Discover some of the best trekking in Mallorca on the GR221 – Mallorca’s Drystone Route. This spectacular long-distance trail runs 140km (87 miles) through the sun-drenched Serra de Tramuntana mountains, stretching from Port d’Andratx in the south-west to the historic town of Pollença in the north-east. Linking a string of delightful mountain villages via ancient paths and mule tracks, the GR221 offers a unique way to explore the rugged, unspoilt heart of Mallorca, far from the island’s bustling beach resorts.

Best suited to walkers with some experience of long-distance routes, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook divides the trail into 10 manageable daily stages, with additional alternative starting points (s’Arracó, es Capdellà, Calvià) and finishing options (Cala Tuent, Alaró, Orient, Caimari, Port de Pollença), allowing flexibility to create your perfect itinerary. Explore the island’s unique culture and natural history as you walk: evergreen oak and pine forests, palatial country mansions, ancient ermitas, and the melodic sound of sheep bells drifting through the hills.  

• Traverse the dramatic limestone ridges, shady forests, terraced hillsides, and sun-scorched valleys of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause in charming villages such as Estellencs, Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller, where life moves at a gentler pace, and welcoming cafés offer well-earned refreshments.
• The main route runs from Port d’Andratx to Pollença, but variant routes and extensions add further possibilities for exploration, totalling an additional 90km (56 miles) for those wishing to extend their adventure.
• Enjoy year-round walking on Mallorca, with spring and autumn providing the most comfortable conditions for trekking. In spring, almond trees bloom, and the countryside bursts into life, while autumn brings ripe oranges and grapes to the valleys.
• Details optional detours to climb neighbouring peaks, including the iconic Puig de Maria, for panoramic views across the island and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Provides detailed route summaries for each stage of the GR221, including clear 1:25,000 Alpina mapping, daily statistics (distance, ascent/descent, estimated walking times), and practical advice on public transport, accommodation, and places to purchase food and drink.
• Downloadable GPX files make navigation easy, whether you’re following the route in print or digitally, and are supported by expert advice for planning each stage of your journey. Background information on Mallorca’s rich history, flora and fauna, and a Spanish–Catalan–English glossary to help you connect with local life.

Plan your GR221 Drystone Route trek in Mallorca with confidence and immerse yourself in the wild beauty, tranquil villages, and living tradition of the island’s mountain heartland, supported every step of the way by the expert guidance in the Cicerone guidebook.

Author Highlight

“Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, basking in sunny splendour in the Mediterranean between Spain and Algeria. It has been a favourite destination for sun-starved northern Europeans for many decades. While beach holidays remain popular, more and more visitors seek the quieter pleasures of rural Mallorca, especially taking opportunities to explore the island’s most rugged mountain range, the Serra de Tramuntana. In the high mountains there is more shade among the evergreen oak and pines, with cooling breezes to temper the heat of the sun. Away from the bustling resorts the pace of life in the mountain villages is more sedate and relaxing. Almond trees burst into blossom, oranges ripen in the sun and vineyards yield heavy bunches of grapes… In a sense, the visitor who is prepared to walk can forget everything they’ve ever heard about Mallorca and start afresh by making new discoveries every day, around every corner."

- Paddy Dillon, author of Trekking in Mallorca

Map key

Overview map

Introduction

Serra de Tramuntana

GR221 – Ruta de Pedra en Sec

Brief history of Mallorca

Plants and wildlife

Travel to Mallorca

Travel around Mallorca

When to go

Accommodation

Language

Money

Food and drink

Water

Walking the GR221

Emergencies

Using this guide

GR221 – The Drystone Route

Stage 1 Port d’Andratx to Sant Elm

Stage 2 Sant Elm to Ses Fontanelles

Stage 3 Ses Fontanelles to Estellencs

Stage 4 Estellencs to Esporles

Stage 5 Esporles to Valldemossa

Stage 6 Valldemossa to Deià

Stage 7 Deià to Sóller

Stage 8 Sóller to Tossals Verds

Stage 9 Tossals Verds to Lluc

Stage 10 Lluc to Pollença and Puig de Maria

Alternatives

Alternative start A s’Arracó to Ses Fontanelles

Alternative start B es Capdellà to Estellencs

Alternative start C Calvià to Estellencs

Alternative finish D Sóller to Cala Tuent

Alternative finish E Tossals Verds to Alaró or Orient

Alternative finish F Lluc to Caimari via GR222

Appendix A Route summary table

Appendix B Glossary

Appendix C Public transport

Appendix D Accommodation

Appendix E Useful contacts

Seasons

Possible nearly all year round, but it can be very hot in summer, while rare winter snowfall can cover the paths on the higher parts.

Centres

Port d'Andratx, Sant Elm, Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Esporles, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Tossals Verds, Lluc, Pollença, Peguera, Calvià, Puigpunyent, Alaró, Caimari

Difficulty

Mostly on clear paths and tracks, but some of these can be rough and stony underfoot, and occasionally steep. Some parts require careful route-finding, though many stretches have been signposted and waymarked. The whole route can be completed by anyone with a little previous long-distance walking experience.

Must See

Serra de Tramuntana, Sa Dragonera, La Trapa, Puig de Galatzó, Puig des Teix, La Granja, Vall de Sóller, L'Ofre, Cúber, Tossals Verds, Puig de Massanella, Lluc Monastery, Puig de María, Castell d'Alaró

April 2025

Signposts and waymarks

June 2022

2022 reprint route updates

April 2022

Alternative Finish D

May 2019

Corrections

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