Travel report: Mallorca‘s West Coast with Charm

Between orange-, lemon- and olive groves

After an uncomplicated arrival we are warmly welcomed in the beautiful Hotel Es Port, our accommodation for the upcoming hiking days. The hotel is a real gem and the historic part of the building is an old 17th century fortified mansion. The special charm can be experienced in the entire hotel, the team is very friendly and there is really no culinary wish left unfulfilled. After a varied breakfast and a freshly squeezed orange juice from wonderful Sóller oranges, we start our first hiking tour – the circular hike to Fornalutx. Although it is a bit cloudy and partly drizzling, we can really enjoy this tour. Marvellous views onto the orange- and lemon groves, the stunning olive trees and plenty of Mediterranean nature. The village of Fornalutx, featuring 300 to 400 year old natural stone houses, is quite rightly the most beautiful village of Mallorca and after this fantastic tour at the start of our holiday we are excited to see what awaits us over the next few days.

High up: Cúber Reservoir and Puig de l'Ofre

The next hiking day takes us up high. After a short shuttle transfer with Sergio, our Eurohike-colleague in Mallorca, we reach the Cúber reservoir at an altitude of 750 metres. From there we proceed on paths through flat terrain featuring fabulous 360-degree mountain views to the other shore of the lake. We decide on a detour onto the Puig de l'Ofre, where we are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island. Really spectacular! Then the well-signposted pilgrimage route leads us down to the village famous for its oranges, Sóller. From there you can take the tram or walk back to Port de Sóller. We decide to walk and in the evening we look forward to the wonderful dinner in the hotel’s own restaurant Sa Figuera. The fresh fish and the marvellous Mallorquin cuisine are the perfect end to this day.

Landscape on the hiking tour on the pilgrim’s trail

Eurohike backpack in front of the Cúber lake

Hiking path on the pilgrim's trail in Mallorca

The Queen’s Stage with magnificent sunshine: Circular Hike Sa Calobra

What awaits us on the third hiking day is unique for us. Sergio picks us up from the Hotel Es Port at 8am and after a short transfer we start walking from the the viewpoint Mirador de ses Barques at an altitude of 400 metres. The first few steps already reveal the spectacular coastal views which await us today while coastal hiking. We are just stunned, stopping again and again marveling at and enjoying the sunny hiking weather. Onwards through picturesque olive groves we proceed to the turquoise-blue bay of Cala Tuent. Despite the spring-like temperatures we are all alone here and enjoy a short break in the sunshine and the sound of the sea on the beach. After a small, final ascent we reach the bay of Sa Calobra. From here a transfer boat takes us back to Port de Sóller and we enjoy the sunny afternoon on the beach.

Signposts on the Sa Calobra hiking trail

Active time-out in Palma de Mallorca

We are looking forward to the active day of rest we can spend today in Palma de Mallorca. And boredom has no chance here since the island’s capital leaves nothing to be desired: we leisurely stroll through the lively alleyways and treat ourselves to a wonderful fresh juice in the glass-covered patio of the Rialto Café, situated only a few steps from the Born. We continue our stroll headed for one of Mallorca‘s oldest bakeries, the Fornet de la Soca. Here you can taste that everything is homemade and only local ingredients are used. We choose a characteristic ‚Ensaimada‘, which tastes heavenly! On our way back we make a short stop in Son Vida. From here you have a great view over the capital of Mallorca. A stupendous finale to our day in Palma.

Bakery Fornet de la Soca in Palma de Mallorca

Freshly squeezed juices in the Cafe Rialto in Palma de Mallorca

Picture book bays and coastal walks from Deià to Sóller

We start the final tour of our hiking holiday in the picturesque mountain village of Deià. On a leisurely hiking trail we proceed into one of the most beautiful mini bays on the island– the Cala Deià. Crystal-clear water, pine-covered slopes and a unique backdrop – there is no better way to start a hiking tour. Always along the coast we continue to hike on nice paths and stop occasionally to breath in the fresh sea air and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views. After almost eight kilometres we reach the finca Son Mico, famous for its cakes. What we highly recommend here you will read further below under my Mallorca-tips. Energised and nourished we hike until the town square of Sóller and from there back to our accommodation. This hiking tour could not have ended better!

Hiking break in the picturesque bay Cala Deià

Hiking path from Deia to Soller in Mallorca

Hiking backpack on the tour from Deia to Soller in Mallorca

Reading the travel documents while hiking in Mallorca

Bliss as far as the eye can see – my Mallorca-Tips:

Hiking break on the beach: During the circular tour to Sa Calobra a break in the picturesque bay of Cala Tuent is the perfect location. Pack a small hiking snack in your backpack and let the sound of the sea wash over you – this is how blissful a hiking holiday can be!
This is the taste of Mallora – Fornet de la Soca: On your day of rest we highly recommend you treat yourself to the heavenly baked creations available in one of Mallorca’s oldest bakeries. Whether you choose a typical Empanada, Ensaimada, one of the Robiols or some artisan bread – there is guaranteed to be something for every taste. And the ingredients are not only of the highest quality, but also from organic farming and come locally from Mallorca.

Even more hiking adventures: If you are longing for some exercise on your active day of rest, you can for instance embark on the beautiful La Muleta circular tour. It starts directly from the Hotel Es Port, initially leads you up to the lighthouse „Far del Cap Gros“, onwards along well-signposted gravel roads through old olive cultures and finally back to Port de Sóller.
Cake Finca Son Mico: During the final stage from Deià to Sóller along the GR 221 you directly walk past the renowned finca Son Mico, famous for its cakes and owned by the siblings Coll. Here heavenly, homemade cakes await you, which are served personally by both sisters with exceptional cordiality. After a slice of delicious almond and cinnamon cake we continue our hike to our final destination Sóller.

Hiking break in the cake Finca Son Mico in Mallorca

My Conclusion

Whether it is a leisurely hike to Fornalutx, en route along Cúber reservoir down to Sóller, the impressive circular tour to Sa Calobra or the marvellous coastal path from Deià to Sóller – this glorious hiking holiday Mallorca‘s West Coast with Charm lives up to its name! The endless distant views, spectacular stretches of coastline and idyllic hiking paths, the fantastic island cuisine and cordiality of the locals, the charming accommodation and the Mediterranean scenery – no other hiking destination inspired this level of enthusiasm within me as the Balearic island of Mallorca.