Mallorca is one of the best destinations in western Europe for hiking. Off-season, even in the winter months, the island can be perfect for walks or hikes, with temperatures and number of tourists, much lower than in the summer.
From Villa Esquina, or Pollensa town itself, you are spoilt for choice as the area provides great access to many of the great routes and trails Majorca has to offer. Whether you are looking for a peaceful amble in the countryside or something more (there are two mountain ranges and five peaks over 1000 metres), there is something for everyone.
Walks and Hikes from Pollensa
There are about 34 hiking trails for enthusiasts to discover within the region of Pollensa alone! Check out our previous blog on 4 hikes near Pollenca you should not miss!
Here are some more of our favourites (with inspiration from http://www.puertopollensamallorca.com)
Walk to Puig de Maria
Although it is only a small mountain (330m), the Puig de Maria has a very important place in the culture and traditions of Pollença. After a short but steep ascent to the top, there is a wonderful view over the bays of Pollença and Alcudia, making this one of the most beautiful spots in the Serra de Tramuntana. Its peak is crowned by a delightful sanctuary (XIV century) and a museum with small relics.
Walk to the Puig Santuiri:
The climb to the Puig de Santuïri ( 141m) is a very interesting walk, not only because of its panoramic views of the beautiful town of Pollença that lies at its feet but also because this route has a wide range of fascinating biodiversity including holm oak grove, garrigue and dwarf palms. There is plenty of wildlife to see, including the impressive black vulture.
Pollensa Old town to Lluc Sanctuary
This is an easy and well-signposted route. It follows trails through outstanding countryside and has the imposing Lluc Sanctuary as a final reward. The first part is an easy stroll along country lanes and tracks, and thereafter it is a fairly steady climb. Much of the walk is on wide, well-defined tracks, and narrow dirt paths in the shade of holm oak woods. There are plenty of opportunities to dip into Mallorca's rural history with examples of ruined charcoal burners’ huts, ovens and silos and also an old lime kiln. Occasional glimpses through the woods give spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Pollensa to Port Pollensa
This is a pleasant stroll for holidaymakers and hikers alike, and you can do it all year round. The path forms part if the dry stone route GR221 which enables to connect the port all the way to the Town of Pollensa itself in around an hour and a half. The GR221 path is a well-signposted hiking route which covers over 150 kilometres of the Sierra Tramuntana mountains and is a very popular hike amongst tourists and residents.
Puerto Pollensa to Boquer Valley
This is a wonderful walk from Puerto Pollensa, not too difficult although if you wish to go down to the bay the paths are a bit tricky to follow. It takes approximately 45 minutes each way and is spectacular. Take water with you and enjoy the views!!
Puerto Pollensa to Cala San Vicente walk:
This short (5 km) and moderately easy walk passes through beautiful and varied scenery: flat and prairie-like after passing between the hills/mountains at Col de Siller (the Siller Pass), and then descending from the cliff tops via the coast road that leads down to Cala Carbo, and then to Cala Molins which is central Cala San Vicente.
Six Best hiking trails in Mallorca
according to Culture Trip
There are opportunities to hike and walk all over Majorca, Culture Trip narrowed down six of the best.
Torrent de Pareis Gorge Walk
One of Mallorca’s best-known walks, this route follows the Torrent de Pareis Gorge from Escorca to the sea and comes out on the sandy beach at Sa Calobra. Not one for the inexperienced (or unfit), this spectacular five-hour hike involves lots of scrambling over boulders and squeezing through narrow gaps in the huge rocks. also mean sweltering temperatures, so don’t forget to pack plenty of water.
Soller to Surrounding Villages and Coves
Soller is a key area for hiking and there are many fantastic trails starting from the town and surrounding area. There are two-three hour circular routes taking in picturesque villages such as Fornalutz and Biniaraix, where you can stop for refreshments before ambling on. These routes follow the old bridle paths and are both easy walking and incredibly beautiful.
The Cabrera Islands
The Cabrera Islands are a small, uninhabited archipelago around 10km off the south-east coast of Mallorca. The main island once housed a prison camp, and was a military base for some time, but is now a protected national park. The area is a haven for wildlife and there is also a ruined castle, some impressive cliffs and numerous tiny coves.
Puig de Massanella from Lluc Monastery
Puig de Massanella is not the highest peak on Mallorca but at 1364 metres (4475 feet) above sea level, it is the highest accessible peak, and from the top there are spectacular views across the island and to Puig Major (the highest mountain on Mallorca and a military zone).
GR221 Dry Stone Route
This epic 135 kilometre (84 miles) ‘dry stone route’ is the ultimate long-distance challenge on the island and runs from Port D’Andratx in the southwest to Pollensa in the northwest, through the Tramuntana mountain range (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The route is based on a network of ancient pathways and is split into eight stages – some parts are easier walking and better sign-posted than others, and many parts are better done with the help of a guide.
Alaró Castle
The ruins of the castle of Alaró sit on the top of the mountain (Puig d’Alaró), surrounded by steep cliffs, and the medium level hike from the town of Alaró takes around two hours. There has been a castle on this site since Moorish times and the impressive ruins of its most recent incarnation (15th century) seem to cover the whole mountain top.
Book your hiking holiday or walking weekend
We’d love to host you at Villa Esquina for your walking or hiking holiday, contact us or find out about availability for 2019.