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Hilltop Deia
Mountains near Deia coastline
Walking paths through the mountains
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You are sure to be amazed by the drama of the scenery of north-west Mallorca - here, the rugged mountains of the Tramuntana Sierra plunge into the sea, and villages perch precariously on the slopes above tiny coves. This beautiful sierra offers the island’s best walking - old paved mule tracks wind through wooded valleys, between terraces of olive and citrus groves, and high above the coast. The scent of lemons fills the air, butterflies dance around your feet, and the views are simply astonishing.
Our much-praised walk follows well-waymarked trails that link some of the island’s most picturesque towns and villages - Fornalutx, Sóller, Deià and Valldemossa - where you stay at characterful hotels, with the option to upgrade to a real touch of luxury at the 4-star Hotel Valldemossa. We have designed the itinerary to be as flexible as possible - choose six days of rewarding walking or a mix of walking and sightseeing, making use of the inexpensive trains, taxis, buses and trams if you want more time to explore. Pay locally for all transfers mentioned in the description.
Itinerary
| Day 1 We recommend that you take a taxi to Lake Cuver, from where a path rises gently through pine woods to the Ofre Pass for your first views of the Mediterranean in clear weather. From the pass, you descend into the valley and walk down through the spectacular Biniaraix Gorge on an ancient cobbled pilgrims’ trail that comprises of almost 2,000 shallow stone steps that are thought to have been originally cut by the Carthaginians for transporting olive oil some 2,500 years ago. If you don’t wish to walk, you can take time to explore the cobbled streets of Fornalutx, considered by many to be the prettiest of Mallorca’s villages. (12.5km, 4.5hrs) | | Day 2 On clear days, our preferred route to Sóller enjoys views of the Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest peak, as it ascends along ancient mule paths between cultivated terraces to the Ses Barques viewpoint. Here, you can admire the views of the port of Sóller and its lighthouse. Alternatively, a much shorter route offers an easy descent to Sóller. Whichever route you choose, you will have time in the afternoon to explore the town, which is set in a fertile valley and surrounded by citrus groves. Elegant mansions built by wealthy fruit merchants line the streets, and there are numerous fine examples of modernista (Art Deco) architecture to seek out. Here, you have three nights at Can Isabel, an elegant town house. (8.5km, 3.5hrs or 4km, 1.5hrs)
| | Day 3 & 4 There are numerous ways to spend your days in Sóller. For an easy day, take the old-fashioned tram to Port de Sóller, where you can relax on the beach or take a boat trip, or catch the nostalgic narrow-gauge train to Palma for a day of sightseeing and shopping. The train journey to Mallorca’s bustling capital is a highlight in itself, taking you right through the heart of the mountains. For more walking, you can return by taxi to the Ses Barques viewpoint and walk along ancient cobbled trails through a deep, fertile valley coated with orange groves. After ascending out of the valley, you descend to the coast and follow the spectacular coastal path to the beach at Cala Tuent, enjoying some of the best sea views on the island before returning to Sóller by boat (usually available Apr-Oct not Sat/Sun). A shorter alternative is to take the tram to Port de Sóller and follow a circular route around the Muleta Plateau, passing its distinctive lighthouse before dropping back down to Port de Sóller. (11km, 4.5hrs or 7.5km, 2.5hrs) | | Day 5 The route to Deià for the most part follows the Camí del Castello, a series of cobbled mule tracks that have linked the two towns for centuries. You skirt the edge of the Muleta Plateau, with mountains to your left and the sea to your right – here, the peaks of the Tramuntana Sierra are just 2 kilometres from the coast. You are rewarded with sweeping sea views even before you reach the coastal path and you arrive in time for lunch at one of the many restaurants lining the main street. We offer options to extend your walk along the cliffs around Deià after lunch, then take the bus or taxi (pay locally) the short distance to Valldemossa and your next hotel, Es Petit for your final two nights. (12km, 4hrs) | | Day 6 Valldemossa was described by Chopin as ‘the most beautiful place in the world’. You can spend the day exploring the village and its famous Carthusian monastery which houses a 17th-century pharmacy, Chopin’s piano and an excellent small art collection that includes works by Picasso and Henry Moore. For a final walk, a rewarding route winds steeply uphill from Valldemossa to the Cairats Refuge, passing beneath the peak of the Teix (1,064 metres) for superb views of the coast in clear weather. You then follow bridleways created by Archduke Luis Salvador across a limestone plateau high above Valldemossa before descending through woods of holm oaks where small family groups of wild goats often graze. (12.5km, 4hrs) |
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Walk self-guided following scenic, well-waymarked trails that link some of the island's most picturesque towns and villages.
Price From
£678
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Holiday valid to
31 October 2010
Price Includes 7 nights' B&B, plus 1 picnic; route notes and maps, luggage transported. Based on two people sharing.
Price Excludes Flights and transfers. Book your flights through us and we will find the best route and times to suit you.
Highlights of Walking holiday - Mountains & Villages of Mallorca
| - charming collection of hotels |
| - flexible walking |
| - sightseeing options |
| - stay in the prettiest villages |
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