Be Prepared – What to bring with you when Hiking in Mallorca

Be Prepared Hiking Kit for MallorcaSo you’ve booked your tailor made holiday with us and now you’re thinking about what you need to pack. Here’s a checklist to help you come well prepared:

Island weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly, so it is always advisable to be ready for anything. In the mountains, cloud can drop quickly and mist can come in from the sea, causing loss in visibility and fall in temperatures.

The terrain in Mallorca is rough so good footwear is essential. Most of our walks require walking boots with hard soles, good grip and ankle support. It is a good idea to wear your boots in well (if they are new!) before putting them to the test on some of our uncompromising, rocky surfaces.

September to early June are the main walking months on the island, and although not as hot as the summer, Sept/Oct and April/May can still be hot, and even in mid-winter sensitive skins can burn. Consequently, anything that you like to use to protect yourself from the sun – hat, cream, glasses, lip salve, long sleeves and long trousers….. is advisable.

Whatever the month, it is essential to carry plenty of water, and a few snacks to top up your energy levels, are always advisable – just in case!

We recommend that you bring with you:

  • Good sturdy footwear – hard soles and good grip are the most essential
  • 25 – 30 litres day pack
  • Water bottle – containing at least 1.5 litres
  • High energy snacks
  • Sun protection – hat, sun cream, sun glasses…
  • Light waterproofs
  • Additional layers for warmth – fleece, pullover…
  • Walking pole(s)
  • Small personal medical kit – antiseptic wipes and cream, plasters, bandage, antihistamine for allergic reactions…

Other equipment you may find useful:

  • Bathing suit
  • Torch
  • Penknife (Pocket knife)
  • Whistle to attract attention
  • Pad or cushion to sit on during rest breaks
  • Compass
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Loo (toilet) paper!
  • Ear plugs if staying in a refuge!
  • Soft, comfortable shoes and a change of clothes for the evening, if staying overnight

With the above all packed, you’re ready to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views and a side of Mallorca not seen enough in the popular holiday location brochures. We will be introducing you to the history, culture, local food, villages, markets and so much more of this wonderful island – make sure you’ve got a camera and lots of memory or film!

A Swift Story

We found a tiny Swift one hot June day while walking the Barranc at Soller. (S)he didn’t look like (s)he was going to make it, but we gathered the little thing up and I took it home with me….

(S)he stayed with me for just over a week and kept me very busy catching the required 100 flies per day to feed him!!!!  It was with some relief that I finally coaxed him into flying free and now his fate is in the feathers of his wings!

Charming little creature, and I kind of miss him now he’s gone. He spent most of his days here perched on my shoulder eyeing the world around him warily! Apparently they can live in excess of 15 years, so I truly hope this little chap (or chap-ess!) lives on and brings many a young bird to our skies.

Jainie, Guide
Mallorca Hiking

Walking in Mallorca in June

So far, this June has been a fantastic time to be out walking in Mallorca. The conditions have been perfect – sunny, clear and not too hot.

We just completed a flurry of short walking holidays with some delightful Canadian, American, Austrian and Swedish walkers. It couldn’t have been better – great company, great walking and great weather…. and we just managed to finish before the rain began to fall (it had been forecast for days!). A day of refreshing showers and now the sun is shining again!

We walked some fantastic routes in the Tramuntana mountains: a couple in and around Sóller – see our website www.mallorcahiking.com or our walks Ref. W-NW11, W-NW08, a circular route out of the pretty village of Valldemossa Ref. W-NW10 and one a little further down the coast from Esporles to Banyalbufar Ref. W-NW01.

Let’s hope the conditions stay like this for a couple more weeks… the forecast is good, so let’s get out there and enjoy some more fabulous walks, before the heat sets in!

Time to head for the beach!

Late June, July and August are hot for walking in Mallorca unless you start very early and get a few hours in before 11 am. So this is the time to head for the beach and relax and think about walking seriously again when the Autumn comes. September and October are lovely warm months still and our itineraries for early Autumn will include lots of time for relaxing by the pool of your hotel after a good walk! See you then….