Walking In The Tramuntana Mountains

Arrive Palma, and transfer to Plaza de Espana Station. If there is time we will have a short orientation walk of the city. We board the vintage train to Puerto Soller. This narrow gauge railway first operated in 1912 to carry oranges and lemons to Palma, and retains its original turn of the twentieth century character with mahogany and brass fittings. Heading into the countryside we pass through citrus plantations and olive groves interspersed with farmhouses as the train heads towards the looming Serra de Tramuntana. The train negotiates a series of 13 tunnels as the track winds into the mountains. During Spring this journey is taken after nightfall because of flight schedules. We alight in Puerto Soller, an attractive small inland town set among some of the highest and most impressive peaks of the Tramuntana. Typical of many such settlements on the island, Puerto Soller was established away from the coast to have advance warning and better defences from pirate attacks, and later flourished in the 19th and 20th centuries as the centre of the citrus zone.The landowners’ wealth,derived from citrus production,is reflected in the elegant mansions built in town. The façade of the church was designed by Rubio, an apprentice of the extraordinary Catalan architect Gaudi, who later took over the building of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona after Gaudi’s death. Puerto Soller is ideally situated – set around a horseshoe bay, with views of the inland peaks as a backdrop, and makes for a great base for our next two days.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Early this morning we take a public bus the short distance to Deia, a beautiful village and once the home of poet Robert Graves. We wander through Deia with its stone houses stacked one above the other, and continue through the stone-built terraces of olive trees, to the tiny Cala de Deia, a rocky fishing cove. We follow this dramatic Northern coastlinewith spectacular views along the way. Turning away from the coast, we have increasingly panoramic views as we follow the old wayfarer’s route to Soller. Passing through woodland, full of wild flowers in spring, we look down upon the breathtaking Soller valley, surrounded by the highest peaks on the island. The final part of the walk takes us through olive groves and past Cap a Gos Lighthouse back to Puerto Soller, (approx 5 hours walk).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We drive inland to the Embalse de Cuber – set in the highest peaks of the sierra the still waters of the lake mirror the rocky crags around. Black vultures, red kites and eagles may be seen soaring above. Our walk starts in this rugged, open landscape in the heart of the Sierra, in the shadow of the highest peak on the island, Puig Major (1443m). We walk along an ancient cobbled track that zigzags steeply down the ‘barranca’ or ravine. In spring the sound of cascading water is everywhere as we cross the rushing streams on small bridges and pass by crystal clear rock pools. The citrus groves and occasional palm tree that cover the fertile valley are hemmed in by compact, dry stone walls. Our walk brings us to the idyllic village of Biniaraix, with terraced lands surrounded by the mountains. From here we make our way back to Soller, (approx 5 hours walk) from where you may wish to take the tram (optional)or continue walking down to the port. Alternatively you can opt out of this walk and take an easy 2 hour hike to the watchtower. Or choose to visit Valldemossa by public transport depending on opening hours you may be able to visit the monastery where Chopin lived for a short while.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We return to the Embalse de Cuber by bus to continue our journey across the Tramuntana. The scenery is alpine-like with sheer peaks and racing rivers. Today’s walk is our most challenging but we take our time to appreciate the amazing mountain scenery en route (approx 6-7 hours walk). Late in the afternoon we arrive at the remote valley where the Monestir de Lluc nestles. The sanctuary has private facilities, albeit small, they are not as spartan as one might expect.

Overnight Standard Monastery Included meals: Breakfast

The Monestir de Nostra Senyora de Lluc has been a sanctuary and place of pilgrimage since the 13th century, still takes in visitors. We can eat in the atmospheric wooden-beamed hall, formerly the monks’ dining room. The impressive Basilica is well worth visiting, and the peaceful and beautiful setting is best appreciated by a short walk to the ‘Mysteries of the Rosary’ which will take you up to the crucifix at the peak of a nearby hill – look out for granite stations, some of which were worked on by Gaudi himself but never completed due to his sudden and unexplained departure from the island. There are a number of easy walks in the vicinity of the sanctuary if you wish to take it easy. You may choose to do the Caimari walk along a well-marked, little trodden and delightfully varied path, along the south side of the Tramuntana (approx 3 hours). For those keen to do a more strenuous scramble, it maybe possible to go to the imposing mountain of Puig Tomir (1103m). The views from the top, weather permitting, are some of the best on the island (approx 6 hours walk).

Overnight Standard Monastery Included meals: Breakfast

Following one of the oldest pilgrims trails on the island, dating back to the 13th century, we start our walk from Lluc passing through shady woodland, the imposing north face of Tomir looming over us at every turn, vultures often circling overhead. As the path starts to descend, we get our first stunning view of Pollenca Bay, built a few kilometres from the sea to protect against pirate attacks, and the port beyond, with the craggy tops of Cavall Bernat range forming a backdrop. Entering denser woodland, the steep, screecovered slopes of Tomir tower even nearer as we continue our descent. Finally we join a small lane going past pretty cottages and fields of almond and orange trees, a serene farming landscape with the mountain range rising majestically behind (approx 5.5 hours walk). Finally we arrive in Pollença, with its ancient narrow streets and impressive plaza. After a welcome refreshment break we recommend the short walk up the 365 Calvary steps – once the setting for public hangings – with excellent views over the surrounding area and town below. From here we travel the final 6km by public bus to the Mediterranean Port de Pollenca.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The day is free to relax, swim, walk or take one of a number of excursions in and around the Peninsula de Formentor. For those who wish to explore on foot a little more, it is possible to walk to Cala Boquer. The route affords superb views into the bays and wind among the palms and pine trees. The peninsula is also popular amongst ornithologists due to its resident birdlife and in April to October its location on the migratory routes. The largest marshland in the Mediterranean is located at the Natural Park of S’Albufera, just south of Port d’Alcudia and is criss-crossed by paths linking bridges and hides from which to view the varied birdlife. Alternatively you may choose to visit the historic walled town of Alcudia with its winding streets and dotted with Renaissance mansions or Mallorca’s capital Palma. Palma dates back to pre- Roman times, the architecture shaped by the ebb and flow of trade. For many people the highlight is the warren of narrow streets, reminders of its prosperity before Spanish trade shifted to the New World.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Tour ends at Palma airport at 10.00. Passengers on our group flight to London will be transfered back to the airport in time for their return flight (this may vary from the land only ending time as shown above). Please note that the transfer to the airport for land only passengers may be unescorted.

Included meals: Breakfast