Palma Tour Mallorca

Where do you start in the Tramuntana, and which walk fits your day?

Between the main route and its variants, the choice gets confusing fast. The right Mallorca hiking trails map sorts it out, and this guide shows you how to read it.

Mallorca hiking trails map: where the open GR 221 sections run

Start with the official map and the offline app

The Consell de Mallorca publishes a hiking map that shows the open, waymarked sections of the Ruta de Pedra en Sec GR 221, both the main route and its variants. The official “Hiking in Majorca” app adds route descriptions, points of interest, services, position tracking and offline access, which is useful once you leave mobile coverage behind.

The current network totals 261.1 km of open, waymarked trails. The main route accounts for 150.1 km between Port d’Andratx and Port de Pollença, and the remaining 111 km belong to the variants and the Puig de Maria derivation.

Learn the route symbols before you set off

The GR 221 main route crosses the Serra de Tramuntana from Port d’Andratx to Port de Pollença. Look for the white and red stripes that mark the long-distance path. A white and red cross means you are heading the wrong way.

Nine official stages range from coastal strolls to demanding mountain days

Compare the nine stages side by side

The route has nine stages. They range from short coastal walks to long mountain days. The times below are walking times only. Allow extra time for breaks, navigation and photos.

Grouped by difficulty, the stages fall as follows:

• Easy: stages 1, 5 and 9
• Moderate: stages 3, 7 and 8
• Hard: stages 2, 4 and 6

Watch the climbs on stage 4

Stage 4, from Esporles to Deià, covers 23.1 km with 1,326 m of ascent and 1,387 m of descent. Those figures make it one of the most demanding days on the route, so pace yourself from the start.

Several short sections and branches suit a single day’s walk

Pick a stage that fits one day

You don’t need to commit to the full crossing to enjoy the trail. Three official sections work well as day hikes:

• Stage 1: Port d’Andratx to Sant Elm, 9.8 km, a gentle introduction to the route
• Stage 5: 9.9 km between Deià and Port de Sóller
• Stage 9: the 6.7 km finish to Port de Pollença

Another rewarding day option runs through the high Tramuntana. This path crosses the area between the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs. It passes below Puig Major and opens onto views over the Torrent d’Almadrà. Its official grade is average. The rocky ground still calls for proper footwear and a downloaded track.

Prefer a guided day in the mountains?

If you would rather walk with a local guide, or combine a short hike with a visit to Sóller and its port, browse the experiences available around the valley:

Treat Torrent de Pareis as a separate outing

The canyon itself runs for about 3.3 km between high rock walls. The full walk from Escorca to the sea takes around five hours. It crosses boulders and uneven streambed ground.

Not ready for the canyon? You can still see the Tramuntana coastline from the sea. This sightseeing tour by boat and vintage train is an easy way to enjoy the mountains without the hard walking.

Bus links and refuges make linear Tramuntana hikes practical

Use the TIB buses to reach the stage towns

TIB services connect many of the GR 221 access points. Timetables change between seasons, though. Some lines run only at certain times of year.

The key routes are:

• Line 101: Palma, Andratx and Port d’Andratx
• Line 121: Sant Elm and Andratx
• Lines 202 and 203: the villages of the western Tramuntana

Reserve the refuges before you fix your itinerary

Bookable refuges sit on or beside the main route. They are Can Boi in Deià, Muleta near Port de Sóller, Tossals Verds, Son Amer near Lluc and Pont Romà in Pollença. The Refugi de Galatzó offers an extra option on the Galatzó variant.

A dormitory bed costs €14 per person, or €9 for a child under 16.

Extras and meals are priced as follows:

• Bed linen: €4.50
• Towel: €2
• Breakfast: €5.50
• Lunch: €13
• Dinner: €9.50
• Packed lunch: €8

You can book through the Consell’s refuge portal, by telephone or by email. Online bookings open almost four months before arrival. They usually close about three days before your stay.

The two-bed room at Tossals Verds has to be booked by email.

Plan for heat and scarce water

Carry enough water for the entire stage. This matters most on the long sections between villages. Start early on stages 2, 4 and 6. Check the AEMET forecast before you climb into the mountains.

Before you commit to a route, check that your map, your GPS track and your refuge bookings all match the same stage. Once you have settled on your itinerary, book your beds early, since online bookings open well ahead of arrival. Keep the offline app and the downloaded track on your phone for the sections where mobile coverage drops out.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a permit to hike the GR 221?

No, you do not need a hiking permit to walk the GR 221.

If you plan to sleep in a Consell de Mallorca refuge, reserve your bed in advance.

Can you hike the GR 221 without a guide?

Yes, you can walk the route on your own if you prepare each stage in advance.

Download the official GPX track and learn the waymarking. A guide helps on demanding terrain, in poor visibility or where signs are incomplete.

Is wild camping allowed along the GR 221?

No, you should not plan to camp wild along the GR 221.

Much of the land is private or protected, so book a permitted accommodation and check the rules with the relevant authority first.

How long does it take to walk the GR221?

The main route has nine stages, so most walkers cover it over several days rather than in one.

Stage 6 alone takes 9 h 05 of walking, so add time for breaks and navigation, and book refuge beds for the nights in between.

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