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Hidden Mallorca
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A Group walking holiday in Mallorca with easy day walks in the Sierra Tramuntana mountains. |
Ref: EX-DST
8 days
from £629 (minimum 1 passengers)
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Destination:
Italy
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Go Back
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Delightful walks in the spectacular Sierra Tramuntana - the backbone of Mallorca
Highlights: Coastal and mountain scenery - Deia and Valdemossa - Three locations - Mallorquin cuisine - Guided for 6 days - Abundance of flora and fauna
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, boasts striking scenery and timeless, tranquil landscapes. The north and west have resisted over-development, retaining the true Mallorquin traditions and architecture and also have the best of the scenery. The Sierra Tramuntana mountain range, with its fertile valleys, leads down to the rugged coastline and offers bigger peaks than anything in the UK. It is an excellent destination for walking at almost any time of year, with mild winters and springs, and a daily average of five hours of sunshine.
The hills are dotted with mediaeval villages and unique historical details. The charcoal burners that frequented the forests of holly oak until quite recently established many of the footpaths - their charcoal hearths, ringed by stones, are known as ‘sitjas’. Both coast and mountain host a profusion of flora and fauna, including magnificent eagles, black vultures, hoopoes, fly and bee orchids, delicate winter crocuses which spring from tiny cracks in the limestone rock, and cistus albidus, with velvety leaves and large pink crumpled flowers. Photographers, naturalists and ornithologists will all be in their element. We have chosen to stay in three varied locations allowing us to enjoy the scale and diversity of the landscape to the full.
Optional activities and excursions:
All daywalks are optional, so you can take a free day whenever you require. From Puerto Soller you can return to Deia to stroll around the quaint streets and take in the spectacular views from the cemetery where Robert Graves is buried. You could also spend more time in Valdemossa and visit the famous Cartuja where Chopin once lived. Alternatively, you can spend a day on one of the beautiful beaches the area has to offer. At Lluc you can spend more time at the monastery instead walking if you want an easy day.
Is this trip for you? The daywalks will include some ascents and descents and occasional short stretches of airy coastal paths. There are a few unmarked sections but most are well marked and firm underfoot. We walk at a relaxed pace for between four and five hours per day. The farm at Balitx is in a remote location and is a traditional working farm with many animals.
We have chosen three very distinct places to stay, each with its own unique atmosphere and setting. We start with three nights at a comfortable hotel on the beachfront in Puerto Soller, a bustling natural port with a beautiful mountainous backdrop. Here we use a traditional 3 star hotel with twin and single en-suite rooms, a swimming pool, sun terrace, bar and restaurant. It is at the quiet end of the beach and only 20 metres from the water. We then move on to Balitx D'Avall, a 300-year-old rustic farm nestled in a remote valley and recently refurbished in traditional style - a fine example of agrotourism. Here the accommodation is highly unusual but extremely comfortable, offering a variety of rooms mostly with en-suite facilities. Finally we spend three nights at the tranquil monastery at Lluc, set high up in the mountains and an ideal base for some wonderful walks. Though not a hotel, the monastery accepts guests on a commercial basis. The food and the en-suite rooms are excellent.
Mallorquin cuisine is a highlight of the trip, and there is plenty of opportunity to sample the local cheese, cold meats, seafood and of course traditional paella. The locally produced olive oil is the staple of most Mallorquin meals, ideal for those who enjoy Mediterranean style cooking. Breakfasts tend to be continental in style and generally include bread with jam/ cheese/ ham, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and fruit juice. We take picnic style lunches during the walks which include some of the excellent Mallorquin cheese, cold meats (including sobrasada), and the local tortilla. Evening meals will be taken at the accommodation or local restaurants, offering the chance to sample more of the specialities of the region and of course some local wine. There will usually be a first course of soup or salad, followed by a main local dish and fruit for dessert. Vegetarian choices are available. The locally produced aperitif, Herbais, made with herbs from the island is also worth trying. |
Day 1 | Fly from London to Palma and transfer to Puerto Soller. Those booking land-only arrangements should join at the hotel. | Day 2 | We take the public bus to Deia, the most famous village in Mallorca due to its idyllic setting in the hills. We spend time exploring the unique village before starting our walk along the coast to Puerto Soller. This walk offers fantastic coastal views, and perhaps a chance to paddle in the turquoise sea at Cala de Deia. We stop for a picnic lunch along the way.
| Day 3 | We walk part of what is called the 'Archduke's walk', taking the bus to Valldemossa and walking to the nearby village of Deia. Valldemosa is a charming town, and is where Chopin composed most of his famous pieces. The walk follows excellent paths built by conservationists and offers spectacular coastal views. Those not wishing to walk can spend more time in the town or return to Puerto Soller.
| Day 4 | With our main luggage taken for us by vehicle, we follow an old mule track away from the coast and up into the hills, winding its way through olive groves and hidden valleys to Balitx farm. We spend one night here learning something of the rural Mallorquin lifestyle.
| Day 5 | Today we move on to Lluc Monastery. Following a cobbled path along the Balitx Valley we walk towards the coast at Sa Costera, a perfect spot for a picnic overlooking the sea. We continue along the coast to reach Cala Tuent, a little bay where the bus will meet us for the transfer along the beautiful Sa Calobra road to the monastery.
| Day 6 | Lluc is a site of considerable historic interest with an excellent museum. There is time to relax and enjoy the surrounds of the monastery, but two walks are offered by the leader, and may include the second highest peak of the island, Puig de Massanella. As an alternative to walking you can spend more time at the Monastery.
| Day 7 | As above | Day 8 | Transfer to Palma for the flight to London. Those with land-only arrangements can travel with the group to Palma airport. |
Departures Between | Price from | 17 Oct 04 | *£629 | 30 Oct 04 | *£745 | 20 Dec 04**
27 Dec 04** | *£685 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Local payment €140 (approx. £100)
Single room supplement £80
Insurance £25
**Mon to Mon
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
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Hidden Mallorca
A Group walking holiday in Mallorca with easy day walks in the Sierra Tramuntana mountains.
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