Mallorca really has a lot to offer: a beautiful landscape bathed in glorious sunshine almost all year round. These are ideal conditions for going on many hikes where you can enjoy truly unique views. The island features six distinct landscape zones, so there’s something for every type of hiker and every level of difficulty. It’s definitely worth setting aside any preconceptions and getting to know Mallorca not just as a party destination, but also as a hiker’s paradise. If you’d like to learn more about the island, you’ll find all the information you need here.
Even though Mallorca is almost like a second home to us Germans, there are a few things you simply need to keep in mind for a successful hike. In Spain, some things just work differently, and people’s temperament operates on a different system than what we might be used to. So here are a few tips to ensure every hike is a success:
- Best time for hiking: February–May, September–November. During these months, temperatures are pleasant for hiking, and the island is at its greenest and most flower-filled. However, you should always be prepared for sudden rain showers during this time of year. In winter, it can also snow in the mountains.
- In the summer, it’s especially important to remember to wear a hat, bring plenty of water, and use sunscreen.
- “Prohibido el paso” means “No Trespassing!”
- Some areas of the mountains, especially the Serra de Tramuntana, are quite remote and uninhabited. In addition, hiking in this area sometimes involves climbing sections that should not be underestimated. It is therefore important not to overestimate your abilities so as not to put yourself in unnecessary danger.
- Always bring some cash when hiking: some locals and large landowners own large parts of the island, through which some hiking trails also run. The Spanish take advantage of this fact and sometimes charge hikers passing through a small fee—a sort of toll. But don’t let that get to you—and if you’re lucky, there might not be a mailman around to make sure everyone pays up.
- If you want to take the bus to the starting point of your hike, be sure to check the schedules in advance—they change depending on the season!
- Not all hiking trails are always adequately signposted or marked. It is only in recent years that efforts have begun to equip all trails with signposts. It is therefore very important to always carry an up-to-date hiking map with you. New trails may have been added since last year’s hiking map was published.
Another interesting option is the GR221 long-distance hiking trail. This trail winds through the beautiful mountain landscape in northern Mallorca, which remains largely untouched by tourists. From Port d’Andratx, hikers typically head northeast across the island to Pollença.
The Albufera National Park (Parque Natural S’Albufera de Mallorca) is also a great place for a hike—hiking in the Albufera National Park.
A successful vacation also includes nice accommodations. Those who prefer a hiking vacation in a tent to one with a fixed base, such as a vacation rental, will have no trouble finding a suitable place to stay in Mallorca. There are now many vacation homes available for rent from private owners.
Web tip: Private vacation homes on ferienhaus-privat.de.