gorgeous paths where you will hardly see a soul - that's the Serra de Tramuntana.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Serra de Tramuntana has been awarded this status in recognition of its unique Mediterranean agricultural landscape. A landscape that over the centuries has been transformed by humankind from a scarce resource into a 'productive and well-adapted settlement'. This has been achieved through a system of terraces and cobbled roads, combined with a network of devices for the management of water. The landscape illustrates the fascinating mix between the Muslim and Christian cultures. A combination of the Arabic water harvesting and management technology with the agricultural know-how and the territorial control system introduced by the Christian conquerors, who took over the island of Mallorca in 13th century AD.


Memories from our trip to Mallorca will stay with me forever. Walking along the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range during our point-to-point walk with its stunning views.  Moorish terraced hillsides… to cliff top viewing points that took our breath away…meticulous planning with great care taken for everyone’s needs which is why we keep coming back. It was our 8th trip with Tracks and Trails.

- Samantha, England, 2017

Itinerary

  • Today you arrive in the Balearic Islands ready to start your journey. You will most likely choose to fly to Palma de Mallorca, the capital. The city itself is worth a visit, and arriving a day early allows you to explore the shops and alleyways. From here, you need to travel west to the picturesque fishing village of Port d'Andratx, where we will spend the first two nights. 

  • This morning we begin with a stroll along the waterfront before the gentle climb through the villas to the high ground above the Port. Here we truly begin our walk as we enter the pine forests and take the mountain trail that will lead us eventually to Col de Sa Gramola. Today is a great introduction to the type of terrain we will find along the length of the Serra; dry rocky trails, hillsides studded with pines, and bushes, and views to a green sea. After reaching the Coll des Vent, we head northwards across the mountain side until we drop down to reach the lovely seaside village of Sant Elm where an ice cream stop is usually welcome! The village was the landing point of the Catalan expedition to conquest Mallorca in 1229. From here it's upwards to higher ground with fabulous views of the dragon shaped island of Sa Dragonera Natural Park. This uninhabited island off Mallorca's western tip was the focus for a turning point in local history in 1977, when it was occupied by environmentalists protesting against a planned tourist development. They won! Leaving the lizards of Sa Dragonera behind us our day continues high above the sea until we reach our final pass at Coll de Sa Gramola where we will be picked up by taxi and taken back to Port d'Andratx for a second night.

    Distance: 18km / 6hrs 

  • Setting off from the Coll de Sa Gramola we have a short downhill before our climb of the day into what feels like wild, unspoilt terrain. On the route we will pass remote farm houses and rocky pasture lands where the local people graze their flocks in the springtime. As with much of the Serra de Tramuntana there is a feeling that few hikers venture along today's trail, and it is unusual to meet other groups. The route is barely distinguishable, with just the occasional rocky cairn to indicate that we are still following the GR221. All the while the views stretch to the Mediterranean in the west, and to the mountains of the Serra to the north. Eventually, the path gains the ridgeline and we climb steadily to our high point of the day at 800m (2624ft). It provides time to reflect on the local name for the GR221 - Ruta de pedra en sec, Dry Stone Route - which pretty much sums it up! It owes its name to the local craft of constructing dry stone walls without the use of mortar, with the stones ordered according to a tried and tested technique. This method is used for houses, wells, underground springs, snow huts, paths, canals, tanks, and of course paths! We finish our day by traversing under the limestone peak of Moleta de S'Esclop, then dropping downwards to the village of Estellencs where we spend the night. The town is a typical jumble of houses between steep and narrow streets, really lovely.

    Distance: 15km / 5-6hrs 

  • Today is a gentle stage with panoramic views, and time to enjoy an old royal route that joined the towns of Estellencs and our destination at Esporles. We walk on paved and terraced bridle paths, passing stately homes of the nobility, such as Son Serralta, Es Rafal and Es Collet, and the other families who continue to be part of the history and economy of the area. Leaving the village of Estellencs via a steep descent, we take the trail towards Banyalbufar, working our way past the historic 'grand' houses of the past. An old stone opening leads us into the holm-oak wood and a well defined bridlepath. Holm-oaks, with their evergreen leaves, are to be found all over the Serra and provide welcome shade on hot summer days. We follow the line of the coast north-eastwards until we arrive at a pass offering splendid views of the Planicia valley, while in the background the peaks of the Serra - Punta de Soller, Sa Foradada, and Puig Major, which sits at 1445m (4739ft) and is the highest peak in Mallorca. Arriving at the beautiful terraced village of Banyalbufar is a highlight of today with its ancient houses and views to the sea. Easy to see why you would want to settle there! Leaving the village we climb east towards our destination at Esporles, enjoying the last of the 'Cami des Correu', the name given to the royal way which dates back to 1401.

    Distance: 15km / 5.5hrs 

  • Leaving the ancient village of Esporles we climb steadily this morning until La Mola de Son Pacs which gives a surprising diversity of habitats; limestone hills, deep watercourses, woods, rocky outcrops and fissures. In the past the woodland provided raw materials for road building, coal mining, lime working, as well as land and supplies for the shepherds, hunters, and lumberjacks. It's a true walk into history with a sense of prehistoric and Islamic times. Today is a slightly longer day. After our climb we are rewarded with views out to the sea and a cliff top resting point to reflect on our efforts! We continue through woodland, first keeping our height and then starting to descend. We have constant reminders of the land-use of previous generations. At the end of our descent we find the gorgeous village of Valldemossa where a coffee/ice-cream stop is a must! This is the village of composer Frédéric Chopin and Aurore Dupin. Aurore, a French novelist who wrote under the pseudonym George Sand, had a much publicized affair with Chopin. Valldemossa is without doubt a rather romantic village! From here we have another climb up and over the mountain to our destination at Deià, yet another 'gem' of a village.

    Distance: 20km / 6-7hrs 

  • We are in no rush to leave Deià with its typical steep narrow streets and ancient houses, as we have a short day of walking to our destination at Port de Sóller. Deià has been and still is a refuge for painters, writers and musicians, among them author Robert Graves who penned 'I,Claudius'. He spent much of his life in Deià and his mortal remains lie in the village cemetery. The cove at Deià is stunning with jade green and blue waters, and if you are an early riser a pre-breakfast stroll to the sea is to be recommended! Our walk today has views of the Llucalcari coastline, and the village of Deià itself which seems trapped in a time warp surrounded by palms and wild flower meadows. We aim to arrive at Port de Sóller by early afternoon, giving plenty of time to explore the Port, take a boat ride, or simply lie on the sandy beach and soak up the sun.

    Distance: 13km / 4hrs easy walking.

  • An easy start to a long day with a ride on the only operative tram in Mallorca, a true relic from the past, all mahogany and bass fittings! After a short journey we arrive in the town of Sóller, where we disembark and begin our hike. Its a lovely start to the day strolling the ancient streets and wandering through the adjoining villages, before we begin our climb through a spectacular rocky gorge. Much of the path is paved and feels ancient, passing as it does by the raised waterways and irrigation channels that for centuries have fed the pastures and communities. We follow the Barranc de Biniaraix, an old stone path made up of 2,000 stone steps, which leads us deep into the valley of Ofre, overlooked by the rock formation of the same name. Arriving at the Coll de L'Ofre we are rewarded with views to the green waters of the Cuber Reservoir below us, and views of the islands highest peak, Puig Major at 1445m (4739ft). After reaching our second pass of the day, the Coll des Coloms, we drop onto the south side of the Serra until we reach the ravine of the Torrent d'Almadra, where we climb a spectacular rocky ledge to ascend the Pas llis. A good handrail is in place which makes it easy! Contouring round the mountain we arrive at the very lovely Refugi Tossals Verds, a traditional stone mountain refuge set amid orchards. A fantastic place to spend the night.

    Distance: 24km / 6-7hrs

    No access to luggage tonight.

  • The way now crosses the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana: the limestone mountain range with its sculpted ridge lines, views to the sea, and the fascinating 'snow huts' built into the mountain. Today we have the big peaks - the Puig Major, which is the highest mountain in Mallorca, but is not accessible due to a military installation on its summit, and the one we will be aiming to climb, Puig de Massenella, the highest trekking peak at 1364m (4473ft). Leaving the Rifugio we have a steady climb towards our high pass along ancient trails, and past natural fountains, through the oak woods until we break off the trail and head for our summit. The route to the peak of Puig de Massanella is rocky and rugged and requires some easy scrambling. If you wish to 'sit out' the climb you can enjoy time at the pass, though we would urge you do the mountain as the views from the summit are truly spectacular. It's back down to the Coll de n'Argento and then we begin our route to the Monastery of Lluc where we will spend the night. The Monastery, dating to the 13th century, is unique in the Serra de Tramuntana and it is a rather special place to spend the evening. En route there are up to twelve examples of the traditional 'snow huts', Les Cases de Neu, where the snow was collected during the winter and then stored for many months. In Mallorca the first reference to obtaining ice from snow was recorded in 1564! 

    Distance: 15km / 5hrs 

  • The Monastery of Lluc has long been considered the spiritual heart of Mallorca, and before we leave we hope that you have found time to learn about the history and culture of an island people. So, leaving the tranquility of the Monastery behind us we begin today's walk. It is a gentler walk than previous days, and begins by climbing through the oak woods, to the Son Amer Refuge: another fine example of the stonework of the local craftsmen, and which has connections dating back to the Templar Knights. On our way through the forest we see further fine examples of stonework, in particular the 17th century raised irrigation canal of the S'Ermita spring. A reminder of the importance of the ability to channel water to the fields and the livestock. We finish our GR221 of the Serra de Tramuntana by walking along the river valley to the ancient town of Pollença. The town is situated between two small hills: the Calvari with its 365 steps that takes you to the oratory that crowns it, and Mount Maria at 325m (1066ft). The town is very lively and is a great place to spend our final overnight.

    Distance: 18km / 5hrs 

  • This morning we take a private transfer to Palma airport, which is included in your trip fee. We will aim to arrive at the airport for 1000hrs. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your flight departure times. If all guests are due to fly out later in the day then we can consider a later transfer to the airport. Otherwise, you are welcome to take the local bus service at a time which suits you. You may choose to spend another night in Palma, or extend your trip for a few days on the beach!

It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.

Accommodation

On all our trips we always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. In many cases we have known the management for years, and it’s like visiting friends. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin bedroom sharing with someone of the same gender. 

However, on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure a single room as these are always limited in number. Please contact us for details.

On this trip the accommodation will be in twin rooms in characterful family run hotels ranging from 2* to 4* depending on the location. There will be one night in a beautiful mountain refugi at Tossals Verds where accommodation will be in mixed gender dormitory style rooms, this is quite normal in the mountains and is all part of the experience. Please note that the Spanish title of 'Hostal' simply means hotel, and should not be confused with the English word 'Hostel'!

Hotel Catalina Vera, Port d'Andratx

Hotel

We spend two nights in this lovely hotel be the sea. The Hotel Catalina Vera is in a great location just a few minutes walk from the seafront and the bars and restaurants of this characterful Mallorca port. The hotel has comfortable rooms with sea or garden views, and each room has its own balcony or terrace. The double bedrooms are en suite, as are some of the single rooms.

This family run hotel was set up by the pioneering and enterprising family Suau-Vera in 1943, when there was still no accommodation establishment in Port d'Andratx. The family managed the Hotel until 1971 and then left it to their descendants Suau-Alemany.

Hotel Maristel, Estellencs

Hotel

The 4* Hotel Maristel is a traditional Mediterranean-style building situated woodland in the hills. Many of the rooms have sea or mountain views, are all en suite, often with marble floors, and with a terrace or balcony. The hotel also has a spa with a swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and jacuzzi. The bedrooms all have air conditioning. 

S'Hostal d'Esporles, Esporles

Hotel

S'Hostal d'Esporles is one of the eight ancient hotels of Mallorca and one of our favourites. It is historic and has been renovated in a way that has retained its original character, and it retains a feeling of yesteryear. Don't worry it is also very comfortable!  All the rooms are en suite, there is a terrace, garden, and a jacuzzi. 

S'Hostal d'Esporles used to be known as "Son Trienes" because of its location and it became a meeting place and accommodation for peasants and merchants traveling to Palma to negotiate their produce and livestock. Today the restaurant serves local dishes using the products and tastes of Mallorca. Seafood often features on the menu with Cod Mallorquina the speciality of the house. 

Hostal Villaverde, Deià

Hotel

This lovely hotel in the ancient village of Deià is one of the best preserved on the island. It is family run and has wonderful views to the sea. The bedrooms are decorated in traditional Mallorcan style and have en suite facilities. There is a bar, and terrace for enjoying an evening drink as the sunsets. Tonight we will have the opportunity to eat out in the village. 

Hotel Miramar, Port Sóller

Hotel

The Hotel Miramar is a fully renovated and cosy hotel located in the port of Sóller. It is right be the sea and has a lovely terrace where you can enjoy the views. The rooms are en suite, and many have sea or mountain views. There is a bar-restaurant right next to the marina where you can watch the world go by.  There is also a spa area with sauna and jacuzzi. 

Refugi Tossals Verds

Refuge

The Refugi, which is simply Spanish for 'refuge', sits at 525m (1722ft) in the heart of the Tossals Verds park in the Serra de Tramuntana. It is an excellent example of the dry-stone construction of traditional buildings in the mountains. The Refugi, which dates back to the 19th century, has a small restaurant, bar and a garden. Accommodation is dormitory style, the only night we have mixed rooms, but some private bedrooms are available. Please let us know if you would like us to secure you a private room. This requires early booking and incurs a small supplement. 

St Lluc Monastery

Auberge

Overlooked by the Puig de Massanella mountain, the highest trekking peak in Mallorca, the St Lluc Monastery is a haven of tranquility and contemplation. When we walk off the trail and into the stone paved courtyard it really does feel as though we have arrived somewhere a 'little different' to our normal accommodation. The Monastery has been an integral part of Mallorca life for many centuries. 

The bedrooms are not exactly monastic! The rooms are bright, and spacious and all have private bathrooms and central heating, with several offering wonderful views to the mountains. The restaurant at the Monastery serves Mallorcan cuisine, and the grounds hold a Museum where you can learn about Mallorcan life and culture, and there is also a Botanic Garden. 

Hotel L'Hostal, Pollença

Hotel L’Hostal, our accommodation in Pollença is situated in the heart of this ancient town with easy access to all the shops, bars, and restaurants. A great location for our final night in Mallorca. It's bedrooms are en suite and modern, but retaining traditional Mallorcan style. The residents of Pollença, also written Pollenca or Pollensa, are primarily islanders. Cafe life is the rule here, and our hotel is ideally situated on the Plaça Major!

The hotel is actually in a building where, in the past, horses used to rest while their merchant owners, supplied the marketplace with their goods. Although the building and all the equipment have been renovated, the hotel still retains the building’s original name and its original spirit of being a place of welcome.


  • Arrival

    If choosing to travel by air you can fly to Palma de Mallorca, often known simply as Palma, from a range of international airports. Flights are usually frequent from the major cities of Europe. Palma is in Spain! If you are planning to drive you can take a ferry from mainland Spain. Once you have arrived at Palma, you will travel to our meeting point in the lovely Port d'Andratx. There are regular buses to Port d'Andratx - you can take a bus/taxi from the airport to the main bus station in Palma and from there it is approximately 1h15 to Port d'Andratx. Buses are regular throughout the day and timetables can be found here. The bus timetable required is no. 102. They run approximately every hour, and sometimes every half hour. Please reconfirm bus times a month prior to travel.

    Private Airport Taxis can be booked for about 65 Euros from Palma Airport to Port Andratx for up to 4 people, book here.

    Information about Palma Airport can be viewed here

    Departure

    This morning we take a private transfer from Pollença to Palma airport, which is included in your trip fee. We will aim to arrive at the airport for 1000hrs. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your flight departure times. If all guests are due to fly out later in the day then we can consider a later transfer to the airport. Otherwise, you are welcome to take the local bus service at a time which suits you. You may choose to spend another night in Palma, or extend your trip for a few days on the beach! Bus timetables can be found here.

  • It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip. 

    Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.

    We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.

    If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.

    You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip. 

    If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.

    For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.

  • When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

    Equipment

    • Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
    • Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
    • Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
    • Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
    • Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
    • Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
    • Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers

    Clothing

    • Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
    • Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
    • Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
    • Shorts/skort
    • Sun hat
    • Warm hat
    • Hat - sunhat
    • Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
    • Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
    • Fleece jacket/shirt
    • Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
    • Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
    • Thermal leggings - optional

    Comfort

    • Sunscreen
    • Lip salve
    • Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
    • Tissues
    • Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
    • Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers
    • Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
    • Book/Kindle/Music

    Documentation

    • Passport, plus a paper copy
    • Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
    • Travel Insurance
    • Credit Card
    • Cash - Euros
    • Waterproof bag for documents

    Personal First Aid

    • Personal medication - if required
    • Antiseptic cream/spray
    • Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
    • Glucose tablets
    • 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
    • A few throat lozenges
    • Blister plasters 
    • Blister tape eg. Strappal
    • Bandaid plasters

    Items for the night at the Refugi Tossals Verds

    • Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet provided
    • Ear plugs - optional, but advised
    • Head torch - plus batteries
    • Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so
    • Toiletries – miniature soap/toothpaste etc 

    Additional Items

    • Camera
    • Slippers for use in refugi/accommodation 
    • Clothing for use at accommodation
    • Travel Kettle - if required
    • Hair dryer - if required 
    • Padlock - for luggage being transferred
    • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these

    **Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

    Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

  • On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.

    The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. 

    If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. 

    Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.

  • After we have processed your booking we will send you a comprehensive clothing and equipment list that is appropriate to your trip and activity. There will be some items on this list that we strongly recommend and others which are suggested. Our list is based on our experience of what is needed for any particular trip, but it is not the definitive article! If you have items you like to use then do bring them, but be aware of over-loading your 'day' rucksack with items that are heavy and therefore making the trip more challenging.

    Please contact us if in any doubt about what to bring.

  • For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page. 

    We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.

  • When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £375. 

  • We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

    Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

    For our walking, family, and snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. For our running trips your guide will be an International Mountain Leader, and an experienced mountain 'trail runner'.

    If you have booked on a cross country ski trip you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.

  • On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all but one of the nights, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the night you are in the mountain Refugi at Tossals Verds you will need to carry a few extra items in your rucksack.

    As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.

  • We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you choose and buy what you require. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills. 

    Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. 

    Each evening you can choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.

  • On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

    We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

    The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

  • In Mallorca, which is in the Balearic Islands, in Spain, the summers are short, warm, humid, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are long, cold, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 5°Celsius (41°F) to 30°Celsius (86°F) and is rarely below 1°Celsius (34°F) or above 33°Celsius (92°F).

    In the months when we run our trips the temperatures are great for hiking. In May the temperatures range from 15°Celsius (59°F) to 23°Celsius (73.2°F) and in September between 20°Celsius (68°F) to 28°Celsius (82.4°F).

  • It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

    On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

  • Food

    On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region. 

    If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.

    If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.

    If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.

    Water

    The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly. 

  • A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

  • We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

    http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

    Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera. 

  • Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your  departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.

    For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

  • We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.

    You can read our full policy here.

  • Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case. 

  • Due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. These are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards in terms of the service we offer our guests. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means that your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements.

    There may be occasions when our partners have helped book your accommodation and organise the logistics for your trip. On these occasions your hotel may have recorded your room reservation in the name of one of our partners. 

    We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same package as Tracks and Trails Ltd. The price will be the same, though occasionally they may be operating in a different currency. Your itinerary and the items that are included, or not included in your trip fee, will also be the same. 

    We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. If you have any questions about this policy please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you. 


Prices may vary depending on date.

What's Included

  • The services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader
  • Eight nights half board accommodation in 2/3* hotels; breakfast and dinner, based on two sharing
  • Night in the world famous Monastery of Lluc, very comfortable and with modern facilities
  • Night in a traditional Mallorcan mountain refuge at Tossals Verds, dormitory style accommodation
  • Transfer back to Palma airport from Pollenca at the end of your trip
  • Daily transfer of your luggage
  • Tracks and Trails memento - a gift to take home!

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Picnic lunches
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Transfer to Port d'Andratx
  • Sheet sleeping bag and lightweight towel when staying in the mountain hut but these can be ordered and paid for separately

Memories from our trip to Mallorca will stay with me forever. Walking along the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range during our point-to-point walk with its stunning views.  Moorish terraced hillsides… to cliff top viewing points that took our breath away…meticulous planning with great care taken for everyone’s needs which is why we keep coming back. It was our 8th trip with Tracks and Trails.

- Samantha, England, 2017
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Grade: Intermediate

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At a Glance

From Price £0
Holiday Type Walking
Duration 10 Days
Group Size 10
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 1365m (4477ft)
Countries Visited Spain
View all Walking Holidays

Hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana

Mallorca: Mountains and Sea

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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