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 rural hotel on the edge of the village. (Medium: 4¾ hrs walking (allow 6¼ hrs), 14 km (9 miles), CUSs 740m)

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 walking (allow 5 hrs), 9¾ km (6 miles), CUSs 485m)

Day 4 - Banyalbufar to Esporles

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. 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 walking (allow 3¾ hrs), 7½ km (4½ miles), CUSs 400m)

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: 5¼ hrs walking (allow 7 hrs), 11 km (7 miles), 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: 8½ hrs walking (allow 11¼ hrs), 20½km (13 miles), CUSs 1070m).

Day 6 - Soller circuit, or rest day

A day of choices depending on your energy levels. You could simply spend the day in Soller exploring the town and the port, using the tram that links the two. In addition, you can try one of Jes’s suggested short and easy walks around this lovely valley.

Really experienced walkers (good weather only) can try the full Fornalutx circuit which, starting up the canyon known as the “Barrancs de Biniaraix”, climbs to the Col de l’Ofre, winds its way north across the mountain top and then descends steeply through the Portell de Sa Costa to Soller. A steep and tricky descent in places, over some scree and fallen trees, but worth it for the spectacular views. (Hard: 6¼ hrs walking (allow 8¼ hrs), 11 km (7 miles), CUSs 900m. Add a gentle 80 mins if starting from, and ending in, Sóller).

Day 7 - 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 walking (allow 7¼ hrs), 17 km (10½ miles), CUSs 555m)

Day 8 - Alaro Circuit

A celebratory circuit from Alaro, taking in its castle perched precariously on the cliff edge. The path winds up to the hidden Orient Valley, before climbing up to the castle ruins, with spectacular views across the mountain peaks. Don’t miss Es Verger restaurant (closed Mondays from October to May), famed for its slow roasted lamb cooked to a traditional recipe (and where sheep roam freely!), before a gentle descent back to Alaro for your last night. (Medium-hard: 5¾ hrs walking (allow 7¾ hrs), 18 km (11½ miles), CUSs 700m. Shorter/easier version Medium: 4¾ hrs walking (allow 6¼ hrs), 15 km (9½ miles), CUSs 600m)