Guided walking/rambling
A Three Day Walking Tour in Mallorca –
the perfect weekend break!
This itinerary has been carefully designed to
give the walking enthusiast the opportunity to
experience, in just three days, the wide range
of terrain and landscape which Mallorca has to
offer.
On each day a different area of the Island will
be covered. We start with a gentle hike to the
monastery of San Salvador. This is followed by
a slightly more challenging trek between Valldemossa
and Deia in the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana.
We end with an exhilarating coastal walk along
rugged cliffs in the south east corner of the
island. There will also be free time to relax,
a visit to a popular weekend market and of course
plenty of opportunity to enjoy the local wines
and cuisine.
Thursday, Day 1.
On arrival at Es Passerell there will be time
to unpack and perhaps take a stroll in the surrounding
countryside before a welcome dinner with the group.
Friday, Day 2.
A relaxing start - maybe a dip in the pool before
a leisurely breakfast on the terrace. A mini bus
will then transport us just a few miles to the
foot of San Salvador (1673 ft), Mallorca's main
peak in the southern Llevant range of hills. This
is a 2hr walk. The ascent is on a farm track and
the ancient pilgrim's path. The first section
is through an open valley flanked by farms and
almond groves. We will then slowly wend our way
up the switchback track through carob and olive
groves and finally through pines and holm-oaks,
constantly catching views across the island's
central plain to the beautiful Tramuntana mountain
range to the north. On reaching the top we will
have lunch at the monastery. The restaurant is
renown for its spicy Paella and local Llevant
wines.
In the afternoon there will be the option of
returning to Es Passerell by mini bus or continuing
on to the castle of Santueri. This is a two mile
walk along a wooded ridge with spectacular views
of both the coast and the interior. Your guide
will no doubt be eager to inform you of the castle's
fascinating history and it's connection to Christopher
Columbus.
On returning to Es Passerell there will be time
for a relaxing drink in the garden before dinner.
Saturday, Day 3.
This morning we head across the Island to the
Serra de Tramuntana. On arrival in Valldemossa
there will be time for a coffee at one of the
many colourful street cafés or perhaps
a quick visit to the Monastery where George Sand
and Frederic Chopin spent the winter of 1838-39.
Leaving the bustle of the town behind us we will
ascend through pine woods to the tranquillity
of the high plateau along the Cami de S'Arxiduc
mountain bridleway. At between 5 and 6hrs, this
walk offers breathtaking views of high rock faces
and sweeping coastal panoramas, as well as more
challenging terrain. Skirting beneath the Teix
peak we will stop for a picnic lunch and then
begin our descent to the village of Deia, home
for many years to the English writer and poet
Robert Graves.
Perhaps a well deserved drink in one of the village
hostelries and then back through the centre of
the island stopping at Petra's cosy Es Celler
restaurant for dinner. This ancient, barrel lined
bodega serves local favourites such as pork stuffed
with cabbage and raisins, rabbit and onion stew
and of course the exquisitely tender suckling
pig.
Sunday, Day 4.
This morning there will be the option to either
relax on the terrace or by the pool, maybe finish
that novel or browse the Sunday papers, or else
visit the local open air market in the nearby
town of Felanitx. Here you will find regional
produce and crafts in abundance. From tangy sheep's
cheese and huge sobrasada sausages to earthenware
pottery and practical straw baskets. An ideal
opportunity to find an original gift or souvenir.
Then off to the south eastern corner of the island
for a gentle cliff top ramble. This relaxing 2hr
walk will allow you to experience more of the
island's fauna and flora. Cormorants, seagulls,
thrushes, rock lizards, herons and king fishers
can all be spied in the little rocky inlets or
high on the cliffs. Flora found along the route
will include wild thyme and rosemary bushes and
wild olive and tamarind trees. Also look out for
the astonishing patterns carved by the elements
into the rock faces. Lunch will be a picnic on
the cliffs looking across the sea to the island
of Cabrera. There may also be the chance to swim
in one of the coves along the way.
Those leaving Sunday night can either be collected
and taken direct to the airport or via Es Passerell,
depending on flight times. Those staying on until
Monday morning will have a choice of dining at
Es Passarell or at a nearby rural restaurant.
Monday, Day 5.
Breakfast. Depart for the airport. Although it's
a sad farewell we guarantee that as you fly high
above the Tramuntanas and catch a final glimpse
of those spectacular trails way below, you will
already be planning your next weekend walking
tour in Mallorca!
Grades of walks:
To gain full enjoyment from the three walks a
degree of fitness will be required. If the walk
from Valldemossa to Deia is too taxing, the ascent
is over 2,000ft, alternatives can be offered.
Days 1 and 2 should not present any problems for
someone who regularly takes 3 to 4 for mile walks
which include hills.
Anyone with any medical condition should seek
a doctor's advice before travelling.
Equipment: hiking boots (worn in!), small rucksack,
sunhat, suncream, whistle, compass, light wind/waterproof
jacket and walking stick.
For further information please contact
Es Passarell.
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