DURATION

8 days

STARTS IN  ENDS IN

Esporles  /   Cala Ratjada

Itinerary

 

Explore Mallorca's spectacular coast and unspoilt Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range from the pretty village of Esporles to the fishing port of Cala Ratjada. Walk along dramatic coastal pathways following historic trails and through olive groves to hidden beaches. Esporles - Stay in this authentic old village in the Sierra Tramuntana Valldemossa - Explore the cobbled streets decorated with flowers Parc Natural de Llevant - Discover this beautiful protected peninsula

Day 1: Join trip in the pretty mountain village of Esporles

Start Point Esporles,

Spain

Arrive in Esporles, a laid back village in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. Esporles was

established by the Moors and has maintained much of its original charm and blonde stone

buildings. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for

the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no

other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Espores at any time. If you would like to

receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Palma de Mallorca Airport

(PMI), which is around 20 minutes' drive . Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will

inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the

day, perhaps you might choose to take a drink in the square, soaking up the scenery. For our first

four nights we stay in the rustic Hostal Esporles, once a former Inn for travelling merchants. The

comfortable rooms with beamed ceilings have maintained their traditional features and come

complete with modern necessities including air conditioning and en suite bathrooms

Day 2: Hike along the Postman’s Trail to Banyalbufar on the coast

This morning our walk begins from the hotel, following the Postman's Trail, historically the daily

route taking mail from Palma to the north west of the island. We ascend along a cobbled path into

the holm oak forest above the town. Passing ancient olive terraces divided by dry stonewalls,

peeking through the clearings we are rewarded with fantastic sea views. The path descends on a

country lane into the authentic coastal village of Banyalbufar, ending at a beautiful rocky cove. After

a wander around the village we take the public bus back to Esporles. The food of this area has a

distinct Castilian-Leonese influence, tonight you could try suckling pig at Mesón La Villa restaurant,

said to be one of the best on the island!

Today's eight kilometre walk is expected to take around

three hours with 450 metres of ascent and descent.

Day 3: Explore the Tramuntana Mountains walking the Archduke’s Trail from Valdemossa

After breakfast we travel by taxis or bus to the attractive hilltop town of Valldemossa. From here we

take a circular walk along the stone path known as the Archduke's Trail, part of which was laid by

Archduke Ludwig Salvador of Austria who owned the local estate in the 19th century. The path

passes a number of lime kilns and charcoal stoves giving us an insight into rural life, as well as

stunning coastal views.

Arriving back to Valldemossa, depending on timings, you could wander the

maze of narrow plant-lined cobbled streets past art galleries and cafes to see the Real Cartuja

(Monastery) before heading back to Esporles.

Today's 11 kilometre walk is expected to take

around three-and-a-half hours with 550 metres of ascent and descent.

Day 4: Free day with the opportunity to visit Soller or La Palma by Tram

Today has been left free for you to relax in Esporles or explore the area further independently. You

could take a taxi to visit the Island's capital Palma or from Soller take the historic tram to Port de

Soller.

There is also the option of taking a dramatic coastal walk from Deia village to Port de Soller.

This 11 kilometre linear walk is expected to take around five hours with 300 metres of ascent and

540 metres of descent.

Day 5: Walk from Biniaraix to Cuber Lake in the Serra de Tramuntana.

Drive to the fishing port of Cala Ratjada in Mallorca’s north east

Today's walk begins in the idyllic village of Biniaraix, where we will join the Ruta de Piedra (GR 221)

trail taking us through terraced lands surrounded by mountains. The Serra de Tramuntana is the

backbone of Mallorca, we walk in the shadow of the highest peak on the island, Puig Major

(1,443m) following a network of ancient cobbled pathways. It's a gentle climb to cross Ofre pass

(at 900m) before descending to arrive at Embalse de Cuber where the still waters of the lake mirror

the rocky crags around and Black vultures, red kites and eagles may be seen soaring above. Here

we meet our bus and drive to Lluc monastery for a short visit and coffee stop. Monestir de Lluc has

been a sanctuary and place of pilgrimage since the 13th century and still takes in visitors. We

continue by bus via Pollenca to Cala Ratjada on the northeastern point of Mallorca. Cala Ratjada is

an old fishing port that still plays an important role in Mallorca's economy. Today the port is an

attractive harbour with a coastal promenade winding to sand beaches and coves.

Today's 12

kilometre walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 850 metres of ascent and 250

metres of descent.

Day 6: Hike in the Parc Natural de Llevant area

Today we head to the vicinity of the Parc Natural de Llevant. Covering the majority of the Arta

Peninsula the protected area is home to many species that are endemic to the Balearic Islands.

The walk begins from Ermita Betlem, a 200-year-old monastery from which we walk along the

ridge of the mountain range, passing through olive, almond, fig and carob tree groves. Following

the rocky trail we ascend to the summit of Puig Ferrutx peak (523m), affording fabulous views

across the north of Mallorca and the Alcudia Bay. Returning to the edge of the Parc we drive to the

small town of Artà with time for a stroll around and coffee before heading back to the hotel. This

evening you can savour Mediterranean cuisine back in Cala Ratjada overlooking the sea; the area

is well-known for its fresh seafood. Today's 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours

with 550 metres of ascent and descent.

Day 7: Coastal walk along a rocky trail to Cala Mesquida

Today's walk starts directly from our hotel. Leaving the town our first stop of the day is Cala Agulla,

a large golden sand beach surrounded by pine trees. Continuing along a wooded path flanked by

mountains we approach the beautiful Cala Mesquida beach for a dip in the turquoise waters. This

afternoon there is the option to enjoy the beach here before getting a taxi back to Cala Ratjada or

continue with your Tour Leader on a rocky trail to Cala Torta, taking a different route inland to return

on foot to the hotel.

Today's 17 kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with 500

metres of ascent and descent.

Day 8: Trip ends in Cala Ratjada

End Point

Cala Ratjada,

Spain

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cala Ratjada.

There are no activities planned today, so

you are free to depart from Cala Ratjada at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day,

luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary

airport transfer today, you need to depart from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), around one hours

drive away.

What’s Included

• Accommodation

7 nights comfortable hotel

Guide

Explore Tour Leader

Driver(s)

• Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local

restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do

not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options

7 Breakfasts

• Transport

Bus

Public Bus

Taxi

• Others

All sightseeing and activities stated as included