Despite the instability of most countries in this current pandemic, Spain has managed to recover remarkably well. Yesterday marks their first 24 hours without a Coronavirus death, and cafes, pubs and sports centres are beginning to reopen.
Hiking is one activity that is actually very safe during this pandemic. Although some may see Mallorca as a party destination due to the buzzing resorts of Palma and Magaluf, it’s actually an extremely serene and tranquil island.
Most of the nightlife is located on the south coast, whereas you can find mountainous Highlands in the north/west as well as some gorgeous beaches on the east. This article will take you through the 5 best hiking trails around Mallorca.
Soller
Soller is one of the most varied places in Mallorca for hiking trails and there are actually several options to take. There are a couple of three-hour circular routes which hover around Biniaraix and Fornalutz. These routes have old bridle paths and some stunning scenery, with lots of places to stop for refreshments because of the number of villages you pass.
Soller also has options which lead you along the coast. This means swimming opportunities – so pack your swimwear and towel! Some of these trails are a little longer and go to coves such as Cala Deia and Cala Tuent. These take around 4 hours of hiking to get to but aren’t too difficult. Cala Deia is definitely worth visiting and has an amazing beach, with some highly-rated restaurants where you can grab a bite after the hike. Also, once you’re ready to head home, you can hop on a boat back to Soller.
Torrent de Pareis Gorge Walk
The Torrent de Pareis Gorge Walk is perhaps the best-known trail in Mallorca and for very good reason. The route goes from Escorca to Sa Calobra, which is a sandy beach with some great sheltered waters. Escorca on the other hand actually has a campsite nearby, which is why it might be a great idea to bring a quality tent.
This hike is a challenging one, but it’s well known for other reasons too. It takes around 5 hours to complete for fit hikers, but you’re rewarded with some incredibly diverse scenery. It’s challenging because there’s a lot of tight spaces, large rocks and minor climbing to overcome.
With steep tracks, there’s not an accessible way to leave half way through. So, be prepared and know that there’s no mobile phone reception either. This trail should only be attempted between the end of Spring and beginning of Autumn because of the risk of flooding. Of course, what this means is that there may be temperatures of over 35 degrees if you’re unlucky, so prepare for this one very carefully.
Port de Pollenca To Cala Bóquer
If you’re looking for a laid back hike with some peaceful sunbathing in between then look no further. Quiet beaches are hard to come by on such a small island, but Cala Bóquer is your best bet. It doesn’t only have a stunning beach but you may even come across some goats too. The beach is pebbled, and there are no facilities, hence why it’s peacefully empty. Although it is only an hour hike to Port de Pollensa you still need to be prepared and take plenty of water.
The views along the route are almost entirely sea and mountains. Port de Pollenca is a great visit too. In fact, it was the town to inspire one of Agatha Christie’s novels ‘Problem at Pollensa Bay’ and it’s been a hugely popular tourist spot for years. Whilst it used to be a fishing port only, it’s now a hotspot for (mostly British) tourists.
The Cabrera Islands
The Cabrera islands are part of the Balearic islands but are not attached to Mallorca. They are however only a short boat journey. Whilst they’re not quite an uninhabited tropical island, they are somewhat close. The island used to be used as a prison and military base but has since become a protected National Park.
You must get a boat over from Colonia de Sant Jordi and obtain appropriate permission to do so. Once you’re there, many hiking trails are available. A popular one is the 11km hike to the lighthouse as well as a 7km hike to the La Miranda caves.
Alaró Castle
A hike up to the ruins of Alaró Castle is a fantastic choice for history or mountain lovers. The hike is a medium incline and takes around two hours. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a 15th-century castle, which dramatically covers most of the mountain top. The beauty of this hike is the view from the top, where you can see right out across Mallorca as far as Palma and of courses, the sea. This one is a little more popular than many others though, so pick the right time to go (preferably early on a weekday).
Mallorca is known to many as a party island but as you can see, it’s rife in wildlife, nature and amazing hiking trails. The island can be as peaceful or as lively as you choose, depending on where you go.
