Trekking in Mallorca

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Guidebook to walking the GR221 Drystone Route (Ruta de Pedra en Sec) traversing Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana between Pollença and Andratx. Following rock, paved paths and mule tracks between welcoming villages, the 140km (87 mile) trek is in 10 day stages and showcases the island’s forests, mountains and drystone structures

Cicerone says

This guidebook describes the GR221, a 140km (87 mile) long-distance trail through northwestern Mallorca, from Port d’Andratx to Pollença. Also known as the ‘Ruta de Pedra en Sec’ (‘the Drystone Route’), the GR221 is a celebration of Mallorca’s limestone heritage, taking in many historic drystone structures as it traverses the rocky peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana. Following old stone-paved paths and mule trails, it showcases the region’s beautiful landscape of mountains, forests and cultivated terraces, as well as its spectacular coastline.

The GR221 can be walked in 1–2 weeks, although the guide also covers 3 alternative start-points and 3 alternative finishes, which would allow for a shorter trek. The main route is presented in 10 stages of 8.5–20.5km (5–13 miles), with a handful of optional detours to bag neighbouring summits. Detailed route description is accompanied by 1:25,000 mapping and inspirational photography, plus a wealth of information on local points of interest. Accommodation and travel are also thoroughly covered: the trail boasts good transport links and plentiful facilities on route, with accommodation in welcoming mountain villages and the occasional refugi. A comprehensive introduction offers the opportunity to discover more about the region’s diverse plants and wildlife and unique history and culture, and an English-Spanish-Catalan glossary can be found in the appendix.

With a favourable climate and stunning scenery, the Serra de Tramuntana has much to tempt the walker. The GR221 Drystone Route represents an ideal way to explore this fascinating World Heritage Site.

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: Possible nearly all year round, but it can be very hot in summer, while rare winter snowfall can cover the paths on the higher parts
• Centres: Port d’Andratx, Sant Elm, Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Esporles, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Tossals Verds, Lluc, Pollença, Peguera, Calvià, Puigpunyent, Alaró, Caimari
• Difficulty: Mostly on clear paths and tracks, but some of these can be rough and stony underfoot, and occasionally steep. Some parts require careful route-finding, though many stretches have been signposted and waymarked. The whole route can be completed by anyone with a little previous long-distance walking experience
• Must See: Serra de Tramuntana, Sa Dragonera, La Trapa, Puig de Galatzó, Puig des Teix, La Granja, Vall de Sóller, L’Ofre, Cúber, Tossals Verds, Puig de Massanella, Lluc Monastery, Puig de María, Castell d’Alaró

Specifications

• Edition: Second
• Number of pages: 3216
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.3cm
• Weighs 240g

Contents

Introduction
Serra de Tramuntana
GR221 – Ruta de Pedra en Sec
Brief history of Mallorca
Plants and wildlife
Travel to Mallorca
Travel around Mallorca
When to go
Accommodation
Language
Money
Food and drink
Water
Walking the GR221
Emergencies
Using this guide
GR221 – The Drystone Route
Stage 1 Port d’Andratx to Sant Elm
Stage 2 Sant Elm to Ses Fontanelles
Stage 3 Ses Fontanelles to Estellencs
Stage 4 Estellencs to Esporles
Stage 5 Esporles to Valldemossa
Stage 6 Valldemossa to Deià
Stage 7 Deià to Sóller
Stage 8 Sóller to Tossals Verds
Stage 9 Tossals Verds to Lluc
Stage 10 Lluc to Pollença and Puig de Maria
Alternatives
Alternative start A s’Arracó to Ses Fontanelles
Alternative start B es Capdellà to Estellencs
Alternative start C Calvià to Estellencs
Alternative finish D Sóller to Cala Tuent
Alternative finish E Tossals Verds to Alaró or Orient
Alternative finish F Lluc to Caimari via GR222

Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Glossary
Appendix C Public transport
Appendix D Accommodation
Appendix E Useful contacts