The best hiking routes in the Balearic Islands

READ ALSO: The best trekking routes in Spain".

Monuments, cities, towns, villages, natural spaces and above all incredible beaches are just some of the things the Balearic Islands have to offer. No wonder, then, that practising hiking in the Balearic Islands is one of the most attractive proposals for locals and tourists alike, as the routes are as varied as they are beautiful. Although hiking in general has had an important boom in recent years, in the Balearic Islands in particular it has gained many followers who decide to get away from the routine by enjoying the tranquillity, the views and the idyllic walks offered by its trails.

Mallorca

GR221 - The Dry-stone Route

This guide describes the GR221, a 140 km long-distance footpath through the northwest of Mallorca, from Port d'Andratx to Pollença and Andratx. Also known as the 'Ruta de Pedra en Sec', the GR221 is a celebration of Mallorca's limestone heritage, taking in numerous historic dry-stone structures as it traverses the rocky peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana. Following ancient tarmac and mule trails, it showcases the region's beautiful landscape of mountains, forests and cultivated terraces, as well as its spectacular coastline.

With a favourable climate and breathtaking scenery, the Serra de Tramuntana landscape, the Serra de Tramuntana has a lot to tempt the hiker. hiker. The Dry Stone Route GR221 is an ideal way to explore this fascinating ideal way to explore this fascinating World Heritage Site.

The GR221 can be walked in 1-2 weeks, although the guide also covers 3 alternative starting points and 3 alternative finishes, which would allow for a shorter walk. The main route is in 10 stages of 8.5-20.5km, with a handful of optional detours to bag neighbouring summits.

Practical guide

When to go?

It is possible almost all year round, but can be very hot in the summer, while rare winter snowfalls can cover the can cover the trails at higher elevations.

Cities & Services

Accommodation and travel are also very well covered: the trail has good transport links and plenty of facilities en route, with accommodation in cosy mountain villages and, occasionally, huts.

Port d'Andratx, Sant Elm, Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Esporles, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Tossals Verds, Lluc, Pollença, Peguera, Calvià, Puigpunyent, Alaró, Caimari

Difficulty

Mainly on clear roads and trails, but some may be rough and stony but some of them can be rough and stony, and occasionally steep. occasionally steep. Some parts require careful route finding, although route finding, although many sections have been marked and signposted. signposted. The entire route can be completed by anyone with a little previous walking experience. with some previous experience of long distance walking.

To be seen

Serra de Tramuntana, Sa Dragonera, La Trapa, Puig de Galatzó, Puig des Teix, La Granja, Vall de Sóller Trapa, Puig de Galatzó, Puig des Teix, La Granja, Vall de Sóller, L'Ofre, Cúber, Tossals Verds, Puig de Massanella, Monastery of Lluc, Puig de María, Castell de Lluc, Puig de María, Castell d'Alaró

Stages GR221 - La Ruta de la Piedra Seca (Dry Stone Route)

• Stage 1 Port d'Andratx to Sant Elm
• Stage 2 Sant Elm to Ses Fontanelles
• Stage 3 Ses Fontanelles to Estellencs
• Stage 4 Estellencs - Esporles
• Stage 5 Esporles - Valldemossa
• Stage 6 Valldemossa - Deià
• Stage 7 Deià - Sóller
• Stage 8 from Sóller to Tossals Verds
• Stage 9 Tossals Verds to Lluc
• Stage 10 Lluc - Pollença and Puig de Maria

Alternatives

• Alternative exit A s'Arracó to Ses Fontanelles
• Alternative exit from B es Capdellà to Estellencs
• Alternative exit from C Calvià to Estellencs
• Alternative finish from Sóller to Cala Tuent
• E Tossals Verds to Alaró or Orient
• Alternative finishing line F Lluc to Caimari via GR222

Routes in the Tramuntana mountain range

The striking limestone mountain range that stretches along the northwest flank of the island showcases the exceptional natural beauty and mountain heritage of the Serra de Tramuntana.

Hiking routes in the area take in the region's rugged limestone peaks, mountain and coastal views and rich mountain heritage manifested in numerous dry stone buildings, charcoal burning sites and irrigation systems. Highlights include the lush island of sa Dragonera and the spectacular gorge of Torrent de Pareis.

When to go?

The best and most colourful season is spring, before the summer heat makes walking difficult. Autumn is usually good, while winter is possible, but wetter, with snowfall possible in the higher mountains.

Reference Cities & Services

Potential bases include Pollença, Sóller, Valldemossa and Andratx, and most of the walks are accessible by public transport.

Port d'Andratx, Sant Elm, es Capdellà, Calvià, Puigpunyent, Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Esporles, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Bunyola, Alaró, Caimari, Lluc, Pollença, Port de Pollença, Alcúdia

Difficulty

The mountains of Mallorca have a very rugged and rocky terrain. Ropes are useful in places such as the Torrent de Pareis.

To be seen

Highlights include the limestone and coastal landscapes, the island of sa Dragonera, the gorge of Torrent de Pareis, the high peaks, the old paths, the dry-stone heritage, the wild flowers and bird-watching.

The routes

The routes stretch across the Serra de Tramuntana, with characteristic villages such as Sóller, Deià, Fornalutx, Valldemossa and Pollença as possible bases for a walking holiday. Most of the walks are accessible by public transport and many of them can be linked, opening up new possibilities for exploration.

Sant Elm, Es Capdellà, Calvià, Galilea and Puigpunyent

• Sa Dragonera
• Port d'Andratx and Pintal Vermell
• Sant Elm, La Trapa and s'Arracó
• Mola de s'Esclop from Ses Fontanelles
• Mola de s'Esclop from es Capdellà
• Mola de s'Esclop from Boal de ses Serveres
• Puig de Galatzó from Boal de ses Serveres
• Puig de Galatzó from Font des Pi
• Puig de Galatzó from es Capdellà
• Calvià to Galilea and Puigpunyent
• Camí Vell d'Estellencs and Camí de Superna

Banyalbufar, Esporles, Valldemossa and Deià

• Banyalbufar and Mola de Planícia
• Banyalbufar, Port des Canonge and Esporles
• Esporles to Valldemossa
• Valldemossa and Talaia Vella
• Valldemossa, Puig des Teix and Camí de s'Arxiduc
• Valldemossa to Deià
• Walk along the coast of Deià

Sóller, Port De Sóller, Fornalutx and Biniaraix

• Camí des Rost and Camí de Castelló
• Sóller, Fornalutx and the Mirador de ses Barques viewpoint
• Ses Barques viewpoint at Cala Tuent
• Port de Sóller and Puig de Bàlitx
• Serra d'Alfàbia and Cornador Gran
• Fornalutx, Monnàber and Portell de sa Costa
• Penyal des Migdia

Bunyola, Oriente, Alaró and Santa Maria

• Puig de s'Alqueria from Bunyola
• Bunyola and Penyal d'Honor
• Vall de Coanegra and Santa Maria
• Alaró, Orient and Puig d'Alaró
• Serra d'Alfàbia from the East

Cúber and Tossals Verds

• Sa Rateta, na Franquesa and Puig de l'Ofre
• Cúber, Pas Llis and Tossals Verds
• Puig des Tossals Verds and Morro d'Almallutx
• Cúber, Tossals Verds, Solleric and Alaró
• Cúber, Puig de Massanella and Lluc

Santuari De Lluc, Escorca and Caimari

• Torrent de Pareis
• Puig de Massanella from the Coll de sa Batalla pass
• Puig d'en Galileu from Lluc
• Caimari and Puig de n'Ali
• Caimari, Camí Vell and its Figueroles
• Puig Tomir from Lluc
• Mossa, Puig Roig and Lluc
• Lluc, Binifaldó and Menut

Pollença, Formentor and Alcúdia

• Lluc to Pollença
• Mortitx and Rafal d'Ariant
• Pollença and Puig de Maria
• Serra del Cavall Bernat
• Formentor and na Blanca
• Fumat and Cala Murta
• Penya des Migdia and Talaia d'Alcúdia

Menorca

From city walks through Maó, to trails through the forests and along the cliffs with the surf below, Menorca has much to offer any walker. Explore the rich history of castles, military fortifications, picturesque houses, windmills and villages, as well as protected nature reserves and the prehistoric wonders of huge stone taulas and talayots.

Practical guide

When to go?

Summer can be very hot, while winter can be wet and muddy. Spring and early summer and early summer are excellent, with the island at its greenest and most colourful. green and colourful, but autumn is also usually very good.

Cities & Services

Maó (or Port Mahon) and Ciutadella have the best bus services. Most of the coastal resorts most coastal resorts are only open in summer, but Fornells is open all year round. open all year round.

To be seen

Attractive coastline with spectacular cliffs and isolated beaches that vary according to the changing geology. Amazing archaeology dominated by huge stone taulas and talayots. The historic bridle path - Camí de Cavalls - has been restored as a long-distance route, encircling the island on foot, by bicycle and on horseback.

The routes

This guide explores Menorca through day trips, mostly inland, plus 4 days coast to coast and the GR223 10-day hike of 185 km around the entire coast.

Day trips

• Maó and Es Castell
• Sant Esteve and s'Algar coves
• Maó and Trebalúger
• Sant Lluís and Biniancolla
• Llucmaçanes and Binissafúllet
• Maó to Cala en Porter
• Es Migjorn Gran and Coloms Cave
• Cala Galdana and Sant Tomàs
• Ferreries and Cova des Moro
• Macarella Cove and Turqueta Cove
• Sant Joan, Son Saura and Son Catlar
• Santa Àgueda and Pilar Cove
• Fornells and Cala Tirant
• Es Grau and Sa Torreta
• s'Albufera des Grau

From coast to coast: Maó to Ciutadella

4-day coast-to-coast route from Maó to Ciutadella through the rolling hills and countryside.

• Stage 1 Maó to Alcaidús and Alaior
• Stage 2 Alaior to Monte Toro and Es Mercadal
• Stage 3 Es Mercadal to Ferreries
• Stage 4 Ferreries to Ciutadella

GR223: Camí de Cavalls

GR223 Camí de Cavalls, the 10 day, 185 km walk along the coast of Menorca. This trek takes you along the dramatic coastline and hidden beaches.

• Stage 1 Maó to Binissafúller
• Stage 2 Binissafúller to Son Bou
• Stage 3 Son Bou to Cala Galdana
• Stage 4 Cala Galdana to Cala en Bosc
• Stage 5 Cala en Bosc to Ciutadella
• Stage 6 Ciutadella to Cala Morell
• Stage 7 Cala Morell to els Alocs
• Stage 8 els Alocs to Ses Salines
• Stage 9 Ses Salines to Cap de Favàritx
• Stage 10 Cap de Favàritx to Maó

The best hiking routes in the Balearic Islands

If you are planning to visit any of the Balearic provinces and want to spend a fantastic day on a hiking route, the following recommendations will come in handy.

1. Cala Portals Vells Bay route in Mallorca.

The route runs along the coast of Mallorca and starts from the parking area in the bay of Cala Portals Vells. The route is approximately 8 km long until you reach the area of Cabo de Cala Figuera. What characterises this route is its variety, as at the beginning you will pass through a shady pine forest and later along the rocky and arid coastline, contemplating impressive views of the Mediterranean. Among the things you will be able to see during the tour are the small individual bays and the island's own bird species, as well as the special light that Mallorca has, which will make this 2 and a half hour tour take only a few minutes. It is important to note that the route is quite flat and you will not have to climb very high, which makes it ideal even if you are not used to walking long distances.

2. Urban route through Esporles in Mallorca.

This is a very different route from the previous one, but with other charms. This urban route is approximately 3.5 kilometres long and will take you through the most emblematic spots of Esporles, one of the most famous villages of the Serra de Tramuntana. Along the route you will be able to contemplate the interesting mountain architecture typical of the area, such as the Casa des Poble, among others. This is one of the most popular routes, due to the beauty of the route, its historical richness and because it is of a low degree of difficulty with a gradient of only 102 metres.

3. Cala Escorxada route in Menorca.

Without a doubt, Minorca is a paradise for hiking lovers. Both in the heart of the island and towards the coast, there are hundreds of rural paths that will allow you to discover Menorca on foot, enjoying landscapes that seem to be taken from a painting. One of the most interesting routes is the Cala Escorxada. It is an 8 km route, which is preferably best done early in the morning, as the lack of shade makes the route intense due to the heat. The route starts from different points, one of them being the car park of Es Migjorn Gran, although you can also start from the beach of Santo Tomás. What characterises this route are the impressive views and the grandeur of the place, and the best thing is that when you arrive you can relax in the crystalline waters of the cove.

4. Barranc d'Algendar route in Menorca.

Las Calas is one of Menorca's main attractions, but it is not the only one. On this route you can go to the Barranc d'Algendar, which is the largest ravine on the island of Menorca. At the highest point of the route you can reach a height of 80 metres, with the curiosity that there is always water in this ravine, even in summer. The route is about 8 km round trip, and it is not a flat route, as in some sections you will find large slopes and small streams to negotiate along the way. One of the best parts of the route is that at the end you will reach a viewpoint where you will be able to contemplate incredible views of the ravine.

5. L'Enciola lighthouse route, Cabrera.

Hiking in the Balearic Islands is to visit the island of Cabrera, where there are attractive routes such as the Faro de l'Enciola lighthouse. The route is of medium to low difficulty, over a distance of about 11 km that can easily be completed in about five hours. The route starts at the port and passes through places such as Espalmador, the Canal Llarg, the Mirador del Faro, until it reaches the famous lighthouse of l'Enciola. Here you will contemplate beautiful views where the sea is lost in the horizon and fills you with a sense of peace and satisfaction after the tour.

6. Climbing the Menorca Castle Route.

The route has a low level of difficulty and a distance of only 1.5 kilometres, making it ideal for families or groups. At an average pace, it can be covered in just 1 hour and the surprising thing is that you will contemplate unique views of the Serra de Tramuntana and the Àrta mountains along the way. One of the peculiarities of this route is the fauna of the place where you can observe a great variety of birds, especially Audouin's gulls. Also lizards and the kestrel, very common in the area. The route will take you to the castle, which is the oldest and most interesting building in Cabrera. The building was constructed at the end of the 14th century, with the aim of defending the island from pirate attacks.

7. Sa Talaia Ibiza route.

Very close to Cala d'Hort, in San José you will find Sa Talaia. This is the highest point in Ibiza, and is considered a medium-difficulty route that can be completed in approximately 2 hours. The walk will start from the church of San José, and you will begin to climb up the street of Sa Talaia. As the route progresses, you will slowly enter the forest, which is very well signposted, and the objective is to reach the summit. This is one of the most recommended routes in Ibiza, but you must be in good physical shape to do it in its entirety. Although these are some of the most popular and recommended hiking routes in the Balearic Islands, they are not the only ones, and on your next visit to some of its provinces, you will surely be able to walk these or other routes, witnessing the beauty and enjoying the tranquillity of the Balearic Islands at its best.