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Hiking on Mallorca: How to Plan a Hiking Holiday on Mallorca

Hiking to the lighthouse of Capdepera

Mallorca is much more than just a destination for beach holidaymakers: The diverse nature, impressive mountain ranges and picturesque coastal landscapes make the island a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. From easy circular routes to challenging long-distance trails, hiking on Mallorca offers suitable challenges for beginners as well as experienced outdoor sports enthusiasts. In this article, you'll discover everything you need to know when planning a hiking holiday on Mallorca – from the perfect travel time to tour suggestions.

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Planning a Hiking Holiday on Mallorca: When is the Best Time to Visit?

During the summer months, it can get quite hot on Mallorca, especially in the lowlands – what creates ideal conditions for beach holidaymakers can be challenging for hikers. So when is the best time for a hiking holiday on Mallorca?

Generally, the spring months from March to May offer optimal conditions for hiking on Mallorca. During this time, Mallorcan nature blooms, whilst temperatures remain relatively moderate.

If you still want to hike on Mallorca during the summer months, you should limit yourself to short walks along the coast or hikes in shady forests. Furthermore, the weather in the island's higher elevations is generally milder in summer, making this time suitable for mountain hikes. In particular, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is characterised by the coolest, but also rainiest weather on the island. Even in mild weather, you should always remember reliable sun protection in the mountains, as UV radiation increases at higher altitudes.

In the autumn months, the climate in the lowlands becomes milder again, making longer tours possible. In the mountains, however, it can become uncomfortable from mid-September onwards – heavy rainfall and storms are not uncommon.

As you can see, you can hike on Mallorca almost all year round – the important thing is to choose the right region and be well prepared. All in all, however, we recommend the spring months. This way, you can enjoy the annual awakening of nature whilst avoiding the tourist crowds of the summer months.

Hiking on Mallorca: Which Regions Are Particularly Worth Seeing?

Spectacular coastal landscapes, rugged peaks and deep gorges, picturesque valleys and ancient olive groves – the landscape of Mallorca is so diverse that a short holiday is rarely enough to become familiar with its variety. The view of the deep blue Mediterranean accompanies you on many hiking trails – but which regions are particularly suitable for hiking on Mallorca?

Llevant Nature Park

A particularly diverse region for hiking on Mallorca is the Llevant Nature Park in the northeast of the island, which attracts visitors with impressive panoramic views. Here you'll find both gentle hills and striking mountains, whilst dramatic cliffs alternate with secluded, idyllic sandy beaches.

Serra de Tramuntana

The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range stretches along the northwest coast and is perfect for extensive mountain hikes. Experience spectacular mountain landscapes, walk on ancient pilgrimage routes and enjoy fantastic views of the Mediterranean. This scenically attractive region is less developed for tourism and more sparsely populated – therefore, thorough hike planning is important.

Alcúdia Peninsula

The Alcúdia Peninsula in the north of Mallorca attracts not only beach-goers with its dreamlike sandy beaches. The diverse mountain and coastal landscape is also ideal for a hiking holiday. Here you'll find mainly easy to moderate hikes with spectacular views.

Hikers in the Tramuntana mountains near Valldemossa

Although hiking on Mallorca is very appealing, the Balearic island is not a typical destination for backpackers, which is why there are only a few camping sites. If you want to undertake a multi-day hike, you should therefore plan your overnight stays in advance. On the long-distance trail GR 221, there is a hostel or refuge (Refugi) at the end of each stage section, which offers accommodation and a meal for a small fee. However, if you want to stay there, you must register in advance. In some remote regions, it is also possible to stay overnight in monasteries.

Hiking Trails on Mallorca: Which Tours Are Recommended?

No matter which region you want to explore on your hiking holiday in Mallorca, there is a wide selection of scenic hiking trails for every level of difficulty. You can download many routes as GPS tracks to your smartphone or GPS device to get detailed route descriptions. Popular platforms include Outdooractive, Komoot or AllTrails. Of course, printed hiking guides are also a suitable supplement.

Below you'll find an overview of some of the most popular hiking trails on Mallorca:

  • Hike to Caló des Màrmols Bay (approx. 11 kilometres): easy hike to an idyllic dream beach
  • Hike around Cúber Reservoir (approx. 4 kilometres): easy, family-friendly hike in the midst of the Serra de Tramuntana
  • Circular Hike around Valldemossa (approx. 15 kilometres): moderately difficult panoramic route with highlight viewpoint Mirador de Can Costa
  • Circular Route around Puig des Tossals Verds (approx. 12 kilometres): moderately difficult, varied circular hike around the Tossals Verds massif
  • Circular Route on the Alcúdia Peninsula (approx. 13 kilometres): moderately difficult circular tour with highlight ascent to the 446-metre-high mountain Talaia d'Alcúdia
  • Dry Stone Wall Route (150 kilometres, 11 stages): challenging long-distance trail (GR 221) in the Serra de Tramuntana

Hiking on Mallorca: What Should You Consider When Planning Your Tour?

Thorough preparation is key when you want to hike on Mallorca. To be well equipped, you should keep the following tips in mind:

  • Choose hiking trails on Mallorca with a level of difficulty that matches your abilities and experience, to avoid overexertion and safely enjoy the landscape. For mountain hikes, you should have sure-footedness and a head for heights.
  • Plan sufficient time for the hikes to avoid time pressure. Especially in the summer months, you should start your hikes early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
  • Sturdy footwear is essential for hiking on Mallorca, as many hiking trails lead over unpaved paths in certain sections. Reliable sun protection is also necessary (hat/cap, UV-protective clothing and sunscreen).
  • Pack enough water (and some provisions for longer hikes), as you won't necessarily find places to stop for refreshments in less touristy regions.
  • Always check the weather forecast before starting your hike. Especially in the Serra de Tramuntana, a sudden change in weather is not uncommon – you should be cautious here and not overestimate yourself. Also, if you get caught in fog, which is not uncommon in the mountains, you should turn back early before you lose your orientation.

There is no uniform trail network on Mallorca – instead, the hiking routes are marked with many different markings and often not continuously signposted. Some paths are only marked with piles of stones ("stone men"), others with posts or coloured dots. Along official hiking trails, you'll often find information signs with general information about the region or route, which you can use for orientation. Many hiking trails on Mallorca also lead across private property – passage for individual hikers is usually not a problem. However, there are also areas that are explicitly closed and should therefore not be passed. Prohibition signs with "¡Prohibido el paso!" indicate that passage is forbidden.

Group hiking with guide on Mallorca

Guided Hikes on Mallorca – What Are the Advantages?

When planning a hiking holiday on Mallorca, you also have various options for guided hikes available. Especially if you're visiting the Balearic island for the first time or have little experience in independent route planning, these guided hikes offer many advantages. Local guides can not only safely accompany you through the landscape, but often also show you paths that are otherwise not available to tourists. Furthermore, you'll usually learn much more about the nature, culture, history and gastronomy of the island from the local guides than if you set off on your own. This way, you'll gain a more authentic insight into life on Mallorca whilst enjoying the breathtaking landscape.

Before booking a guided hike on Mallorca, you should inquire about the guides' qualifications. Official mountain guides should be trained and tested according to the guidelines of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA). On Mallorca, local mountain guides are certified by the member organisation AEGM (Asociación Española de Guías de Montaña).

Conclusion: Diverse Hiking on Mallorca

Whether relaxed coastal hikes or challenging mountain tours – Mallorca offers the right route for every hiking enthusiast. Those who want to experience the island away from the well-known tourist destinations can discover a fascinating landscape diversity on a hiking holiday in Mallorca. It's important to choose the right travel period and carefully plan your hiking route. In addition to GPS routes on your smartphone, you should also have detailed hiking maps with you.

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