With its assortment of mountains, pine forests, steep valleys and shimmering coasts, one of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, is inviting hiking and walking terrain. No less known for its breathtaking landscapes, these trails can suit various degrees of exertions.
Soller, The Mountain Town
Appropriate for beginners, this 4-hour hike comprises easy walk routes and old bridle paths. Starting from the town or the surrounding area, there are three-hour circular circuits that will take you to scenic villages like Fornalutx and Biniaraix, where one can indulge in some local cuisines.
For a more extended experience walk over to Cala Tuent or Cala Deia, where you will find a boat to ride back to Port Soller and a beach to relax.
Torrent de Pareis Gorge
Negotiating this gorge spanning from Escorca right up to the sea with a beach at
Sa Calobra will demand some experience. Over the course of 5 hours, the hikers will be expected to scramble over boulders and squeeze through narrow gaps in huge rocks. Since it can only be done between May and September, as winter brings in a risk of flooding, expect temperatures to be hot and humid.
The Cabrera Islands
Inhabited because it is secluded being about ten kilometres off the southeast coast of Mallorca, these small islands have now been declared as a protected National park.
One has to take a boat from Colònia de Sant Jordi, in the high season to reach these islands. Once there, one can choose between an 11-kilometre walk to the lighthouse or a 7-kilometre hike to La Miranda and its proximal caves. Numerous tiny coves, imposing cliffs, castle ruins and interesting wildlife can engage one for hours.
Puig de Massanella
Not the highest peak geographically, but certainly the highest accessible spot, to get to Puig de Massanella, one will have to scale about 4,475 ft (1,364 m). There are several routes to get there. The one from Lluc Monastery oak forest, perhaps the most challenging among all, involves a circular route with an option of summiting over Puig d’en Galileu, for extra bravado. Some circuits of this 8-hour long trail are clearly marked while others are not.
GR221 Dry Stone Route
Easily the ultimate endurance-demanding proposition of the island, this 135-kilometre dry stone terrain stretches from Port D’Andratx in the southwest to Pollensa in the northwest. Based on the ancient walkways network and split into eight stages — including a hike through the Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, some part of it goes through privately owned lands as well.
