Highlights of the GR221: Mallorca's Dry Stone Route AUTUMN 2020
This short 4-day linear walk scheduled for the 12th-15th November 2020 comprises part (and in our opinion the best part!) of the famous GR-221, Mallorca's long distance trail spanning the stunning Tramuntana mountains. We'll walk about 5+ hours per day (apart from one day, which is quite leisurely), leaving enough time to stop and enjoy this fabulous route, and our destination each day. 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 Dry Stones Route
Our 4-stage hike between Valldemossa and Son Amer mountain refuge in Lluc will be divided as follows:
Day 1 (12th November 2020): Valldemossa to Deia
Day 2 (13th November 2020): Deia to Sóller
Day 3 (14th November 2020): Sóller to Tossals Verds mountain refuge
Day 4 (15th November 2020): Tossals to Son Amer mountain refuge
Walking Itinerary
Graded: Red Boot (although some stages are more moderate than challenging)
Our walking itinerary includes 4 days’ walking, all of which are accompanied and facilitated by one of our Mallorca Hiking team guides.
This short 4-day linear walk in November 2020 comprises part (and in our opinion the best part!) of the famous GR-221, Mallorca's long distance trail spanning the stunning Tramuntana mountains. We'll walk about 5+ hours per day (apart from one day, which is quite leisurely), leaving enough time to stop and enjoy this fabulous route, and our destination each day. 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!
WALKING ITINERARY
Day 1: Valldemossa to Deia
On our first day's walking we'll set off on this fabulous long distance path, making our way steeply out of Valldemossa and taking the stunning and dramatic route over the pass and down into Deia. Please see the following link for a detailed description of our route and photos: GR221 Stage 3A Valldemossa to Deià
The direct route from Valldemossa to Deia involves:
- approx 8+ kms
- ascent of 520m
- descent of 800m (!)
- approx walking time of 5 hours
Day 2: Deia to Sóller
This is a leisurely day, with an easy walk of about 3 hours into Sóller, in time for lunch or coffee at the main square. It's a fantastic opportunity to visit Sóller as this little town bustles with life and fun. The afternoon will be free time, and an opportunity to gather our strength for a big hike tomorrow!
We may choose to visit the pretty Port of Sóller to explore and have a coffee in the Port, and there's lots to do and see in Sóller as well - visit the Picasso ceramics exhibition at the station and the lovely Can Prunera art museum, or drop into some of the tantalising food stores that offer local specialities, and much much more...
Day 3: Sóller to Tossals Verds mountain refuge
Our third day is the most strenuous of our trip, and today's walk involves approximately 17km and a challenging ascent of around 900m. 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 pass alongside the Cuber reservoir, and follow the Canaleta into the woods and continue around Tossals mountain and down to the recently renovated Tossals refuge where we'll stay the night.
Today's walk is a real treat and involves:
- approx 17 kms
- ascent of 900m
- descent of 330m
- approx walking time of 6-7 hours
For a more detailed description and photos of what's in store for you take a look at the following walk description: Cúber Reservoir to Biniaraix (except that we'll be approaching it from the opposite direction and this is only the part between Soller and the Cúber Reservoir!)
Day 4: Tossals Verds to Son Amer mountain refuge in Lluc
Today is another fabulous day's walking as we ascend through the woods from the refuge, and flank the island's second highest mountain, Massanella standing at over 1,300 meters before we descend again into the Lluc valley. Please see the following link for a detailed walk description: Tossals Verds to Lluc.
The route from Tossals to Lluc involves:
- approx 13 kms
- ascent of 700m
- descent of 800m
- approx walking time of 5+ hours
Accommodation
Our 4 nights accommodation for this trip is modest but comfortable and immaculately clean. It is either in one of the government-run mountain refuges, which involve dormitory-style, or a Hostal on a shared double room basis (in Sòller) with separate beds and shared (corridor) bathrooms.
The price:
If you would like to join this fun group holiday, the price per person is: 490 euros per person
This includes:
- Halfboard - dinners & breakfast for 4 nights (shared rooms or dormitories)
- Bedlinen and towel
- Lunch-pack on your last walk from Tossals Verds to Lluc
- 4 guided walks
- Civil liability and accident insurance for all our participants
- VAT
The price does not include:
- Travel to Mallorca
- Transport on Mallorca (local buses, taxis, trams, transfers etc.)
- Other meals than breakfast, dinner and lunch-pack on your last walk from Tossals Verds to Lluc (buy your own snacks and water for the other walks)
- Drinks, drinks at dinner and other refreshments
- Transport to Valldemossa (there is a public bus - 210 from Palma that costs aprox. 4€/person/trip) or from Lluc to Palma (there is a public bus, 330, that goes from Lluc to Inca and from here youc can take the train to Palma)
- Local tourist eco-tax
Terms and conditions
Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group (we need a minimum of 6 participants for this holiday to take place). Mallorca Hiking reserves the right to cancel the holiday, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
Cancellation policy
The registration for this Open Group Walking Holiday is made with a full payment of the total cost of the walking holiday. Please note that food/drinks (other than breakfast at accommodations and the lunch-pack for the last day), non-scheduled activities or transfers, as well as your flight tickets) are NOT included in the total cost of this walking holiday. If you need to cancel, we require prior notice of 30 days before your planned arrival day, if cancelled 30 days or more prior to arrival; we will refund 50% of your payment. If cancelled later than 30 days to arrival; 0% of your payment will be refunded. If the group is considered too small (we need a minimum of 6 participants), we reserve the right to cancel this Walking Holiday with minimum 14 days prior to start day with full refund of your payment. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL NOT COVER ANY REFUND OF YOUR FLIGHT TICKETS OR ANY OTHER COSTS INVOLVED IN YOUR HOLIDAY EXCEPT FOR YOUR PAYMENT OF THIS HOLIDAY.
Booking Procedure
The reservations are made through either through contacting us using our contact form or by sending us an e-mail to: info@mallorcahiking.com. If you would like to attend this holiday, then please:
1. Check if there is availability first by contacting Mallorca Hiking, then
2. Book and buy your flights, and finally
3. Make your payment in full for the Holiday Program.
Please contact us for more information and payment options
Tel: +34 699 906 009 or info@mallorcahiking.com
Kit list
Useful information when walking in Mallorca along the GR-221:
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 either walking boots with hard soles, good grip and ankle support OR, if you are used to using lighter trail running shoes or trekking shoes on wobbly and uneven terrain, this can also be a good and comfortable option. It is a good idea to wear your boots in well (if they are new!) before putting them to the test on some of the island’s uncompromising, rocky surfaces. We will never under any circumstances allow participants to come along on our hikes or outings wearing; sandals (even though they are “hiking sandals”), city sneakers or shoes with a thin sole, flip-flops. We will never provide any refund if one of our guides are forced to deny a participant to come on our walks for showing up without wearing the appropriate shoe wear.
September to 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 very hot on occasional days, 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. Conversely, in the winter months it can be surprisingly cold at altitude so it is also worth packing a pair of fleece gloves and a warm hat!
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!
Whatever the month it is essential to carry plenty of water, and something to eat.
For the GR221 we recommend that you bring with you:
- A backpack large enough to hold your kit for your walking holiday (in case you have asked us to include luggage transfers in your quote you will need a daypack (25-30litres) to carry what you need during the day and the rest of your stuff in a separate suitcase or bag
- The official ID or passport of each participant (required legally)
- Your personal credit card (in case you wish to pay for an extra upgrade on site etc)
- Good sturdy footwear – hiking boots, shoes or hiking/trekking shoes or trail running shoes with hard soles and good grip are the most essential
- Good walking socks – preferably no cotton
- Light gloves and warm hat (between October and April)
- Sun protection – hat, sun cream, sunglasses…
- Water and wind proof clothing
- Walking poles
- Medical kit – antiseptic wipes and cream, plasters, bandage, antihistamine for allergic reactions, personal medications…
- Tissues
- Small anti-bacterial hand wash
- Small tube of hand wash detergent for rinsing items overnight
- Soft, comfortable shoes for the evenings (slippers for using at the “refugios” are recommended)
- Torch
- Earplugs
- Camera
Other equipment you may find useful:
- Whistle to attract attention
- Compass
- Binoculars
- Mobile Phone + charger (however reception may be limited in the mountains)
You will NOT need to carry towels, sheets or sleeping bags as bedlinen and towels are provided both at hostels and on “refugios” (lodges).
Please note that all refuges on the GR221 offer dormitory style accommodation only.
As you are carrying your kit for the week please pack carefully. Pack items that can be used for more than one purpose, washed out overnight and worn again etc. Layering your clothing is the best way to adjust to changes in temperature.This holiday is scheduled for:
Highlights of the GR221: Mallorca's Dry Stone Route AUTUMN 2020 - 4 days from 19-22 November 2020
From 19-11-2020 at Serra de Tramuntana
From: 490.0 €