Mallorca: The GR221

Port d’Alcúdia is a popular resort town and holiday destination on the northeast coast of Mallorca. After settling into your accommodation, you can warm up for your upcoming hike on the GR221 with a leisurely stroll along the sandy promenade.

Overnight: Port d’Alcúdia.

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 630 m | Descent: 250 m | 4½ hrs approx.

Your day begins with a short transfer to Pollença, from where you follow a historic pilgrimage route through a verdant valley of almond and olive trees towards Lluc monastery. You are soon introduced to the impressive Tramuntana mountains, and you will enjoy views of the Puig Tomir – the highest peak in the northern part of the mountain range at 1,104 metres. More adventurous hikers can even take a detour to climb to the summit. Your last section to the monastery takes you through holly oak forests with stupendous views back towards the coast.

Overnight: Lluc Monastery.

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 830 m | Descent: 780 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today’s route leads you along historic terraced paths. As you ascend into the mountains, you will pass some old pits that were once used to store snow in the winter. Continuing across an almost alpine mountain landscape, you will reach the Coll des Prat mountain pass. This is the highest point of your route, situated at 1,200 m elevation at the foot of the mighty Puig de Massanella. The Coll is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the view to the neighbouring island of Menorca. From the pass, the path leads you past an old spring to the beautifully located mountain hut Refugi Tossal Verds where you will spend the night.

Overnight: Refugi Tossal Verds, Escorca.

Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 770 m | Descent: 1,250 m | 6 hrs approx.

You are now in the the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, surrounded by the highest peaks on the island. Fragrant rosemary- and juniper bushes accompany your path around the Tossal-Verds massif all the way to the Gorg Blau and Cuber reservoirs. At the Pass de L´Ofre, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the lakes and peaks of the Tramuntana. Along the route to Sóller, you follow the terraced path through the impressive gorge of Biniaraix. You finally descend to the Sóller Valley, where you are surrounded by fragrant citrus fruits. It is worth spending some time exploring the old streets of Sóller before taking the old tram to your coastal accommodation in Port Sóller.

Overnight: Port Sóller.

Distance: 24 km | Ascent: 1,310 m | Descent: 900 m | 8½ hrs approx.

The longest stage of the GR 221, but also one of the most beautiful. From Port Sollér, the path leads you along Mallorca’s wild and romantic west coast. You can enjoy countless panoramic views – onto the glistening Mediterranean Sea, the jagged cliffs and the Tramuntana mountains in the background. The landscape and light of the Mediterranean are at their most glorious here, which explains the attraction of this area to artists ever since it was “discovered” by 20^th century landscape painters.

As you reach the secluded cove of Cala Deia, we highly recommend sampling the local tapas in the tavern situated on the cliff face above the sea before continuing along the panoramic Archduke’s Trail (Camí de s’Arxiduc) to Valldemossa. Upon reaching Valldemossa, you can walk in the footsteps of Chopin through the busy alleyways of this beautiful, honey-coloured mountain village.

Overnight: Valldemossa.

Distance: 17 km | Ascent: 690 m | Descent: 980 m | 6 hrs approx.

You begin today by following the old postal route Cami des Correu via a rocky mountain crest to the charming little mountain village of Esporles. At the country estate La Granja you can experience how people lived and worked on the island in the olden days. This area was inhabited and cultivated by the Moors in the 10^th century, who created around 2000 terraces on the mountain slopes and a sophisticated irrigation system of aqueducts which still work today.  Uniquely beautiful is the descent to Banyalbufar, featuring endless terraced gardens which were known as “the Gardens at the Sea” by the Moors. This historic town offers wonderful views of the surrounding olive groves and the azure-blue Mediterranean.

Overnight: Banyalbufar.

Distance: 22 km | Ascent: 760 m | Descent: 720 m | 7 hrs approx.

Via the terraced gardens of Banyalbufar, the GR 221 takes you past olive groves and through pretty country estates into the rustic village of Estellencs, situated on the slopes of mount Puig de Galatzó. This is an ideal spot for a lunch break, with many inviting cafés and taverns. The second part of your route takes you first along the coast, before you ascend to the Coll des Pinotells. You then descend once again to the tranquil valley of Es Capdella. An included transfer will take you from there to your accommodation in the chic coastal town of Port d’Andratx.

Overnight: Port d’Andratx / surroundings

Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 480 m | Descent: 830 m | 6 hrs approx.

Your last walk on the GR 221 is a fittingly panoramic finale. A short morning transfer takes you to the start of your route at the Coll de sa Gramola. From here, you proceed to the former Trappist monastery of La Trapa. This is a day of truly wonderful coastal vistas, with the spectacular view over the ‘dragon island’ La Dragonera a particular highlight. As you reach the charming coastal village of Sant Elm, you can refresh yourself with a dip at the beach before following yet another scenic path back to Port d’Andratx

Overnight: Port d’Andratx / surroundings

Your walking holiday on Mallorca’s GR 221 comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.