The trekking
The trekking varies from flat and broad paths to more strenuous days over rockier and steeper ground. The GR221 is a well signed throughout. Some days involve thousands of stone steps laid into the hillsides. Many days have a decent about of altitude gains and drops but we walk at a steady pace so that we can enjoy the walking and the scenery. This trip is suitable for people with a good level of fitness who hike regularly. Your luggage is transferred for you for each day except the one night in the refuge at Tossals Verds, so you only need to carry a day pack. There are only one or two very short sections where confidence chains have been set into the rock to assist with short exposed or steep sections.
Accommodation
Wherever possible we will be in good quality, comfortable hotels. This trip mixes some basic but characterful accommodations with four-star and spa treats. In most of the hotels we book rooms on a twin-share basis with en-suite facilities and the refuge has medium-sized mixed dorms (it may be possible to book private rooms for a surcharge here, depending on availability).
Food
All breakfasts are included, and we include evening meals wherever the hotel offers this. Dinner is also included at the refuge. We will experience a range of delicious local food in the villages and towns en route. The food at the refuge is more basic. Packed lunches are available to order from the refuge.
Though Mallorcan cuisine can be meat heavy, vegetarians can be catered for. At the refuge, a vegetarian dinner can be ordered in advance (and check that your 'vegetarian' packed lunch option is actually vegetarian before leaving the refuge!). There are still certain places where vegetarian options might be more limited than at home but breads, pastries, fresh fruits, seafood and vegetable dishes and salads are usually available.
In general, you can eat well as a vegan with the very occasional hotelier that doesn't 'get it'. Our leaders will always be looking out for you and we're trying to help local hoteliers adjust their mindsets, so we'll always try to rectify this on the spot.
If you have a special diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food which will make you ill, then the accommodation will endeavour to cater for this as best they can: eg. gluten-free, nut-free, lactose-free. Although please note that some hoteliers and refuges might be serving a set meal for many, and so don't have the facility to cook for a large range of different options - but they will try their hardest to cater for you. We'll have asked you about any dietary requirements in advance, but would ask you to stick to the diet you specified (suddenly wanting a particular diet without warning is not usually possible).
Lunches are not included: the reason being to offer more flexibility, if we want to have a sit-down lunch in a choice of local cafes, for example. Each day we can either order lunch via our hotel, or stop in a shop or bakery to top-up on snacks, or we can have a sit-down lunch from time to time if the route allows: your leader will advise on this.
Drinks are not included, but you can order beer, wine and soft drinks at all hotels and beer at the mountain refuge. Bottled water is preferred, and there is a fresh spring water tap at the hostel to refill your bottles.
Hotel breakfasts are continental style and usually consist of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, croissants, bread, jams, cereals, yoghurts, and often eggs, cheese and local meats. Breakfasts in the mountain hut is a simple spread including tea, coffee, bread, jam, sliced cheese (get there on time for breakfast).
Luggage delivery
We deliver your main luggage each day that we have vehicle access (which is every day apart from the refuge night at Tossals Verds). Please ensure that your main kit bag weighs no more than 15kg. Luggage needs to be ready by 08:00 daily, and is delivered by 17:30 - we use a luggage delivery company rather than a private driver so it is not possible to ride with the baggage vehicle.
Please note that your luggage will spend time in unlocked baggage rooms and unattended hotel reception areas: these are all in village hotels or mountain towns. We have never experienced a loss or theft but it is important to acknowledge that you are happy with this system and pack accordingly. The luggage company accept no responsibility for loss or damage to kit and advise that you do not bring any valuables, which can be carried with you. We advise using a padlock on your luggage.
Money and Tipping
There are cash machines at the beginning and end of the trek as well as in the overnight stops except for at the refuge. Bring enough cash to cover purchases there. Lunches cost around €12-15 per day if we order them in the hotels, but we can stop at shops en-route to make our own lunches for considerably less. A coffee or soft drink costs around €1.50-3, and a beer around €3-5.
If we eat in a restaurant or stop for coffees, we normally round up the amount to leave a tip, but usually only if the service has been good.
Tipping your guide is the accepted way of saying thank you for excellent service. Do remember that tipping is voluntary and should only be done if you were pleased with the service: our staff are all paid fairly.
Weather
In mountainous terrain the weather can vary. Temperatures can reach to over 30°C in the height of summer (June/July/August), but can be as low as 5°C on the mountain passes. It is often sunny with good weather, but it can rain, and even snow (yes, even in July or August!) so you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°C in the valley floor, to 5-15°C on the passes.
Recommended Reading and Maps
‘Trekking in Mallorca - GR221 the Drystone Route’, Paddy Dillon, Cicerone.
'Serra de Tramuntana - Mallorca' 4 maps at 1/25.000, by Alpina.
Please note that you are not expected to carry maps, it’s just in case you are interested or want to read up beforehand. If you would like to order any maps then just let us know and we can add it to your booking.
