Walking in Mallorca
Experience Overview
Escape the tourist bustle and experience authentic Mallorca on this week-long walking tour. Explore the unspoilt Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range and the sweeping coast, from the charming village of Esporles to the colourful fishing port of Cala Ratjada. Walk dramatic coastal paths, following historic trails through terraces of olive and citrus trees to hidden beaches. Along the way, stop off in postcard-perfect rural towns and refuel with authentic Mallorcan dishes.
Esporles - Stay in the foothills of the Sierra Tramuntana and soak up the atmosphere of this sleepy, Moorish village.
Valldemossa - Discover the historic heritage of this hilltop town and wander the cobbled streets decorated with flowers.
Parc Natural de Llevant - Soak in the sweeping coastal and mountain views as you walk this beautiful protected peninsula.
Highlights
A week holiday enjoying the stunning mountains and coastal walks of Mallorca|Visit picturesque traditional villages|Twin-centre trip based in Esporles and Caja Ratjada
Trip Details
Product Code: 20412
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusPublic BusTaxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: MAL
Starts: Spain
Finishes: Spain
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
Accommodation
- Hostal Esporles
- Hotel Amoros
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,940 ($242 /day)
Itinerary
Our trip starts today in Esporles, a charming village in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Established by the Moors, Esporles has retained much of its original charm and blonde stone buildings. Away from the bustling beaches, we'll get to know a different side of Mallorca over the next week, as we explore the often-overlooked natural beauty of the island's inland terrain. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a 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're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which is around a 20-minute drive away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to have a drink in the square and soak up the scenery. For the next four nights, we'll stay at Hostal Esporles. Once an inn for travelling merchants, the hotel maintains many of its traditional features, including beamed ceilings.The comfortable rooms have modern necessities such as air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.
This morning, we'll begin our walk at our hotel and follow the Postman's Trail, historically the daily route taking mail from Palma to the northwest of the island. We'll ascend along a cobbled path into the holm oak forest above the town. Passing ancient olive terraces divided by dry stonewalls and peeking through the clearings, we'll be 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'll take the public bus back to Esporles. The food in this region 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 8-kilometre/4.5-mile walk is expected to take around three hours with 250 metres/820 feet of ascent and 300 meters/984 feet of descent.
After breakfast this morning, we'll travel by taxi or bus to the hilltop town of Valldemossa. From here, we'll 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 several lime kilns and charcoal stoves giving us an insight into rural life, as well as sweeping 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 14-kilometre/8.7-mile walk is expected to take around five hours with 600 metres/1,968 feet of ascent and descent.
This morning, we'll drive to Porto Soller and walk along the coastline to Deia village. The walk follows what was once the old road that connected Deia with Soller. It was a vital trade route between the two and is now a restored stone path for most of the walk with some rocky dirt roads at times. We'll walk amongst olive groves to the small, coastal village of Deia, where we'll have time for a coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice. Tucked into a fold in the mountains, the village is known for its tranquil vibe and cosmopolitan atmosphere, which has drawn artists and celebrities alike for decades. It's the epitome of postcard-perfect with its honey-toned stone houses set into verdant, terraced hillsides. Take some time to get lost in the narrow streets, lined with bougainvillea and jasmine. At the end of the day we transfer back to Esplorles. Today's 13 kilometre/8 mile walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 450 metres/1,476 feet of ascent and 400 metres/1,312 feet of descent.
Today's walk begins in the idyllic village of Biniaraix, where we'll 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, and we'll walk in the shadow of the highest peak on the island, Puig Major (1,443 metres/4,734 feet) following a network of ancient cobbled pathways. It's a climb to cross Ofre pass (at 900 metres/2953 feet) before descending to arrive at Embalse de Cuber where the still waters of the lake mirror the rocky crags around and we might even spot Black vultures, red kites and eagles soaring above us. Here, we'll 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 - thousands of visitors flock here each year to worship that statue of the Black Madonna. After our visit, we'll hop back on our bus and head to Cala Ratjada on the northeastern point of Mallorca - along the way, we can soak in the surrounding landscape, which is teeming with terraces of olive, almond and citrus trees. Once an old fishing port, Cala Ratjada still plays an important role in Mallorca's economy. Today the port has an attractive harbour with a coastal promenade winding to sand beaches and coves. Today's 10-kilometre/6.2-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 900 metres/2,953 feet of ascent and 150 metres/492 feet of descent.
Today has been left to relax, enjoy the nearby beaches, or go for a coffee in the lovely Arta village (25 minutes away by bus, 3€ one way). You could head off from Cala Ratjada, following a circular route taking you inland via Capdepera village and along some trails a hilly section affording great views across the sea before reaching the coast and making you way 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/6.2-mile optional walk is expected to take around four hours with 200 metres/640 feet of ascent and 200 metres/640 feet of descent.
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'll approach the beautiful Cala Mesquida beach for a dip in the turquoise waters. This afternoon, you can relax on the beach before taking a taxi back to Cala Ratjada or continue with our tour leader to return to the hotel on foot - following a rocky trail inland. Today's 17-kilometre/10.6-mile walk is expected to take around five hours with 500 metres/4,640 feet of ascent and descent. Alternatively, it is possible to end our walk at Cala Mesquida, meaning the total would be 12 kilomitres/ 8 miles.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cala Ratjada. There are no activities planned today, so you're 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'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which is around a one-hour drive from the hotel
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Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
3 stars is mainly due to trip being described as moderate but didn't find it as difficult as other moderate trips but was informed this can be due to terrain as much as distance/ascent/decent. Personally preferred the first 4 days in Esporles. Coastal walks later in the week a bit disappointing. Overall, good walks, good food, lovely guide and nice bunch of fellow walkers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2025
- Traveled, May 2025
I enjoyed this trip immensely - the tour guide Dago was very knowledgeable and when we were walking in the clouds and mist at the top of a mountain he confidently kept going and led up down to our destination. Great and challenging hikes going uphill a lot of the time! But definite would recommend this trip.????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
A very enjoyable trip will be it a bit more strenuous than I had expected from the notes although the walks are short the terrain is extremely rugged at this challenge many in the group. The leader was good at leading the walks and handling everybody, but he was a little bit weak on the communications side, and quite a while people were unsure about what was coming up exactly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Laura - Traveled, November 2024
The hotel in Esporles is very convenient for the Walks thus minimising travel, but I had to ask for a plug for the sink and the stairs are extreme. But the food at dinner and breakfast was very good and plentiful, excellent hot water, very comfortable beds and the staff are delightful Second hotel was good: soulless but efficient and perfect site for starting the Walks The first day walk was too short and there was nothing to do in the hotel or Esporles - suggest you look at afternoon visit to La Granja up the road and on the bus route Our Guide was Dago who was Excellent - very thorough, helpful, summarised the Walks well and was flexible when the weather dictated change of plans. One of the best guides - please pass this on
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
The places we stayed were wonderful, the hosts in Esporles were so welcoming and the food in the Hostal Esporles was great. The hotel in Cala Ratjada was nice and centrally located. It was great having someone take care of the arrangements for eating and hotel. Our tour leader, Dago, was very nice but not the most communicative. He didn't give great instructions and also allowed people to go at different speeds so that the groups was at times very dispersed. This was my first Explore tour so I asked a lot of questions before the trip. I felt very prepared for our hikes (the type of terrain, length and elevation). I was not aware that very little would be shared about what we saw as we hiked. In speaking with others on my tour, I learned that there are different types of Explore tours so I will look into some of the others. (I like a combination of learning about where I am and walking.) When I arrived at the airport in Palma, I was supposed to have been met by a representative of the tour company. I waited about 30 minutes, called the tour representative number I had (no answer) so also touched base with Explore Customer Service. They also were not able to reach the tour representative so they told me to take a cab and they would reimburse me. I'll see if I was reimbursed when I get my credit card statement.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Great walking and amazing scenery . Really enjoyed all the walks and well chosen cafe stops . Contrast of two different hotels in different parts of the island worked well. Pre trip confirmation had a couple of errors that needed addressing and there was a problem with my friend’s transfer not turning up despite us checking twice beforehand that this had been arranged . Our guide took a lot of trouble to check that the eating arrangements were suitable for me . There was a large discrepancy in walking ability amongst us and as such we were quite a fragmented group .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2024
Tracey and Mike - Traveled, October 2024
Mallorca offers diverse and beautiful scenery. It is very hilly inland so the walks on this trip often involved quite steep climbs and descents. The routes were usually rocky and uneven. Good supportive walking shoes are essential and walking poles would be useful. The family run traditional hotel in Esporles was charming offering a superb breakfast each morning. Cala Ratjada is a more touristy location on the East coast and the large hotel Amoros was comfortable but lacking in character and some guests commented about noise. Our group of 11 people, including our Spanish guide, was fabulous. Most came from UK. We had very good evening meals together in local restaurants which we needed to pay for. Lunch on the walking days was usually a picnic which we needed to purchase ourselves from the local supermarket before the walk set off or the hotel staff in Esporles could make a packed lunch for 10 euros. The weather was ideal for walking in early October, usually in low-mid 20 degree C range and sunny. In my opinion, a good level of fitness and stamina is required for this tour. It is not for beginner hikers. You are rewarded with fabulous views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Mark - Traveled, September 2024
Walking in mountains was spectacular and food and drink generally excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I really enjoyed my second explore trip to Mallorca, except a couple of the walks I would grade as challenging rather than moderate. Lunch was a bit of a faff too, we had to get this from the supermarket the night before, but there was no fridge in esporles to store this overnight. When I called explore to ask for what the lunch arrangements were prior to leaving the UK, I was told that we would be stopping off at cafes and restaurants - this was not the case. If I had known, I would have taken some stuff from home and been better prepared. Weather was perfect, group was good and leader was great, although at times it all felt a bit rushed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Brilliant leader, lovely group so good company and challenging walking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2024
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