12-Day Trek of Serra de Tramuntana on Mallorca

Our journey begins in the charming fishing village of Port d’Andratx. We meet at the hotel for a trip briefing, followed by an evening meal.

The closest airport is Palma de Mallorca, and you will need to arrange your own transfer to Port d’Andratx (please refer to the Travel Arrangements section for further details).

Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included Luggage access

Our journey begins at an easy pace, following the waterfront before climbing through the hillside villas above Port d’Andratx. Entering the pine forest, we join a mountain trail that leads us all the way to Sant Elm.

The terrain here sets the tone for the days ahead, with dry, rocky paths, pine-covered slopes, and constant coastal views. Reaching the Coll des Vent, the route traverses the mountainside northwards before descending to the seaside village of Sant Elm, where we aim to arrive with time to enjoy the shops and the beach.

Sant Elm is a village of historical importance, marking the landing point of the Catalan expedition that conquered Mallorca in 1229. From here, we make a short additional climb to enjoy excellent views across to the striking, dragon-shaped island of Sa Dragonera National Park. In 1977, environmental activists occupied the island to prevent tourist development—a campaign that ultimately succeeded.

Accommodation: Hotel Evening meal included Luggage access Distance: 9.1 km / 5.6 miles Ascent: 372m / 1220 ft Descent: 372m / 1220 ft Approximate hiking time: 4 hrs Difficulty Level: Moderate walking

The day begins with an ascent towards the Coll de Sa Gramola. The trail soon leaves the relaxed coastal atmosphere behind and enters classic Mallorcan terrain, with stone terraces, aromatic scrub, and dry-stone walls that define this section of the GR221. As we climb, views open out across Sa Dragonera and the shimmering coastline, with Sant Elm gradually fading below us. There are a few short, rough and rocky sections along the way, adding a sense of adventure, but these are brief and well worth it for the stunning scenery.

The route passes the atmospheric ruins of the former monastery at La Trapa, a dramatic viewpoint above the sea and an ideal place to stop and explore. From here, the GR221 continues to the Coll de Sa Gramola, a mountain pass offering expansive views both inland and back towards the coast. The descent then leads into a gentler landscape of woodland, terraces, and traditional farmland before reaching the quiet hamlet of Ses Fontanelles, providing a peaceful and remote-feeling end to the walk.

From here we take a short transfer to Estellencs.

Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included

Luggage access

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles

Ascent: 520m / 1705 ft

Descent: 240m / 790 ft

Walking: approx 5 hrs

Level: Difficult walking

Today’s walk begins with an ascent, quickly leading us into a wilder and more remote-feeling landscape. The trail passes traditional farmhouses and rocky grazing land, where local flocks are often seen in spring. Encounters with other hikers are rare on this section, though the stone cairns confirm we remain on the GR221 route.

Expansive views open out towards the Mediterranean to the west and across the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to the north. Reaching the ridgeline, a steady climb brings us to the day’s highest point at 800m. The route then traverses beneath the limestone slopes of Moleta de s’Esclop before descending into the picturesque village of Estellencs, where we stay overnight.

Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included Luggage access Distance: 13 km / 8 miles Ascent: 600m / 1968 ft Descent: 730m / 2395 ft Walking: 5–6 hrs Level: Difficult walking

Today is a more relaxed stage, yet it still offers outstanding scenery as we follow the historic royal route from Estellencs to Esporles, dating back to 1401. Much of the walk follows paved and terraced bridle paths, passing former noble estates such as Son Serralta, Es Rafal, and Es Collet. A steep descent takes us out of Estellencs before the trail heads towards Banyalbufar, entering holm oak woodland through an old stone gateway and continuing northeast along the coastline.

The route reaches a mountain pass with superb views over the Planicia valley, backed by the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana, including Punta de Sóller, Sa Foradada, and Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest summit. The beautifully terraced village of Banyalbufar is a highlight of the day, with its historic houses and sweeping sea views. From here, a final climb eastwards brings us to Esporles and the end of the royal route known as the Camí des Correu.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles Ascent: 660m / 2165 ft Descent: 620m / 2034 ft Walking: 5–6 hrs Level: Moderate walking

Today is a particularly scenic stage. Leaving the village of Esporles behind, the trail climbs steadily towards La Mola de Son Pacs, passing limestone ridges, woodland, deep ravines, and rocky outcrops along the way. At the summit, we’re rewarded with a dramatic clifftop resting spot and open views stretching out to the sea. The route then continues through the forest before beginning its descent into the beautiful village of Valldemossa.

Valldemossa makes an ideal place to spend the night, with its shops and historic landmarks, and is famously associated with composer Frédéric Chopin and French novelist Aurore Dupin, known as George Sand. Their well-known relationship helped give the village its enduring reputation for romance.

Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included Luggage access Distance: 9.5 km Ascent: 650m / 2130 ft Descent: 440m / 1445 ft Approx hiking time: 4–5 hrs Level: Moderate walking

Departing from the stone-paved lanes of Valldemossa, the GR221 quickly enters a tranquil protected area managed by the Muntanya del Voltor conservation organisation. The trail ascends gradually through shaded woodland, following the historic Ranxo d’en Sutro route, with occasional openings offering glimpses of the distant coastline. As altitude is gained, the path reaches the Mirador de ses Basses—a superb natural viewpoint and a perfect spot to pause before continuing into the Tramuntana mountains.

From here, the walk connects with the renowned Archduke’s Trail, often regarded as one of the finest walking routes in Mallorca. The path traverses high above the sea, revealing a succession of spectacular viewpoints, before joining an old mule track for the descent into Deià. Arriving on foot is especially rewarding, as olive terraces and dry-stone walls guide you into this artistic coastal village, beautifully set between verdant hills and the deep blue Mediterranean.

Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included Luggage access Distance: 13.5 km / 8.5 miles Ascent: 580m / 1900 ft Descent: 870m / 2855 ft Approx hiking time: 5–6 hrs Level: Challenging walking

Today is a shorter stage, allowing time to explore Deià with its narrow, stepped streets, historic stone houses, and beautiful cove. This charming, distinctly Mallorcan village has long attracted artists, writers, and musicians. The walk passes through flower-filled meadows and palm-lined paths, with scenic views along the Llucalcari coastline. We plan to arrive in Port de Sóller by early afternoon, leaving ample time to explore the harbour, enjoy a boat trip, or relax on the sandy beach.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Distance: 13km / 8 miles Walking: 4 hrs Level: Easy walking

Today is our longest stage, beginning with a ride on Mallorca’s historic tram, in operation since 1913, which takes us to Sóller. From here, we walk through the old streets and nearby villages before ascending a dramatic rocky gorge. Following ancient paved paths and historic irrigation channels, we trace the Barranc de Biniaraix, climbing its famous 2,000 stone steps into the Ofre valley.

At the Coll de L'Ofre, we enjoy views over the turquoise waters of the Cuber Reservoir and Mallorca’s highest peak, Puig Major (1445m). From the reservoir, two route options are available. In good weather, we aim to take the more adventurous Pas Llis variant, involving some scrambling and a short section with chains, adding excitement and a true mountain feel to the day. If conditions are unsuitable, we follow a longer but easier alternative via the Canal des Embassements and the Coll des Coloms. The guide will decide the best option.

Both routes lead to the Refugi de Tossals Verds, a remote mountain refuge set among dramatic highland scenery, offering a peaceful and rewarding end to a demanding day. As there is no vehicle access, you’ll need to carry a few extra essentials for the night.

Accommodation: Mountain Refuge, evening meal included No luggage access

Pas Llis variant Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles Ascent: 1000m Descent: 500m Approx walking time: 7 hrs Level: Difficult walking

Col des Colloms route Distance: 20.5 km / 12.75 miles Ascent: 1180m Descent: 680m Approx walking time: 8 hrs Level: Moderate walking

Today’s walk leads us through the very core of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, characterized by its limestone summits, ridgelines, and sweeping sea views. Along the way, we’ll also encounter the intriguing “snow huts” built into the mountainsides. One of the highlights of the day is the ascent of Puig de Massanella, Mallorca’s highest peak accessible by trekking.

Leaving the refuge behind, we begin a sustained climb along ancient pathways towards the high mountain pass. The route passes natural springs and winds through oak forests before we leave the main trail to make our way up to the summit.

The path to the top of Puig de Massanella is rocky and uneven, though straightforward scrambling sections allow us to reach the summit. It is possible to remain at the pass and skip the ascent, but we strongly recommend making the climb, as the panoramic views from the summit (1365m) are truly spectacular. After resting and taking photos, we descend back to the Coll de n'Argento and continue on towards the renowned Lluc Monastery, where we’ll spend the night. En route, we’ll see additional examples of the traditional “Cases de Neu” (snow huts), once used to collect and store snow during winter months, with origins dating back to at least 1564.

Accommodation: Auberge at Lluc Monastery, dinner included Luggage access Distance: 14 km / 8.75 miles Ascent: 830 m Descent: 870 m Approx Walking Time: 6 hrs Level: Challenging walking

Departing from Lluc, the route unfolds as a fairly relaxed stage, ascending gradually through refreshing holm oak forests on the way to the Son Amer Refuge. Throughout the walk, you’ll encounter fine examples of the island’s traditional dry-stone craftsmanship, such as the elevated 17th-century irrigation channel supplied by the S’Ermita spring—an enduring testament to the careful stewardship of this landscape over generations.

Leaving the woodland behind, the trail opens into a broader, more exposed setting as it follows a tranquil valley towards Pollença, marking a satisfying conclusion to your Tramuntana adventure. The arrival into town is particularly memorable: Pollença lies in a dramatic location beneath Calvari hill, renowned for its staircase of 365 steps leading up to a small oratory, with Puig de Maria standing nearby. There’s often time to relax with a deserved celebratory drink in the main square before a brief transfer to Puerto Pollença for the night, finishing the day beside the sea after several days spent among the mountains.

Accommodation: Hotel, evening meal included Luggage access Distance: 19.5 km Ascent: 330m Descent: 760m Approx Walking Time: 7 hrs Level: Easy walking

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Our journey concludes after breakfast. A single scheduled group transfer to Palma Airport is included, planned to arrive at the airport at approximately 10am.