Mountain Adventure Holidays
Hike the spine of the island of Mallorca along the glorious Serra de Tramuntana, the GR221. It is a truly beautiful route through this UNESCO World Heritage Site that ranks among the top treks in Europe. Imagine wild limestone mountains rising up above a jade green sea, with pine trees sculpting the horizons. Quaint little villages, fruit orchards, olive groves, and farmers working in the fields as you stroll along the trail pretty much sums up this experience. This is the 'hidden' Mallorca, and most certainly not the Mallorca of busy beach holidays! We get well away from the crowds as we head for the hills.
Situated in the Western Mediterranean of Spain, the island, also known as Majorca, has been a passing point for navigators since antiquity, giving the landscape a rich and varied history. Throughout our journey we pass through quintessential Mallorca villages with whitewashed houses and gorgeous paths where you will hardly see a soul - that's the Serra de Tramuntana.
The Serra de Tramuntana has been awarded this status in recognition of its unique Mediterranean agricultural landscape. A landscape that over the centuries has been transformed by humankind from a scarce resource into a 'productive and well-adapted settlement'. This has been achieved through a system of terraces and cobbled roads, combined with a network of devices for the management of water. The landscape illustrates the fascinating mix between the Muslim and Christian cultures. A combination of the Arabic water harvesting and management technology with the agricultural know-how and the territorial control system introduced by the Christian conquerors, who took over the island of Mallorca in 13th century AD.
Today you arrive in the Balearic Islands ready to start your journey. You will most likely choose to fly to Palma de Mallorca, the capital. The city itself is worth a visit, and arriving a day early allows you to explore the shops and alleyways. From here, you need to travel west to the picturesque fishing village of Port d'Andratx, where we will spend the first two nights. Your guide will meet you at approximately 1800 hrs on the first evening where you will discuss the days ahead and ask any questions you may have.
Please read the Trip Grading description given in the Trip Information section. This trip is Intermediate in terms of distance hiked, and ascents and descents, but because of the length of days and the heat we have graded it Advanced.
This morning we begin with a stroll along the waterfront before the gentle climb through the villas to the high ground above the Port. Here we truly begin our walk as we enter the pine forests and take the mountain trail that will lead us eventually to Col de Sa Gramola. Today is a great introduction to the type of terrain we will find along the length of the Serra; dry rocky trails, hillsides studded with pines, and bushes, and views to a green sea. After reaching the Coll des Vent, we head northwards across the mountain side until we drop down to reach the lovely seaside village of Sant Elm where an ice cream stop is usually welcome! The village was the landing point of the Catalan expedition to conquest Mallorca in 1229. From here it's upwards to higher ground with fabulous views of the dragon shaped island of Sa Dragonera Natural Park. This uninhabited island off Mallorca's western tip was the focus for a turning point in local history in 1977, when it was occupied by environmentalists protesting against a planned tourist development. They won! Leaving the lizards of Sa Dragonera behind us our day continues high above the sea until we reach our final pass at Coll de Sa Gramola where we will be picked up by taxi and taken back to Port d'Andratx for a second night.
Distance: 20km (12.5 miles) / 6-7hrs Ascent: 980m (3215ft) Descent: 630m (2066ft)
Setting off from the Coll de Sa Gramola we have a short downhill before our climb of the day into what feels like wild, unspoilt terrain. On the route we will pass remote farm houses and rocky pasture lands where the local people graze their flocks in the springtime. As with much of the Serra de Tramuntana there is a feeling that few hikers venture along today's trail, and it is unusual to meet other groups. The route is barely distinguishable, with just the occasional rocky cairn to indicate that we are still following the GR221. All the while the views stretch to the Mediterranean in the west, and to the mountains of the Serra to the north. Eventually, the path gains the ridgeline and we climb steadily to our high point of the day at 800m (2624ft). It provides time to reflect on the local name for the GR221 - Ruta de pedra en sec, Dry Stone Route - which pretty much sums it up! It owes its name to the local craft of constructing dry stone walls without the use of mortar, with the stones ordered according to a tried and tested technique. This method is used for houses, wells, underground springs, snow huts, paths, canals, tanks, and of course paths! We finish our day by traversing under the limestone peak of Moleta de S'Esclop, then dropping downwards to the village of Estellencs where we spend the night. The town is a typical jumble of houses between steep and narrow streets, really lovely.
Distance: 17km (10.5 miles) / 6-6.5hrs Ascent: 720m (2362ft) Descent: 920m (3018ft)
Today is a gentle stage with panoramic views, and time to enjoy an old royal route that joined the towns of Estellencs and our destination at Esporles. We walk on paved and terraced bridle paths, passing stately homes of the nobility, such as Son Serralta, Es Rafal and Es Collet, and the other families who continue to be part of the history and economy of the area. Leaving the village of Estellencs via a steep descent, we take the trail towards Banyalbufar, working our way past the historic 'grand' houses of the past. An old stone opening leads us into the holm-oak wood and a well defined bridlepath. Holm-oaks, with their evergreen leaves, are to be found all over the Serra and provide welcome shade on hot summer days. We follow the line of the coast north-eastwards until we arrive at a pass offering splendid views of the Planicia valley, while in the background the peaks of the Serra - Punta de Soller, Sa Foradada, and Puig Major, which sits at 1445m (4739ft) and is the highest peak in Mallorca. Arriving at the beautiful terraced village of Banyalbufar is a highlight of today with its ancient houses and views to the sea. Easy to see why you would want to settle there! Leaving the village we climb east towards our destination at Esporles, enjoying the last of the 'Cami des Correu', the name given to the royal way which dates back to 1401.
Distance: 15km (9.3 miles) / 6hrs Ascent: 540m (1771ft) Descent: 474m (1555ft)
Leaving the ancient village of Esporles we climb steadily this morning until La Mola de Son Pacs which gives a surprising diversity of habitats; limestone hills, deep watercourses, woods, rocky outcrops and fissures. In the past the woodland provided raw materials for road building, coal mining, lime working, as well as land and supplies for the shepherds, hunters, and lumberjacks. It's a true walk into history with a sense of prehistoric and Islamic times. Today is a slightly longer day. After our climb we are rewarded with views out to the sea and a cliff top resting point to reflect on our efforts! We continue through woodland, first keeping our height and then starting to descend. We have constant reminders of the land-use of previous generations. At the end of our descent we find the gorgeous village of Valldemossa where a coffee/ice-cream stop is a must! This is the village of composer Frédéric Chopin and Aurore Dupin. Aurore, a French novelist who wrote under the pseudonym George Sand, had a much publicized affair with Chopin. Valldemossa is without doubt a rather romantic village but we mustn’t get too distracted as the walk isn’t over yet! The GR221 leaves Valldemossa and enters a private natural conservation area managed by the ‘muntanya del voltor’ (literally meaning the mountain of the vulture)! A steady climb through the woodland akong the Ranxo d’en Sutro gains the Mirador de ses Basses before linking with the Archdukes trail to reach Deia. Arguably one of the best views on the island! It takes a lovely ridgeline with fabulous sea views and then an old mule track down to reach Deià, yet another 'gem' of a village.
Distance: 20km (12.4miles) / 6-7hrs Ascent: 1240m (4068ft) Descent: 1300m (4265ft)
We are in no rush to leave Deià with its typical steep narrow streets and ancient houses, as we have a short day of walking to our destination at Port de Sóller. Deià has been and still is a refuge for painters, writers and musicians, among them author Robert Graves who penned 'I,Claudius'. He spent much of his life in Deià and his mortal remains lie in the village cemetery. The cove at Deià is stunning with jade green and blue waters, and if you are an early riser a pre-breakfast stroll to the sea is to be recommended! Our walk today, also called the Pedra route, has views of the Llucalcari coastline, and the village of Deià itself which seems trapped in a time warp surrounded by palms and wild flower meadows. We walk towards the coast until we reach the Muleta refuge, next to the lighthouse that illuminates the port of Sóller. It is worth stopping here for a few moments and then continuing to descend into the bay enjoying the fantastic views. We aim to arrive at Port de Sóller by early afternoon, giving plenty of time to explore the Port, take the tram to wander the cobbled streets and enjoy a street cafe of Soller town, or simply lie on the sandy beach and soak up the sun.
Distance: 13km (8 miles) / 4hrs Ascent: 454m (1498ft) Descent: 619m (2030ft)
An easy start to a long day with a ride on the only operative tram in Mallorca, a true relic from the past, all mahogany and bass fittings! After a short journey we arrive in the town of Sóller, where we disembark and begin our hike. Its a lovely start to the day strolling the ancient streets and wandering through the adjoining villages, before we begin our climb through a spectacular rocky gorge. Much of the path is paved and feels ancient, passing as it does by the raised waterways and irrigation channels that for centuries have fed the pastures and communities. We follow the Barranc de Biniaraix, an old stone path made up of 2,000 stone steps, which leads us deep into the valley of Ofre, overlooked by the rock formation of the same name. Arriving at the Coll de L'Ofre we are rewarded with views to the green waters of the Cuber Reservoir below us, and views of the islands highest peak, Puig Major at 1445m (4739ft). After reaching our second pass of the day, the Coll des Coloms, we drop onto the south side of the Serra until we reach the ravine of the Torrent d'Almadra, where we climb a spectacular rocky ledge to ascend the Pas llis. A good handrail is in place which makes it easy! Contouring round the mountain we arrive at the very lovely Refugi Tossals Verds, a traditional stone mountain refuge set amid orchards. A fantastic place to spend the night.
Distance: 20km (12.5 miles) / 6hrs Ascent: 1090m (3579ft) Descent: 586m (1923ft)
No access to luggage tonight.
Leaving the Rifugio we have a steady climb towards our high pass along ancient trails, and past natural fountains, through the oak woods until we break off the trail and head for our summit. The way now crosses the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana: the limestone mountain range with its sculpted ridge lines, views to the sea, and the fascinating 'snow huts' built into the mountain. We pass the highest peaks - the Puig Major, which is the highest mountain in Mallorca, but is not accessible due to a military installation on its summit, and the Puig de Massenella, the highest trekking peak at 1364m (4473ft). At the Coll de n'Argento your guide might give you the option to ascend Puig Massenella before continuing on our route to the Monastery of Lluc where we will spend the night. The Monastery, dating to the 13th century, is unique in the Serra de Tramuntana and it is a rather special place to spend the evening. En route there are up to twelve examples of the traditional 'snow huts', Les Cases de Neu, where the snow was collected during the winter and then stored for many months. In Mallorca the first reference to obtaining ice from snow was recorded in 1564!
Distance: 14.5km (9 miles) / 6hrs Ascent: 779m (2559ft) Descent: 819m (2690ft)
The route to the peak of Puig de Massanella is rocky and rugged and requires some easy scrambling. This is only suitable to do in good weather, if all party members go, and time allows. If it's a hot day then to attempt the summit you would need to leave before breakfast to allow time.
Additional Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) / 1.5hrs Ascent/Descent: 200m (670ft)
The Monastery of Lluc has long been considered the spiritual heart of Mallorca, and before we leave we hope that you have found time to learn about the history and culture of an island people. So, leaving the tranquility of the Monastery behind us we begin today's walk. It is a gentler walk than previous days, and begins by climbing through the oak woods, to the Son Amer Refuge: another fine example of the stonework of the local craftsmen, and which has connections dating back to the Templar Knights. On our way through the forest we see further fine examples of stonework, in particular the 17th century raised irrigation canal of the S'Ermita spring. A reminder of the importance of the ability to channel water to the fields and the livestock. We finish our GR221 of the Serra de Tramuntana by walking along the river valley to the ancient town of Pollença. The town is situated between two small hills: the Calvari with its 365 steps that takes you to the oratory that crowns it, and Mount Maria at 325m (1066ft). The town is very lively and is a great place to spend our final overnight.
Distance: 20km (12 miles) / 5.5-6hrs Ascent: 300m (984ft) Descent: 617m (2024ft)
This morning we take a private transfer to Palma airport, which is included in your trip fee. We will aim to arrive at the airport for 1000hrs. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your flight departure times. If all guests are due to fly out later in the day then we can consider a later transfer to the airport. Otherwise, you are welcome to take the local bus service at a time which suits you. You may choose to spend another night in Palma, or extend your trip for a few days on the beach!
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
On all our trips we always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. In many cases we have known the management for years, and it’s like visiting friends. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin bedroom sharing with someone of the same gender, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. Please contact us for details.
On this trip the accommodation will be in twin rooms in characterful family run hotels ranging from 2* to 4* depending on the location. There will be one night in a mountain refugi at Tossals Verds where accommodation will be in mixed gender dormitory style rooms, this is quite normal in the mountains and is all part of the experience. Please note that the Spanish title of 'Hostal' simply means hotel, and should not be confused with the English word 'Hostel' which refers to more basic accommodation used by groups.
The 4* Mont Port Hotel & Spa is an oasis of relaxation, the prefect place to spend the evening before we begin our hike. Hotel guests have free access to the spa area between 1000hrs and 2000hrs. The spa includes a whirlpool bath, sauna, human, and relaxation area. The bedrooms have air conditioning, bathrobes, and a complimentary selection of teas. The hotel can organise bicycle rental if you fancy a ride around the streets of Port d'Andraxt.
The 4* Hotel Maristel is a traditional Mediterranean-style building situated woodland in the hills. Many of the rooms have sea or mountain views, are all en suite, often with marble floors, and with a terrace or balcony. The hotel also has a spa with a swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and jacuzzi. The bedrooms all have air conditioning.
S'Hostal d'Esporles is one of the eight ancient hotels of Mallorca and one of our favourites. It is historic and has been renovated in a way that has retained its original character, and it retains a feeling of yesteryear. Don't worry it is also very comfortable! All the rooms are en suite, there is a terrace, garden, and a jacuzzi.
S'Hostal d'Esporles used to be known as "Son Trienes" because of its location and it became a meeting place and accommodation for peasants and merchants traveling to Palma to negotiate their produce and livestock. Today the restaurant serves local dishes using the products and tastes of Mallorca. Seafood often features on the menu with Cod Mallorquina the speciality of the house.
This lovely hotel in the ancient village of Deià is one of the best preserved on the island. It is family run and has wonderful views to the sea. The bedrooms are decorated in traditional Mallorcan style and have en suite facilities. There is a bar, and terrace for enjoying an evening drink as the sunsets. Tonight we will have the opportunity to eat out in the village.
The Refugi, which is simply Spanish for 'refuge', sits at 525m (1722ft) in the heart of the Tossals Verds park in the Serra de Tramuntana. It is an excellent example of the dry-stone construction of traditional buildings in the mountains. The Refugi, which dates back to the 19th century, has a small restaurant, bar and a garden. Accommodation is dormitory style, the only night we have mixed rooms, but some private bedrooms are available. Please let us know if you would like us to secure you a private room. This requires early booking and incurs a small supplement.
The family-run 3* Hotel Marina has been trading for over 90 years. It is situated on the promenade of Port Sóller and offers superb sea views. It features an outdoor pool, spa, easy access to Platja den Repic beach and rooms with private balconies. Many guests return year after year. The owner are proud of their delicious local gastronomy, wonderful landscapes, art and culture.
Hotel Marina Puerto de Sóller has bright, air-conditioned rooms, free WIFI, satellite TV, a private bathroom and minibar. The restaurant serves à la carte cuisine or a set menu, and has a terrace with impressive views of the bay. Guests can also enjoy a drink or snack in the Bar Café Marina.
Overlooked by the Puig de Massanella mountain, the highest trekking peak in Mallorca, the St Lluc Monastery is a haven of tranquility and contemplation. When we walk off the trail and into the stone paved courtyard it really does feel as though we have arrived somewhere a 'little different' to our normal accommodation. The Monastery has been an integral part of Mallorca life for many centuries.
The bedrooms are not exactly monastic! The rooms are bright, and spacious and all have private bathrooms and central heating, with several offering wonderful views to the mountains. The restaurant at the Monastery serves Mallorcan cuisine, and the grounds hold a Museum where you can learn about Mallorcan life and culture, and there is also a Botanic Garden.
Hotel L’Hostal, our accommodation in Pollença is situated in the heart of this ancient town with easy access to all the shops, bars, and restaurants. A great location for our final night in Mallorca. It's bedrooms are en suite and modern, but retaining traditional Mallorcan style. The residents of Pollença, also written Pollenca or Pollensa, are primarily islanders. Cafe life is the rule here, and our hotel is ideally situated on the Plaça Major! Alternatively, we may stay at Hotel Juma which is owned by the same people, and right next door. Either is lovely.
The hotel is actually in a building where, in the past, horses used to rest while their merchant owners, supplied the marketplace with their goods. Although the building and all the equipment have been renovated, the hotel still retains the building’s original name and its original spirit of being a place of welcome.
Arrival
You can reach Majorca by ferry or by air.
Ferries can be taken from mainland Spain with frequent crossings from Barcelona, Valencia and Denia on the east coast. If choosing to drive you then need to travel to our meeting point in the lovely Port d'Andratx. If travelling without a car you can take the bus from Palma Airport to Port d'Andratx, changing in Palma centre.
It is a 15 minute bus ride to Palma centre and then 1 hour to Port d'Andratx. Buses run regularly throughout the day and timetables can be found here you can also use Rome2Rio to view the schedules.
Private airport taxis can be booked from Palma Airport to Port d'Andratx for up to 4 people, book here or with Taxi PMI who work across the island.
If choosing to travel by air you can fly to Palma de Mallorca, often known simply as Palma, from a range of international airports. Flights are usually frequent from the major cities of Europe.
Information about Palma Airport can be viewed here. The welcome meeting at your accommodation in Port d'Andratx is usually around 1900 hrs depending on when everyone is arriving, but you should try and aim to be there for early evening if possible.
Departure
This morning we take a private transfer from Pollença to Palma airport, which is included in your trip fee. We will aim to arrive at the airport for 1000hrs. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your flight departure times. If all guests are due to fly out later in the day then we can consider a later transfer to the airport. Otherwise, you are welcome to take the local bus service at a time which suits you. You may choose to spend another night in Palma, or extend your trip for a few days on the beach! Bus timetables can be found here.
When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:
Mountain Rescue Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable, unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
COVID-19 Insurance
As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.
Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Equipment
Clothing
Comfort
Documentation
Personal First Aid
Items for the night at the Refugi Tossals Verds
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £650.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation for the countries that they work in.
Note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
Your hiking guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
We have graded this trip Advanced only for the following reasons. Not because it is technically difficult or because it has long ascents and descents, but simply because the days are relatively long in terms of distance, and the temperatures can be quite warm. We would otherwise grade it Intermediate. You can read the grades in full here. You can also read the statistics with regard to distance walked, ascended, descended etc on the daily itinerary.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all but one of the nights, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the night you are in the mountain Refugi at Tossals Verds you will need to carry a few extra items in your rucksack.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
In Mallorca, which is in the Balearic Islands, in Spain, the summers are short, warm, humid, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are long, cold, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 5°Celsius (41°F) to 30°Celsius (86°F) and is rarely below 1°Celsius (34°F) or above 33°Celsius (92°F).
In the months when we run our trips the temperatures are great for hiking. In May the temperatures range from 15°Celsius (59°F) to 23°Celsius (73.2°F) and in September between 20°Celsius (68°F) to 28°Celsius (82.4°F).
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
We encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for traditional food and where the menu reflects the best that the region provides.
The hotels to there best to accommodate the dietary needs of our guest . If you are vegetarian this is not a problem as the hotel is used to being asked for vegetarian meals. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance which will make you ill then the accommodation will cater for this as best they can but we would ask that you make it clear on your booking form of any food intolerance so that we can discuss your needs with the hotel at the earliest point possible. When using remote mountain huts the staff are usually able to offer breakfast and dinner which meet with the clients needs. Packed lunches can be more problematic and so we do suggest that, if you do have a specific dietary requirement, you bring a range of suitable snacks to supplement the lunches. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. In this respect due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. All the trips being sold by Tracks and Trails are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may find guests from other companies on your trip. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 21 Sep - Mon 30 Sep Code: MAL2 |
Price: £2495 | Spaces available | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 17 May - Mon 26 May Code: MAL1 |
Price: £2595 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Sat 20 Sep - Mon 29 Sep Code: MAL2 |
Price: £2595 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £2495 |
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1365m (4477ft) |
| Countries Visited | Spain |
