Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Email: [email protected]

Mallorca – 6 nights Where the mountains meet the Mediterranean

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/mallorca-palma-and-the-serra-de-tramuntana/mallorca-6-nights/

Route Summary

At a glance

6 nights (5 days walking) - one night in each hotel, missing the two circular walks from Soller and Alaro.

How much walking?

Full days: 7½-23km per day, 2¾ - 8½ hrs walking Using shortening options: 7½-17km per day, 2¾ - 5½hrs

Max. Grade:

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This stunning walk shows to perfection two unspoilt faces of the island of Mallorca. Spend an evening in the relaxed and historic capital – Palma – and explore its labyrinthine streets, palace courtyards, art museums and elaborate cathedral before heading for the hills – the mountains. These limestone mountains form a dramatic landscape of peaks and deep valleys, largely undiscovered except by walkers. The fauna and flora are undisturbed and early spring (late January/early February) walkers can have the added bonus of almond blossom time.

Route Highlights

● Sophisticated Palma and its gothic cathedral ● Winter blossoming orchards and orchids ● The Postman’s Path and the quirky La Granja museum ● The Archduke’s Path to Deia ● The alleys and restaurants of Soller ● Alaro Castle ruins and Es Verger restaurant for your finale ● Mallorcan warmth and hospitality ● Birdwatching during spring and autumn migration

We Recommend

Why not spend an extra night in Soller and hire a bike from Tramuntana Tours. Explore the Soller valley and its byways, ride down to Port Soller for a swim.

Grading

Full days: 7½-23km per day, 2¾ - 8½ hrs walking Using shortening options: 7½-17km per day, 2¾ - 5½hrs Well-marked paths and good signage; Valdemossa to Soller hard, scrambling, vertiginous for some (both avoidable). Highest point on route: 900m.

Medium: Full route: Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 582m per day (400m-800m). Using shortening options: CUSs 567m per day (400m-725m)

GPX file available for handheld GPS or smartphone App for complete route (except optional Soller circuits)

Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.

page 2/9 When to go

The best months to walk: March, April, May, October, November

Other possible months: January, February, June, September

This is a route that can be walked throughout the autumn, winter (except December) and spring, though the summer is too hot. The last two weeks in January and the first two in February are almond blossom time. However, the island is green - because it can rain at any time, particularly in the winter months - so make sure you are properly equipped. The wettest month is October, with heavy showers, often interspersed with sunshine. In low season (November, January and February) it can be difficult to find a full choice of restaurants open (especially in when it's best to be there on Thu, Fri and Sat) but there should be something open in every village every night, though you won't necessarily have a full gastronomic experience. Avoid Easter (we won't be able to get you in).

Note: from April to September the route is busy and it is normally not possible to arrange one-night stays in Estellencs and (nights 2 and 3). Instead walkers normally stay two nights in Banyalbufar and use the local bus to enable all described walking to be done.

Please note: date ranges shown are for a 'normal' year. While Covid-19 restrictions remain, please contact us to discuss your plans and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival day

Arrive in Palma and check into your hotel. Stroll around the town, visit the Gothic cathedral and why not try tapas before dinner?

Day 2 - Es Capdella to Estellencs

After a short taxi transfer to the village of Es Capdella, your first walk begins gently enough as it passes the Finca Galatzo (a historic estate house well worth a visit) and then winds its way up to the head of the Galatxo Valley, for views of the Med. It’s then down to Estellencs for a night in a boutique hotel on the edge of the village. ( Medium: 4¾ hrs, 14km, CUSs 670m)

Day 3 - Estellencs to Banyalbufar

Explore rural Tramuntana by heading off the GR 221 for a short while to pass the Font de s’Obi and the Planicia estate before finally descending to lovely Penny’s hotel in Banyalbufar. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the village and tasting Banyalbufar's unique Malvasia wine. (Easy-medium: 3¾ hrs, 10km, CUSs 485m)

page 3/9 Day 4 - Banyalbufar to

Note: the GR221 between Esporles and Valldemossa is currently closed, and there is no alternative path, so a transfer is at present necessary between Esporles and Valldemossa. We are working with the Mallorcan authorities to reopen the route. Until then, the time saved walking will give you a chance to relax and explore Banyalbufar and its ancient terraces, and the cultural town of Valldemossa.

A steep climb up from Banyalbufar over its ancient terraces is rewarded by a wonderful woodland path, the ‘Cami des Correu’ (The Postman’s Path), all the way to Esporles. En route you’ll pass La Granja museum and restaurant and here we highly recommend a visit. After a short taxi ride to Valldemossa, visit its monastery (N.B. Closed Nov, Dec and Jan and Sundays), home to Chopin and George Sand or just relax on your hotel terrace. ( Easy-medium: 2¾ hrs, 10km, CUSs 485m)

Day 5 - Valldemossa to Soller

It’s said that rewards come only after some effort and, following a stiff climb out of Valldemossa, there can be no greater prize than the amazing 360 degree views from the Archduke’s trail perched high atop the ridge. It’s then a spectacular descent into Deia, a picturesque village, once home to Robert Graves, and a perfect stop for lunch. ( Medium-hard: 11km, 5¼ hrs, CUSs 690m). You can then bus to the fine old town of Soller, worthy in itself of an afternoon perambulation; or, if you’re hardy try a longish ramble through undulating Mallorcan countryside before joining the ‘Cami de Rocafort’ down to Soller (Full route Hard: 20½km, 8½ hrs, CUSs 1070m).

Day 6 - Cuber to Alaro

Continue on with a short transfer (included) to Cuber lake. From there, it’s an easy walk to the Tossals Verd refuge along mountain trails past Gorg Blau, whilst enjoying some very dramatic views. The walk then takes you through the magnificent Sollerich estate and then gently downhill into Alaro, with its bustling village square, lined with excellent restaurants. (Medium: 5½ hrs, 17km, CUSs 555m)

page 4/9 Travel Information

ARRIVING BY AIR

The only airport on Mallorca is Palma. Best intercontinental flights involve a change at Barcelona (daily flights to Palma).

Land by: No limitations

Return flight earliest: No limitations

Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.

For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.

See “Getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

For a shorter holiday option, consider starting or ending at Soller (train conection with Palma).

Getting to the start of the walk

Getting to the start of the walk: The first hotel is in the capital Palma, and the last in the village of Alaro.

PALMA AIRPORT:

Outward: shuttle bus 20 minutes, or taxi from rank direct to hotel. Pay locally. Return: taxi from Alaro to airport (40 mins) included in holiday price.

Full transfer advice, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.

page 5/9 Where You'll Stay

This route is a little upmarket in terms of accommodation, all hotels being “boutique” in the best sense of the word, from the Hotel San Lorenzo in Palma, through two little gems in Estellencs and Banyalbufar (try the paella at the latter) and to Es Petit at Valldemossa (spectacular views). Petit Hotel Alaro is a fitting finale.

Note: from April to September the route is busy and it is normally not possible to arrange one-night stays in Estellencs and Banyalbufar (nights 2 and 3). Additionally in December and January our Estellencs hotel is closed. Instead walkers normally stay two nights in Banyalbufar and use the local bus to enable all described walking to be done. See 7 night option.

Night 1 Palma – Hotel San Lorenzo (B&B)

Boutique hotel, with pool, in the fishermen's quarter of the old town.

Night 1(Upgrade) Palma – Hotel Sant Francesc (B&B)

A restored 19th-century mansion, renovated to 5-star luxury, in the heart of the historic centre of Palma. Rooftop pool.

Night 2 Estellencs – Sa Plana (B&B)

Bijou historic pension, with pool, on the edge of the village, under Paquita's expert eye. Husband Tomeu is a winemaker. Closed Nov to Jan incl.

page 6/9 Night 3 Banyalbufar – Hotel Son Borguny (B&B)

A pretty little hotel with the enthusiastic Penny as host. Excellent kitchen with local specialities.

Night 4 Valldemossa – Es Petit Hotel (B&B)

Best hotel in the village. Great views from the terrace. Gonzalo is a fine host.

Night 5 Soller – Can Isabel (B&B)

Beautifully furnished townhouse. Closed Nov to Feb incl.

Night 5(Upgrade) Soller – Cal Bisbe (B&B)

International style hotel in the centre of the town. Pool.

page 7/9 Night 6 Alaro – Petit Hotel Alaro (B&B)

Completely renovated former Finca Rustica in the heart of Alaro, with pool.

Night 6(Upgrade) Alaro – Hotel El Nido (B&B)

Tastefully refurbished, family run B&B in a quiet street in Alaro with pretty garden and pool.

More hotels in Palma Palma has plenty of choice, as you can imagine, and we have sought out the ‘best of the rest’ as alternatives to those mentioned above.

The Hotel Icon Roseto (below) is a contemporary boutique hotel in the historic city centre, with a rooftop pool. The Calatrava Boutique Hotel and Hotel Can Cera both have great views of the Bay of Palma, along with spa facilities.

Prices

Price: £975

Total 6 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts, transfer to start of first walk and from Alaro to airport (or Palma) at the end, luggage transfers between all hotels on walking route; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.

All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in April. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.

Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £285 Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £275 Large Party Saving (LPS): Groups of more than 2 people (on an identical itinerary, on the same booking and booked at the same time) – discount of at least £45 per person Maximum party size: 10

page 8/9 Add Ons

Extra nights in any hotel: Check with On Foot Holidays (seasonal pricing applies)

Upgrade hotels available in Palma and Soller: Check with On Foot Holidays (seasonal pricing applies)

Guiding services by Jesca Scott: Price on application

Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK: £10-£40 (per pack, location dependent)

On Foot Holidays Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Griffin House, Malthouse Lane, Email: [email protected] Salisbury, SP2 7RF, United Kingdom

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