Trail running course in Mallorca: cross the Tramuntana mountains via the GR221

From the Coll de sa Gramola, a short descent begins the day before the main ascent, through a rocky and isolated landscape. The trail winds through stony pastures and passes a few remote farms, used for grazing in the spring. On this less-traveled section of the GR221, the path sometimes becomes difficult to discern, marked only by a few discreet cairns. The views extend towards the Mediterranean to the west and the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana to the north.

You gradually reach a panoramic ridge at 800m altitude, the highest point of the day. This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the local nickname for the route: the Ruta de Pedra en Sec – the Dry Stone Route – a reference to the ancestral know-how of building without mortar, visible throughout the region. The day ends below the Moleta de S'Esclop, before descending to Estellencs, a typical village with steep, winding streets, where you will spend the night.

Today's stage, easier going, follows an old royal road linking Estellencs to Esporles. Leaving the village, you take a path towards Banyalbufar, alternating between paved roads and terraced trails, lined with historic homes of the local nobility, such as Son Serralta, Es Rafal, and Es Collet. An opening in an old stone wall marks the entrance to a holm oak forest, a typical species of the Serra de Tramuntana, which offers welcome shade in summer.

The route follows the coast northeast to a pass offering sweeping views of the Planicia Valley. On the horizon, the region's iconic peaks rise, including Puig Major (1445m), the island's highest point. Arriving in the terraced village of Banyalbufar, with its ancient houses and sea views, is a highlight of the day. You then continue towards Esporles, following the final kilometers of the Camí des Correu, a historic path dating back to 1401, once used to connect the coastal villages.

Starting from Esporles, the day begins with a gradual climb to the Mola de Son Pacs, an area with diverse ecosystems: limestone hills, forests, ravines, and rocky outcrops. In the past, this wooded area provided materials for construction, charcoal and lime production, and served the activities of shepherds and woodcutters. The atmosphere here evokes prehistoric and Islamic times.

At the summit, a viewpoint perched on the clifftop invites you to pause and admire the sea. The trail continues through the forest, with a descent dotted with remnants of past agricultural practices. You then reach Valldemossa, the village of Chopin and George Sand, where a coffee or ice cream stop is a must. The route then leads you into a private conservation area, managed by the Muntanya del Voltor association. After climbing via the Ranxo d'en Sutro, you join the spectacular Archduke's Path, suspended above the Mediterranean. A descent on an old mule track concludes the day, leading to Deià, a charming coastal village.

No rush this morning: Deià, with its steep alleyways, old houses, and jade-green cove, invites relaxation. A morning swim or a few stretches are welcome after the exertions of the previous days. The village, a haven for artists like Robert Graves, seems timeless, surrounded by palm trees and flowering meadows.

Today's shorter stage follows the Llucalcari coastline with views of the sea and the Deià shrine nestled in the greenery. The trail leads to the Muleta refuge, located near the lighthouse overlooking Port de Sóller. Arrival is expected in the early afternoon, leaving time to enjoy the lively port, stroll along the seafront, or relax on the sandy beach.

The day begins gently with a ride on Sóller's historic mahogany and brass tram, or on foot from your accommodation. You'll pass through Sóller and its ancient alleyways before tackling a gradual climb into a spectacular gorge. The cobbled path runs alongside ancient irrigation canals and aqueducts, testaments to the local agricultural ingenuity.

The ascent of the Barranc de Biniaraix, a staircase of 2,000 stone steps, leads you into the Ofre Valley, dominated by the rock formation of the same name. From the Coll de l'Ofre, you can enjoy a view of Lake Cúber and Puig Major (1,445m). A second pass, the Coll des Coloms, marks the transition to the southern slopes of the Serra.

The technical descent leads to the Torrent d'Almadra, where a section equipped with chains allows passage over an exposed section, the Pas Llis. The trail remains demanding until arrival at the Refugi Tossals Verds, a traditional mountain refuge surrounded by orchards, ideal for a quiet evening after this intense day.

From the Refugi Tossals Verds, you begin a steady climb through holm oak forests, following ancient paths dotted with natural springs and old stone aqueducts. The traverse through the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana offers a concentrated landscape of limestone formations, sculpted ridges, and sweeping views towards the sea.

Along the way, you'll discover several "cases de neu," snow huts used since the 16th century to store ice. You'll pass close to the island's highest peaks: Puig Major (1445m), inaccessible as it's located in a military zone, and Puig de Massanella (1364m), the highest point accessible on foot.

From the Coll de n'Argento, you begin the descent towards the Lluc monastery, founded in the 13th century. This unique spiritual place in the region welcomes you for the night, at the end of a day that blends history, nature and altitude.

Before leaving the Lluc Monastery, the spiritual heart of Mallorca, take some time to immerse yourself in the local history and culture. Then, a gentler stage begins with a gradual climb through holm oaks to the Son Amer refuge, a fine example of dry stone construction linked to the ancient Knights Templar.

Along the way, you'll encounter other remarkable remains, such as the 17th-century elevated canal fed by the S'Ermita spring, a testament to the vital role of water in this mountainous region. The route then follows a river valley until you reach the ancient town of Pollença, nestled between two hills: Calvari, famous for its 365 steps, and Monte Maria (325m).

After this final stage of the GR221, a transfer takes you to Port de Pollença, by the sea, for a last evening facing the Mediterranean.

This morning, a private transfer to Palma Airport is scheduled and included in your stay. The aim is to arrive around 10:00 AM. If your flight times differ, please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss the arrangements. Depending on everyone's departure times, a later transfer may be possible. You also have the option of using public transportation if you prefer a different time.

For those who wish to extend the adventure, you can spend an extra night in Palma or enjoy the sea again in Port de Pollença.