Almond trees have
been part of the Mallorcan landscape since their introduction by the Arabs a
thousand years ago.
The time of the almond blossom walking along the old mule
tracks of Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana draws you deep into their millennia of
history, folklore and myth. From historic mountain villages to meadow bedecked
in almond blossom, the Serra de Tramuntana trail offers an intriguing glimpse
into hidden Mallorca as it winds across the island.
Homes dot the
hillsides between Soler and Fornalutx
MALLORCA on foot
with its varied terrain and historic, well-marked trails, is a first-class
walking destination in general, and the GR221 walk across the Serra de
Tramuntana is one of the great hikes of Europe. Other highlights of the island
include the coast en route to Cap de Formentor, the steep-sided northern tip,
and the Parc Natural de la Peninsula de Llevant, linking pine valleys and
remote beaches. Walking is best between September and early June, before the
sun is at its fiercest, with almond usually in bloom from late January to
February. Local tourist boards are a good source of information ,with excellent
maps available at local bookshops.
Operator Mallorca
Hiking offers guided individual and groups walking holidays, specializing
in tailor-made itineraries (Jesca, her guide, is one of their experts). They
range from short countryside excursions to week-long GR221 hikes, and can also
incorporate other activities such as traditional lunches, boat trips or balloon
rides (day walks; mallorcahiking.com).
Follow these route
:
DAY 1 – Head
from Es Capdella via mountains and pine woods to Estellencs and on along the
coast to Banyalbufar.
DAY 2 – Spend a
day in the 10th-century village of Banyalbufar, before heading to
Valledemossa, one of the island’s prettiest towns.
DAY 3 – From
Valldemossa, navigate forest and steep coastal paths to hilltop Deia, heading
by bus to soller and on to Fornalutx.
DAY 4 – Stroll from Fornalutx back down to the ochre town of Soller
before returning to Deia and its enchanting bay.
Airlines including BA, easyjet,
Ryanair and Thomson Airways fly to Palma de Mallorca from UK cities including
Edinburg, London, and Manchester.
Mallorca is ideal for walking and cycling: cycle routes are
well-posted and suit a range of abilities (cycle could be hired on : procyclehire.com). Hiring a car allows
you to access more of Mallorca’s many delights (budgets.co.uk).
For more information related Mallorca please further reading
on Lonely Planet’s Mallorca is a comprehensive guide to the island. And for
interesting in walking information and routes, visit infomallorca.net or read Walking in Mallorca (Sunflower Books).
