Explore the Island of Majorca on a Hiking Adventure

The mild Mediterranean climate and the beautiful, mountainous Majorcan landscape makes the island an ideal destination to explore for all levels of hiking enthusiasts

From trails for those who want a more relaxed experience, to routes for the most seasoned of hikers, Majorca offers a wide variety of signposted itineraries which allow visitors to discover the island’s natural and cultural heritage in all its splendour. Majorca Tourism Foundation recommends the different types of trails available to visitors to the island, such as the “Pedra en Sec” route, coastal itineraries and trails suitable for the whole family.

“Pedra en Sec” Route

The “Pedra en Sec” (GR 221) route, spanning over 100 kilometres, is an open, signposted route that is divided into different stages. Most of this long distance trail runs along the picturesque “Serra de Tramuntana” mountain range, which has been declared by UNESCO as a cultural landscape World Heritage Site.

This itinerary allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the mountain range which boasts natural landmarks of holm oak groves, pine forests and areas of Mediterranean scrubland. Stone paths, dry-stone-constructed walls, terraces, water wheels, old farm houses and lime or coal ovens are all examples of mankind’s influence on the Majorcan landscape, which intertwines with the countryside.

Coastal trails

Extensive sandy beaches, hidden coves and rocky cliffs are some of the elements that make up the varied landscape of the Majorcan shoreline, providing each of the coastal itineraries with spectacular scenery for hiking. Rich in history, these trails feature landmarks of historical interest, such as the old defence towers built in the 16th and 17th centuries or the Necropolis of Son Real (7th century BC), which is found only in Majorca, unique to the rest of the western Mediterranean.

In addition to taking in the scenery, visitors can conclude their itinerary with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of one of Majorca’s beautiful coves or beaches.  Visiting the lighthouses is another option to consider. Many of them are located in places of spectacular beauty such as the “Peninsula of Formentor”, the cliffs of “Cap Blanc” or the unspoilt coast of “Cap de ses Salines ”, among many others. A highlight for hiking enthusiasts is “Can Picafort”, located in the Bay of Alcúdia between two protected natural areas, as it is home to the first Nordic walking park in Spain.

Hiking fun for the whole family

Majorca also offers its visitors itineraries that are great for the whole family to enjoy its spectacular landscape, such as the “Cala de Deià” trail. The route stretches over 4-kilometres and allows visitors to discover the popular architecture of the “Serra de Tramuntana” along the way. Traditional staggered village houses, mills, wash houses, terraced fields and paths line the trail ending in “Cala de Deià ”. This quaint cove is adorned with old fishermen’s huts and dry docks that offer visitors a refreshing swim during the summer months.

The island’s countryside, rich in cultural heritage, is another option for hiking with the family. A mixture of cereal fields, vineyards, almond, olive and carob trees, interspersed by farmhouses, mills, huts and cisterns amongst dense holm oaks, pine forests and extensive areas of Mediterranean shrubbery. In the hinterland you will find lesser-known hiking routes which are generally easier and more suitable for the whole family.

news