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Looking forward to the almond blossom…

December 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Almond blossom in Mallorca, Majorca

Almond blossom in Mallorca

Here at Mallorca Hiking we can’t believe it’s already December and all the Christmas festivities have already started! That usually means there’s not so much time available to get out and enjoy some walking :-(

But we’re looking on the bright side and plan to make up for a busy December with lots of good walks in the new year. We’re already looking forward to the almond blossom season, which in Mallorca is usually from the end of January to about mid-February – our short video will give you a general idea.

If that has tempted you and you’re looking for a sunny spot to enjoy a walking holiday, take a look at our Blossom Fever holiday itinerary, which we recommend for this time of year. We can organise a tailor-made holiday for you and your group, which includes any part of our suggested itinerary, additional activities, hotel and restaurant recommendations… Just contact us for a chat and more information.

And if you’re just interested in a day’s walking, you’ll see that we’ve scheduled our 2 favourite blossom walks throughout January and February:

-  Rural wanderings – Es Capdella and the Galatzo Estate

-  4 Picturesque rural villages

Why not take a look at our Calendar to see which dates suit you, and then contact us to reserve your place.

We look forward to seeing you!

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Our Weekly Facebook Roundup

February 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Again, for those of you who have missed some of our many Mallorca Facts and Figures; Hints and Tips and General What’s on information – here’s a summary of last week’s news from Mallorca Hiking – if you know anybody who might be interested in our Walking Wikipedia – just hover your mouse over the big Like button above and share us with your Facebook & Twitter  Friends, Thanks.

Mallorca Hiking Did you know: People have lived on Mallorca since 5000 BC The Romans were here in 123 BC. Tourists have only been coming here since 1952!

Mallorca Hiking Did You Know: The local pastry, the Ensaimadas is only available in Mallorca. Try one for breakfast today with cafe con leche!

Mallorca Hiking Did You Know: In 2005, there were over 2,400 restaurants on the island of Mallorca according to the Mallorcan Tourist Board. How many now?

Mallorca Hiking Walking Holidays – Seven Key Tips For Beginners

Tom Oxby is one of our guest writers and today we have another excellent checklist he has created for those of you thinking of taking your first Walking Holiday: Walking Holidays are a great way to explore the world. Whether you are on a trail in your country or visitin…g another you are sure to meet like minded people….

Mallorca Hiking Did you know: The name Mallorca derives from the Latin ‘insula maior’ meaning ‘larger island’ Mallorca is Spain’s largest island

Mallorca Hiking Did You Know: Palma is famous for La Seu, its vast cathedral originally a mosque. Construction began in 1229 it didn’t finish until 1601!

Mallorca Hiking Did you Know: The surface of the island of Mallorca is 3.640,16 square kilometres, and it has more of 554 kilometres of coast.

Mallorca Hiking

The Talayot Of Es Rossells

Source:Mallorca Daily Photo Blog

Mallorca Hiking Did you Know: In 2008, 22,832,865 passengers passed through Son Sant Joan Airport in Palma, with an additional 1.5 million arriving by sea

Mallorca Hiking Mallorca Fact: Did you know: The population of Mallorca is 702.000? From those, more than 300.000 live in Palma

Mallorca Hiking Good morning Hikers: The sun is shining – good weather forecast for the weekend. Get your hiking boots out!

Mallorca Hiking Alimenta 2011

Mallorca’s very own international gastronomic fair, Alimenta, will this year be held at the Palma Arena from the 23rd to the 26th of March. Alimenta includes an exhibition of businesses related to the food and wine industry in Mallorca and across  Spain. It is a fair wh…ich attracts thousands of business owners, entreprenuers and ‘foodies’. One of Alimenta’s highlights is the ‘Gran Gourmet’ which is a special section of the fair dedicated to…

Source:SkyBlue Mallorca for Mallorca Restaurants, Wine Estates & Gourmet Prod

Mallorca Hiking

Coming soon… Misa Brasserie

February will see the opening of a brand new restaurant in Majorca. Marc Fosh and his team opens Misa Braseria and Bar. ”We are pleased to announce the opening of our new restaurant in February. MISA will be a Mediterranean Brasserie with a Modern-Rustic feel. It will f…eature a Relaxed & vibrant cuisine and offer the city of Palma something totally new, taking informal dining to new heights with Marc Fosh’s renowned cooking…

Source:SkyBlue Mallorca for Mallorca Restaurants, Wine Estates & Gourmet Prod

Mallorca Hiking Do you live in Mallorca? Would you be interested in joining a walking club for small annual fee & monthly walks – plus equipment discounts?

Mallorca Hiking We’re working on a club format that should be enticing for everybody who wants to enjoy what this wonderful island has to offer Paddy. If there is any cost it will be more than returned with many benefits. Watch this space!

Mallorca Hiking HikingTopTip:Fitting your pack: don’t over tighten shoulder straps. Tighten just enough to keep your pack close to your body and stable.

That’s it for this week – Look out for our daily Facebook Facts next week..


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Our Weekly Facebook RoundUp

January 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For those of you who may have missed some of our Facebook posts for: What’s On In Mallorca; Top Tips for Hiking; Daily comments and lots more – here’s our weekly round up (Be sure to “Like” our Facebook Page here if you are not already a Fan…)

22.01.11 Don’t forget the Fireworks displays in Palma tonight celebrating the end of the San Sebastian fiestas. In front of the Parque del Mar (Cathedral) at 21.00 hrs http://ow.ly/3IjSU

22.01.11 Here’s the next seven days weather predictions, cool but sunny! Ideal for our walks on Thursday and Saturday next week – have you called us to reserve your place? http://ow.ly/3IitE

22.01.11 Top Tip – for today’s weather: Wear layers. Temperature control is as vital for walking as it is for running, so wear plenty of layers that you can take off if you get hot or vice versa – so you’re always walking at a comfortable temperature. http://ow.ly/3IimE

22.01.11 You may have attended the animal blessings in Palma last Thursday or in your pueblo last Sunday or Monday, or you may not have attended any Beneïdes whatsoever. Well, it’s not too late if you want to take your goldfish, your dog or your horse, if you should be so inclined….   Source:Mallorca Daily Photo Blog

22.01.11 Good morning Hikers, today is a frosty, fresh morning in Mallorca. Ideal walking weather. Start with brisk, long strides to increase circulation, then when you achieve a “glow” – take in the beauty around you.

21.01.11  New Mallorcan cuisine: Can March Restaurant in Manacor Can March Restaurant in Manacor was first founded in 1925. It has always been in the same family and is now run by brothers, Miquel and Tolo and is a busy and popular restaurant. Miquel is in charge in the kitchen and Tolo is in charge of service. It’s a winning com…  Source:SkyBlue Mallorca for Mallorca Restaurants, Wine Estates & Gourmet Prod

21.01.11 Two lovely walks scheduled for next week – on Thursday we’re doing an easy and leisurely walk around Es Capdella to see the almond blossom, and on Saturday we’re hiking the loop around Tossals Verds. We’ll post more info next week. Have a great weekend!

21.01.11 Free-Fall At Es Pontàs Es Pontàs is an impressive bridge-shaped rock anchored in the Mediterranean Sea near Cala Santanyí. In times gone past, the natural monument has attracted a large number of artists, all striving to capture the rock’s magic on their canvasses. Nowadays, the rock entices …  Source:Mallorca Daily Photo Blog

20.01.11 Good morning everybody – today can you tell us where in the world was your favourite walking experience – close your eyes, remember the time…

20.01.11 Rural Wanderings – Es Capdella & the Galatzo Estate After the noise and excitement of the San Sebastian festivities in Palma, what better way to wind down than an idyllic and gentle hike through the wonderful Galatzo Estate and the village & countryside of Es Capdella. Stunning views blended with the aroma of the almond … Source:http://www.mallorcahiking.com/blog/feed

20.01.11 Don’t forget to Hike into Plaza España tomorrow to see Mago de Oz performing at 21.00 hrs – more details here: http://ow.ly/3GOP1

Fiery Fiestas in January for Mallorca | Walking in Mallorca January enjoys two of the most vibrant fiestas both deeply rooted in folklore and celebrated with bonfires; street parties; firework displays and live musical events through all the main squares of Palma city.

20.01.11 Do you know anybody who would appreciate the great outdoors and to explore the hidden treasures of Mallorca? Help us spread the word about Mallorca Hiking by sharing our Page with your friends – Muchisimas Gracias!!

20.01.11 Do you know Mallorca? Where is your favourite spot – or where would you like to visit? Comment below – thanks!

20.01.11 We hope all of you in Mallorca enjoyed the festivities in Palma last night for the celebration of San Sebastian. If you have some photos can you please upload them here for all our followers outside of Mallorca to see how we celebrate on the island. Muchas gracias.

20.01.11 Top Tip: Wearing hiking boots is a better idea than wearing shoes. Trails can become rough; boots prevent twisted ankles or knees.

20.01.11 Correfoc Fun At Sant Sebastià Don’t go shopping in Palma de Mallorca today. Everywhere but bars will be shut for festivities all day today, as the Festa de Sant Sebastià is being celebrated. The saint is the patron saint of Mallorca’s capital city, Palma. Festive celebrations have already been going…  Source:Mallorca Daily Photo Blog

19.01.11 Wine Courses and Tastings in Majorca Millesimée Wine Shop in Palma de Mallorca is one of the wine shops profiled on SkyBlue Mallorca Food & Wine Guide. Millesimée is run by Marina Mut, a professional sommelier with a passion for sparkling wine, cava and champagne. Marina organises regular wine tasting work… Source:SkyBlue Mallorca for Mallorca Restaurants, Wine Estates & Gourmet Prod

19.01.11  Vineyard tour with Martin Ward – January

18.01.11 Look out for Mallorca Hikings Top Tips for walking and hiking coming soon. Do you have any advice or preparation that you use before going off on a hike? – or maybe a remedy for your tired feet afterwards – comment below with your tip…

18.01.11 On the 26th of January – discover the culture and history of Soller: http://ow.ly/3xSdf Travel back in time with Mallorca Hiking…

Soller Excursion – Art & Villages | Walking in Mallorca | Guided Walks in Majorca Soller – Art & Villages Excursion

17.01.11  Fiery Fiestas in January January enjoys two of the most vibrant fiestas here in Mallorca, and both are deeply rooted in folklore. They are celebrated with bonfires, street parties, firework displays and live musical events throughout all the main squares of Palma and many villages. The first fi… Source:http://www.mallorcahiking.com/blog/feed

17.01.11  The Animal Blessing Ritual The blessing of the animals is an essential and indispensable part of Mallorca’s Sant Antoni celebrations. The ritual is called Beneïdes and quite possibly has its origins in pre-Christian times when country people depended on wind and weather for pure survival, as did …  Source:Mallorca Daily Photo Blog

16.01.11 Blossom Fever: guided walking holidays in Mallorca February is a fabulous time of year in Mallorca, and it is when the almond blossom is at its best. Mallorca is famous for its almonds and every year the island comes alive with landscapes of blossoming almond trees – and thousands of visitors flying in to marvel at it’…Source:http://www.mallorcahiking.com/blog/feed

16.01.11  What is your favourite place to walk in Mallorca? Tell us your favourite spot and why – just click on the comment button and tell us now…

16.01.11  An easy walking excursion with lunch Wednesday at 10:00  From La Granja to beautiful Banyalbufar…

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Rural Wanderings – Es Capdella & the Galatzo Estate

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Galatzo Wanderings Mallorca HikingAfter the noise and excitement of the San Sebastian festivities in Palma, what better way to wind down than an idyllic and gentle hike through the wonderful Galatzo Estate and the village & countryside of Es Capdella. Stunning views blended with the aroma of the almond blossom will restore tranquility and fill you with that breath of fresh air you need to shake off the winter and embrace the spring…

There are a number of different routes we can take around the village of Es Capdella and the estate lands of the Finca Galatzo, just outside the village. Many different variations make up a number of excellent walks of different lengths and duration. This is a sleepy, rural corner of the island, which has fabulous views of the conical-shaped Puig de Galatzó. The whole area is particularly spectacular every January/February when the almond trees are in flower. And this year, the winter has been so warm that the blossom is way ahead of itself and Es Capdella is already in full bloom!

Whichever route we choose, we walk out of the village along country lanes and rural tracks between casitas and fields and into the Galatzo estate with its magnificent ‘Possessio’ Manor House in the shadow of the Puig de Galatzó. Here we walk easily along broad dirt tracks to the Finca, where we get an insight into the agricultural workings of the estate’s past, and a peek into its fabulous courtyard – a feature of all significant old Mallorcan homes. Let your imagination drift back many years and its not difficult to imagine a different life, a different pace…. a different world!

At 1,027 metres high, the Puig de Galatzó is an impressive mountain that generates an air of mystery that has created many legends, myths and anecdotes reinforcing it’s magical appeal. A superb and imposing backdrop for our wanderings…

There are two options for booking this walk – you can either join one of our group walks, which are scheduled for specific days (see our calendar) or you can choose a day when you would like to go… So why not hop over to our web page now to find the best date for you and your friends – they’ll really appreciate you organising such a refreshing and relaxing outing. And if you’d like to see the almond blossom at its best, make sure you come along in the next few weeks…

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Blossom Fever: guided walking holidays in Mallorca

January 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

almond blossom mallorca hikingFebruary is a fabulous time of year in Mallorca, and it is when the almond blossom is at its best. Mallorca is famous for it’s almonds and every year the island comes alive with landscapes of blossoming almond trees – and thousands of visitors flying in to marvel at it’s beauty…

Almonds are a major part of Mallorcan life. They’re an important locally grown food product and a hugely popular ingredient in many traditional local dishes, both sweet and savoury. They’re also a much-loved part of the island’s winter landscape when the almond trees burst into white and pink blossom in late January.

What better way to enjoy the vibrant colours and beauty of the island at this time, than to get outdoors with a guided walking holiday? We can arrange a “made to measure” break – a long weekend, a week – just for you and your group, or if you’re traveling alone you can join our popular annual Blossom Fever: 8-day guided walking holiday in Mallorca

This week-long itinerary is a good example of the kind of walking holiday we can organize for you at this lovely time of year. We combine the delights of the Sóller valley with walking in some of the best spots for almond blossom. You’re based in the pretty village of Fornalutx, just outside Sóller, and three of our walks are in this area – walking straight out of your hotel door. The other two are at the heart of the best almond blossom – a real treat.

Walking Itinerary

Graded: Green Boot (“Easy” enough for everyone to enjoy!)

Your walking itinerary includes 5 days’ guided walking. One day we walk around the Sóller valley visiting some of the surrounding villages and other highlights; another day we set off down to the port of Soller and the Muleta lighthouse and then on to Deia, a lovely village further along the coast (see W-NW11 for more details)… and no stay in the Sóller valley is quite complete without having tackled the spectacular Barranc (gorge) of Biniaraix – either in one direction or the other – see W-NW08.

During the course of the week, we’ll already have seen a lot of almond blossom in different areas, but for the other 2 walks on your itinerary we go further afield to visit the inland village of Es Capdella, which in our opinion, has the best almond blossom on the island. Here, we’ll meander through the village and along the surrounding lanes and visit a lovely old finca with a typical Mallorcan courtyard (see W-SW05). Another of our favourite walks for this time of year is walk Ref. W-NW01 where we pass a fabulous old senyorial manor house – formerly owned by Richard Branson – which is surrounded by terraces of almond trees.

Hotel

For this itinerary we usually like to be based in a delightful, 8-bedroom hotel in the centre of Fornalutx (see Ref. A-NW04 for details), but if you’d prefer us to organize a tailor-made holiday for you, there are plenty of others to choose from (see Accommodation).

Valentine’s Day

Alternatively, Valentine’s day is always a perfect excuse to treat yourself and your partner to a special, and romantic weekend away. So why not try something different this year - take a short flight to this sunny Mediterranean island, enjoy some lovely easy walks among the blossom, and indulge yourselves with champagne and the luxury of your hotel…. the perfect recipe for a romantic weekend getaway!

However you decide to enjoy fabulous February in Mallorca, make sure you have plenty of memory sticks for your camera and be prepared for some incredible landscape collages of vibrant colours – an unforgettable experience!

To review prices and what is included in our guided walking holidays please visit our web page at MallorcaHiking.com

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