The GR221: Mallorca's Dry Stone Route - 3 days from 19th-21st Oct 2011
- Area Zone:
- North West
- Arrival date:
- Wednesday 19th October 2011
- Departure date:
- Friday 21st October 2011
- Location:
- Valldemossa
- Price & what’s included – see below
- No. of guided walks:
- 1 (+2 accompanied walks)
This short 3-day linear walk in October comprises part (in our opinion the best part!) of the famous GR221, Mallorca's long distance trail spanning the stunning Tramuntana mountains. We'll walk about 4-5 hours per day, leaving enough time to stop and enjoy this fabulous route, and our destination each day - Deia, Sóller and the fabulous views from the top of L'Ofre peak. This will be a very informal and fun trip, and an excellent "taste" of what the island has to offer walkers - do come and join us!
The GR 221
The best way to introduce you to the GR221 is to refer you to a selection of our Blog posts on the subject:
These will give you a good idea of the entire route, but for this trip we'll be approaching it slightly differently.
Our 3-stage hike between Valldemossa and the Cúber reservoir will be divided as follows:
Day 1: Valldemossa to Deia
Day 2: Sóller to the Cúber reservoir via L'Ofre
Day 3: Sóller to Deia
Walking Itinerary
Graded: Red Boot
Your walking itinerary includes 3 days’ walking, one of which is with one of our professional guides and the other 2 are accompanied and facilitated by one of our Mallorca Hiking team.
Day 1: Valldemossa to Deia
On our first day's walking we'll set off with one of our very knowledgeable guides who will introduce us to this fabulous long distance path, the Tramuntana and much more. We'll make our way steeply out of Valldemossa and take the stunning and dramatic route over the pass and down into Deia.
The direct route from Valldemossa to Deia involves:
- approx 8 kms
- ascent of 520m
- descent of 800m (!)
- approx walking time of 3+ hours
But if the weather is good, it is well worth taking a detour or 2 to include some of the Archduke's Bridleway above Valldemossa, and our guide will make sure we get the absolute most out of our day's walking.
Day 2: Sóller to the Cúber reservoir via L'Ofre
Our second day is the most strenuous of our trip, and today's walk involves a challenging ascent of around 800m. We will climb up the Barranc (or gorge) of Biniaraix via ancient cobbled pilgrim's paths, following the "torrente" and stopping now and again to enjoy the ever more impressive views back into the Sóller valley. We will also ascend the peak of L'Ofre, which gives us the most breathtaking views of the whole island.
Today's walk is a real treat and involves:
- approx 12 kms
- ascent of 850m
- descent of 100m
- approx walking time of 5+ hours
For a more detailed description and photos of what's in store for you take a look at the following walk description: Ref. W-NW08 Cúber Reservoir to Biniaraix via L'Ofre (except that we'll be approaching it from the opposite direction!)
Day 3: Sóller to Deia via the Port of Sóller
Today is the easiest day's walking as we follow mainly broad paths involving few ascents. Please see the following link for a more detailed walk description: Ref. W-NW11 Deia to Sóller
The route from Sóller to Deia involves:
- approx 10 kms
- ascent of 310m
- descent of 320m
- approx walking time of 3 hours
We may choose to take a detour to the pretty Port of Sóller to explore and have a coffee in the Port, and there's lots to do and see in Sóller before we set off - visit the Picasso ceramics exhibition at the station and the lovely Can Prunera art gallery, some of the tantalising food stores that offer local specialities, and much much more...
Accommodation
Our 2 nights accommodation for this trip is modest and simple but comfortable and immaculately clean.
It is either in one of the government-run mountain refuges (see blog posts referred to above), which involve dormitory-style, bunk-bed accommodation or it will be in a Hostal on a shared room basis.
The price
If you would like to join this fun group holiday, the price per person is only 275 euros (discounts apply to Mallorca residents and members of the Mallorca Hiking Club - please ask us for details).
This includes
- Bed and breakfast – 2 nights (shared room in Hostal or refuge accommodation)
- Guided walk – Day 1
- Accompanied walk – Day 2 and 3
- Transport back to Sóller at the end of Day 3
The price does not include
- Travel to Mallorca
- Insurance – travel and health
- Meals - other than breakfast
- Drinks and incidental refreshments
- Transport to Valldemossa (there is a public bus - 210 from Palma)
- Transport back from Soller (there is a public bus - 211 to Palma)
This holiday is scheduled for:
- Walks Holiday
- Walking Holiday
