Walking in Mallorca

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 in Espores 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. For our first four nights, we stay in the rustic Hostal Esporles, once a former Inn for travelling merchants. 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 gentle 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