Mallorca has, for a long time appealed to those who enjoy walking and hiking. It is not only the lure of the beautiful mountains and passes of the Serra de Tramuntana that attracts visitors but also the wonderful natural parks and wildlife reserves that can be found around the Island.
The reasons for walking are not confined solely to those seeking exercise and wonderful views but also for those wishing to explore the nature, history, culture and cuisine of this diverse area.
Described as a guided tour around the real Mallorca, ‘Walking on Words’ is a government backed project which encompasses seven walking routes within the Serra de Tramuntana and beyond, specialising in promoting the culture, history, life and literature of the region. Walks visit museums, architectural venues and countryside which have influenced famous authors and poets from the past.
For those wanting to ‘go it alone’ with just a guide book and a map, the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is difficult to beat. GR 221, otherwise known as the ‘Dry Stone Route’, is an eight-stage walking route starting from Port D’Andratx on the far west coast of Mallorca and finishing in Pollença in the northeast corner of the Island nearly 56 miles away as the crow flies. This is the longest hiking path within the Balearic Archipelago and keen walkers and hikers can spend seven days in the Tramuntana Mountains staying at a selection of refuges, guesthouses and hotels along the way or in one of the nearby amazing towns or villages. By visiting places of historical, cultural, scientific and natural interest along route GR 221 it is possible to cover a total distance of over 90 miles.
Dating back to 1974, the annual 30-mile pilgrimage from Palma to the monastery at Lluc, otherwise known as Des Güell to Lluc to peu, takes place overnight and attracts thousands of participants. The pilgrimage is normally held in August and starts at 11.00 pm with the first walkers expected to arrive at their destination around five hours later. Most people complete their journey within eight hours of departure. The walk is extremely popular with families, locals and visitors alike.
The Country Walking 2017 Calendar Amateur Photographic Competition, based around the Serra de Tramuntana, is now open for entries and will close at midnight on Friday 30th September.
