Name: Walking in Mallorca
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (45 reviews)

Walking in Mallorca Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: Spain
Programmes: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: TST
Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Enjoy coastal panoramas and walks into the dramatic Tramuntana Mountains

Mallorca (or Majorca to some) has a tranquil, timeless landscape. Rising abruptly from the interior are the craggy Tramuntana Mountains (a Unesco-listed site since 2011), over which birds of prey soar on the breeze. Following a network of established trails, we trek to some of the highest peaks and enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Elsewhere, we discover hamlets with medieval churches and pass terraced hillsides adorned with sun-kissed citrus trees. In contrast, our coastal walks reveal sleepy fishing marinas, secret coves and pebble bays.

At a Glance

Four nights in a comfortable hotel and three nights in a monastery, usually with en suite facilities
Five days of walking; one free day
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Low altitude throughout
Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures available on selected dates

Highlights

Unearth a traditional and tranquil side of Mallorca
Stay in characterful accommodation including a converted monastery
Enjoy coastal panoramas and walks in the Tramuntana Mountains
Walk through ancient forests and spot birds of prey including falcons, ospreys and vultures

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) with five days of walking. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Avoiding the scorching summer months, we take advantage of the ideal walking temperatures in spring and autumn. Wildflowers bloom in spring and nature enthusiasts will be amazed by the amount of flora and fauna we encounter. We usually walk between four and seven hours per day, including stops and lunch breaks. You only need to carry your daypack with a good supply of water, your picnic lunch and a waterproof layer. The footpaths are generally well-marked stony (typical of a limestone landscape) paths with many traditional cobbled sections, but there are a few moderately steep ascents and descents and the occasional easy scramble and unmarked section.

On the ascent of Es Barranc de Biniaraix on Day 3, we follow an old pilgrims trail for much of the way, which involves quite a lot of stone steps. There is plenty of time to complete the walks and the pace is fairly gentle. A reasonable level of fitness will definitely aid your enjoyment of this trip.

While most departures are Activity Level 3 (Moderate), we also offer two Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures per year. On these departures, the terrain is similar but the walks are longer and require some scrambling. There are also steep drops on Days 6 (Puig Tomir) and 7 (Massanella). Please ensure you book onto the correct Activity Level week.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Puerto Sóller
End City: Lluc

Land Only Itinerary

We start at our hotel in Puerto Sóller and have a welcome group dinner in the evening.

Meals included: Dinner

We walk along the coast to the beautiful little bay of Cala Deiá, where (time permitting) we can paddle in the turquoise waters. From here, we head inland towards Deiá, one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca owing to its idyllic setting in the hills. This walk explores the delightful area between the mountains and sea, using old tracks and paths over the cliffs, and offers coastal views along the Mediterranean pinewoods and coastal shrubs. We stop for a picnic lunch along the way.

Walking distance: 8mi (12km); ascent: 1,315ft (400m); descent: 820ft (250m); duration: five hours

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

We take the historic wooden tram to Sóller and walk towards the village of Biniaraitx. From here, we will walk a wonderful circular route through the middle section of the Biniaraix ravine, which will allow us to discover Mallorca’s popular Dry Stone Route. The route was named due to the special technique which was used to line the route using only stones laid on top of each other, which can be identified with the many terraces and cobbled paths. On the route we will stop to have a picnic surrounded by a 50 metre waterfall.

Afterwards we will follow a different path back down to the centre of Sóller, where we usually stop for a drink or a wander around the town before taking the tram back to Puerto Sóller.

Walking distance: 6.5 mi (10.5km); ascent: 1,476ft (450m); descent: 1,476ft (450m); duration: five hours

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

This is a similar walk to the Activity Level 3 (Moderate) description but once we reach the highest point of the Dry Stonhe Route, we then diverge onto a small path up to the Mirador den Quesada, the highpoint of our day at 3,140ft (957m). This mirador, or lookout point, is at the summit of particularly rocky outcrops known as the Cornadors, of which we have had some stunning views on our ascent. We descend past a mountain hut and through fields and forests of holm oak until eventually our track brings us back to the centre of Sóller, where we usually stop for a drink or a wander around the town before taking the tram back to Puerto Sóller.

Walking distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 3,000ft (915m); descent: 3,000ft (915m); duration: six hours

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today has been left free for you to use as you wish. Choose to relax in Puerto Sóller or explore elsewhere on the island. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and there is a wealth of things to see and do – your leader will provide further details and help you to arrange any excursions locally. For instance, you may decide to spend the day in Sóller (inland from Puerto Sóller) – wandering through its narrow streets and visiting museums. Other options include visiting picturesque Valldemossa or the island capital, Palma, which is home to a magnificent cathedral, numerous churches, museums and excellent shopping opportunities. It is recommended to take the historic wooden train through the mountains between Sóller and Palma at least one way. For something a little different, it is possible to take a taxi boat to Sa Foradada (to eat at the restaurant) or take the ferry to La Calobra to visit the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis Gorge.

After a short drive from the hotel, we start our walk from the Mirador de Ses Barques. From here, we follow an old mule track away from the coast to Coll de Moncaire and head inland through a hidden and unspoilt little valley to Balitx farm. Next, we climb up to Coll de Biniamar to join the coastal path of Sa Costera, offering spectacular scenery throughout, until we reach the little bay of Cala Tuent where the bus will meet us for the transfer (approximately one hour) along the beautiful Sa Calobra road to the Lluc Monastery.

Walking distance: 9mi (14km); ascent: 900ft (275m); descent: 2,130ft (650m); duration: five hours

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

This is a similar walk to the Activity Level 3 (Moderate) description but with a longer duration and higher ascent/descent.

Walking distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 2,130ft (650m); descent: 2,130ft (650m); duration: 6hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we enjoy a wonderful circular walk forming an arc around the Monastery of Lluc. The scenery along the route is varied and spectacular, including ancient oak forests, rock formations up to 200ft (60m) high and views of the highest peaks in Mallorca.

Walking distance: 6mi (10km); ascent: 885ft (270m); descent: 885ft (270m); duration: four hours

Meals included: Breakfast

We ascend Puig Tomir (3,622ft/1,104m) with its impressive viewpoint of Pollença and Alcudia Bay.

Lunch is included (for Challenging departures only).

Walking distance: 12mi (18km); ascent: 885ft (270m); descent: 885ft (270m); duration: 7hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

We finish the trip on a high, climbing Puig d’en Galileu, which is one of the highest peaks on the island at 3,875ft (1,181m). The recently restored path to the top is beautiful and offers outstanding views across Lluc Valley and the peaks of Tomir and Roig.

Walking distance: 6mi (9km); ascent: 2,295ft (700m); descent: 2,295ft (700m); duration: five hours

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

We ascend Massanella (4,478ft/1,365m), the highest peak we can climb in Mallorca.

Walking distance: 9mi (15km); ascent: 3,365ft (1,025m); descent: 3,365ft (1,025m); duration: 7hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

The tour ends after breakfast. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotel & Monastery, Puerto de Soller, Balearic Islands

The first four nights are spent in a comfortable hotel in Puerto Sóller with an outdoor swimming pool (seasonal), sun terrace, free wifi, bar and restaurant. It’s also within easy reach of a sandy beach.

For the remaining three nights, we have a change of scenery as we stay in the beautiful Lluc Monastery. Although not a hotel, this historic 13^th-century building is set amid tranquil countryside and offers excellent rooms, delicious food and free wifi.

Single rooms are limited on this tour but may be available for a supplement on request. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Single supplement from USD 435

Food & Drink

Activity Level 3 (Moderate) departures:

All breakfasts, four picnic (packed) lunches and one welcome dinner are included.

Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures:

All breakfasts, five picnic (packed) lunches and one welcome dinner are included.

Breakfast: Normally continental style including tea or coffee, fruit juice, bread, jam, honey, marmalade, and sometimes fresh fruit or cheese/ham.

Lunch: Comprises a typical Mallorcan-style Mediterranean packed lunch full of locally grown fresh produce. Lunches will be eaten as picnics during your walks, and will include foods such as bread, tomatoes, peppers, olives and olive oil, Mallorcan cheeses, sausages, fruits, chocolate and biscuits.

Vegetarians: It is possible to cater for vegetarians. A meat and seafood diet is the norm in Mallorca but salads and vegetables are included. Many vegetarians have been on this trip with no problems, but you must be prepared to be flexible and to take the food as you find it. If you are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements, please inform us on booking.

Transport

Transfers from Palma Airport to Sóller and from Lluc to Palma Airport are by private bus. Other transfers as part of a walk are a combination of private and public buses. The public buses can get busy and occasionally you may have to wait for the next bus but this is not usually a problem. Your luggage will be transported from Puerto Sóller to Lluc, so you only have to carry a daypack.

Weather & Seasonality

Mallorca generally enjoys fine weather conditions although there is always the possibility of some rain. March and April can be pleasantly mild, with a daily average of five hours or more of sunshine. Average maximum daytime temperatures are 14C-19C (57F-66F). It is generally quite hot in May, June and September with approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day. Average maximum daytime temperatures are 23C-26C (73F-79F). From the end of October to March are the colder months with increased rainfall and average maximum daytime temperatures of 15C-23C (59F-73F) but even at this time of year it is often perfectly pleasant.

Please note, weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable throughout the year; occasionally your leader may be forced to amend the itinerary accordingly. On the days where we climb the mountains, it can be cold when the wind blows from the north, so we recommend carrying a warm layer with you.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, though there is a welcome dinner in the evening
Airport: Palma De Mallorca Airport (PMI)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.

Make your own way
Private transfers are not available on this trip; however, if you are making your own way to Puerto Sóller from the airport, the easiest way is to take a taxi from the rank directly outside the airport. The journey should take 30 minutes and costs about €60‐€70.

There are no direct buses or public transport routes from Palma Airport to Puerto Sóller, but there are various slower indirect options (these may take up to 1hr 30min in total). You can take a local bus from the airport to the main bus station in Palma (Plaza de España) for approximately €4, and from there choose between either another bus for approximately €5 or the more scenic route by train €18 and tram €8.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Puerto Sóller
Location end: Lluc

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Light waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
Leather/lightweight walking boots (good tread and ankle support)
Small daypack
Lightweight sweater/jacket (two-seasons)
Large refillable water bottle
Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen
Warm hat, scarves, gloves, sweater and jacket (March, early April and October departures)

Please note, tap water is safe to drink in the area which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill at the hotel. Please add this to your packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.

Optional Equipment

Swimming gear and towel
Walking poles
Sit mat for picnic lunches
Travel games, cards, Kindle or books for evenings at the monastery
Waterproof rucksack cover for wet conditions

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are available in the arrivals hall of Palma Airport, in Palma and Puerto Sóller. Lluc Monastery accepts credit cards.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For the meals not included, allow €8-€15 for lunches and €20-€30 for dinners.

Local Sustainable Tourism Tax
In the Balearic Islands, there is a government-imposed Sustainable Tourism Tax for accommodation. This includes all hotels and monasteries. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which means this will need to be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee is currently set at €2.20 per person per night but this can fluctuate. For this trip, please allow approximately €15-€20 per person to cover these taxes which can be paid locally upon check-in by each group member.

Optional excursions

On your free day, it is possible to arrange excursions locally. Below are some recommendations of things to do, together with approximate costs; however, actual prices may fluctuate. Some excursions may be seasonal or weather dependent and are subject to availability, while others may require a minimum number of participants. Your leader will provide further details locally.

Go to Palma to visit attractions such as the cathedral, the Royal Palace of Almudaina, Bellver Castle, Es Baluart Museum of Contemporary Art, the old quarter, the promenade or for shopping:

By public bus from Puerto Sóller: €5 per person one way. Total €10 per person round trip (you can pay directly on the bus using a contactless bank card)
By tram and train: Tram €7 per person one way, train €22 per person return. Total: €36 per person round trip (you can pay directly on the tram and for the train you have to purchase the ticket at Sóller train station)
Taxi: €45 one way (up to four people)

Palma Cathedral: Approximately €8 per person with audio guide. Approximately €25 per person guided tour (set times).

Go to Valldemossa to visit attractions such as La Cartuja Palace and the village.

By public bus from Puerto Sóller: €5 per person one way. Total €10 per person return
Taxi: €40 one way (up to four people)

Go to Pollença or Puerto Pollença:

By public bus from Puerto Sóller: €7 one way. Total €14 per person return. (This bus route only operates over the summer).
Taxi: €80 one way (up to four people)

Go to Sa Foradada to eat a paella:

By public taxi boat: €40 per person round trip (only operates in summer, from May onwards).

The local bus network in Mallorca is also very good and inexpensive.

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution between €20 and €30 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. One of the hotels we use is family owned.
Our local partner contributes a percentage of their income to the local Red Cross.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
As this is a walking holiday it provides a low-impact way of exploring the destination.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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