Walking in Mallorca

Arrive in Esporles, a laid back village in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. Esporles was established by the Moors and has maintained much of its original charm and blonde stone buildings.



For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Espores at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which is around 20 minutes' drive . Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to take a drink in the square, soaking up the scenery. For our first four nights we stay in the rustic Hostal Esporles, once a former Inn for travelling merchants. The comfortable rooms with beamed ceilings have maintained their traditional features and come complete with modern necessities including air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.

This morning we drive to the authentic coastal village of Banyalbufar. We follow the Postman's Trail, historically the daily route taking mail from Palma to the north west of the island. Ascending out of Banyalbufar past ancient terraces divided by dry stone walls, we are rewarded with fantastic sea views. Walking towards the mountains we pass ancient olive trees and enter a holm oak wood following the cobbled path into Esporles.



The food of this area has a distinct Castilian-Leonese influence, tonight you could try suckling pig at Mesón La Villa restaurant, said to be one of the best on the island!



Today's seven kilometre walk is expected to take around three hours with 400 metres of ascent and descent.

After breakfast we travel by taxis or bus to the attractive hilltop town of Valldemossa. From here we take a circular walk along the stone path known as the Archduke's Trail, part of which was laid by Archduke Ludwig Salvador of Austria who owned the local estate in the 19th century. The path passes a number of lime kilns and charcoal stoves giving us an insight into rural life, as well as stunning coastal views.



Arriving back to Valldemossa, depending on timings, you could wander the tree-lined cobbled streets past art galleries and cafes to see the Real Cartuja (Monastery) before heading back to Esporles.



Today's 11 kilometre walk is expected to take around three-and-a-half hours with 550 metres of ascent and descent.

Today has been left free for you to relax in Esporles or explore the area further independently. You could take a taxi to visit the Island's capital Palma or from Soller take the historic tram to Port de Soller.



There is also the option of taking a dramatic coastal walk from Deia village to Port de Soller. This 11 kilometre linear walk is expected to take around five hours with 300 metres of ascent and 540 metres of descent.

Following one of the oldest pilgrimage trails on the island, we start our walk from Lluc passing through shady woodland, with the imposing north face of Tomir looming over us. As the path starts to descend, we get our first stunning view of Pollenca, built a few kilometres from the sea to protect against pirate attacks, and the port beyond. Entering denser woodland, the steep, scree covered slopes of Tomir tower even nearer as we continue our descent. Finally we join a small lane going past pretty cottages and fields of almond and orange trees, a serene farming landscape with the mountain range rising majestically behind. As we approach the main road into Pollenca we meet our bus and continue to Cala Ratjada on the northeastern point of Mallorca.



Cala Ratjada is an old fishing port, that still plays an important role in Mallorca's economy. Today the port is an attractive harbour with a coastal promenade winding to sand beaches and coves. Our hotel in Cala Ratjada is the family run, Amoros, located a 10- minute walk from the beach. Each room has its own balcony or terrace and there is an outdoor swimming pool.



Today's 12.5 kilometre walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 200 metres of ascent and 600 metres of descent.

Today we head to the Parc Natural de Llevant. Covering the majority of the Arta Peninsula the Parc is home to many species that are endemic to the Balearic Islands. We make a circular walk in the protected Parc, through olive, almond, fig and carob trees as well as dwarf palms. Exploring the Serra de Llevant, we climb to the summit Puig de Sa Creu (486m) for views to the coast. On this rocky summit there's not only a cross but also a box inviting you to leave a message behind. Returning to the edge of the Parc we take taxis to the small town of Artà and from here return to Cala Ratjada by public bus.



After you've worked up an appetite, in the evening you can savor Mediterranean cuisine back in Cala Ratjada overlooking the sea; the area is known for its fresh seafood.



Today's nine kilometre walk is expected to take around three hours with 350 metres of ascent and descent.

Today's walk starts directly from our hotel. Leaving the town our first stop of the day is Cala Agulla, a large golden sand beach surrounded by pine trees. Continuing along a wooded path flanked by mountains we approach the beautiful Cala Mesquida beach. From here a rocky trail leads us onto Cala Torta and then Cala Mitjana, the final beach stop and a chance for a dip in the turquoise waters. We take a different route inland to return on foot to Cala Ratjada.



Today's 13 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 220 metres of ascent and descent.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cala Ratjada.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Cala Ratjada at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), around one hours drive away.