GR 221 Mallorca hiking

If you want to get to know the real Mallorca, you should enjoy a hike on the GR 221 dry stone wall trail and be overwhelmed by the impressive Mediterranean nature. As many people are not quite sure what the GR 221 actually is, we would like to give you the most important information about the Mallorca GR 221 here.

What exactly is the GR 221?

The GR 221 and Dry Stone Trail is the name given to the approx. 150 km long route from the south-west of the Serra de Tramuntana to the north-west. The long-distance hiking trail on Mallorca, which has been planned since 2000, connects the coastal town of Port d'Andratx in the south-west with Pollensa in the north-west and leads through the impressively beautiful landscape of the island. The GR 221 is divided into a total of 9 stages, and the entire long-distance hiking trail can be completed in around 7-9 days by hikers in good physical condition. Approximately 6500 metres in altitude are covered if you hike the GR 221 from start to finish.

Many people do not realise that the west coast of Mallorca is partly very undeveloped and has alpine terrain, which is why some parts of the GR 221 are far away from other places and shopping facilities - other parts of the route, however, also lead through villages. The GR 221 long-distance hiking trail was planned to connect partially scattered mountain huts and create a continuous hiking trail on Mallorca. The dry stone wall trail offers numerous easy, but also many moderately difficult to challenging sections.

Where does the GR 221 lead along on Mallorca?

The GR 221 long-distance hiking trail starts in the south-west of the island in Port d'Andratx and leads along the coast to Sant Elm, where the naturally protected island of Dragonera and the turquoise-blue bay of Cala em Basset can be seen off the coast. The beautiful coastal landscape forms the beginning of the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, through which the GR 221 on Mallorca runs. This part of the GR 221 is only signposted at the beginning and the rest of the path is partially marked with cairns. As this section is away from any towns and roads, it is particularly important to be well prepared and to have sufficient provisions and water. However, this section of the GR 221 is one of the most beautiful parts, as the unspoilt coastline and the wide, open sea together with the view of the coastline of the Serra de Tramuntana reward the moderately difficult climbs.

The next village on the GR 221 is Estellencs, then the route continues to Banyalbufar. This is where the long-distance hiking trail ends on Mallorca's coast and turns further inland, now directly through the impressive mountain landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana. Esporles, Valldemossa and Deià are the next villages that the GR 221 passes through. These two romantic mountain villages will delight you with their rural charm and the unique layout of the houses, nestled close to the steep mountain slopes. After Llucalcari, a village with only 13 houses, and Port de Sóller, the only sheltered harbour on the west coast, the GR 221 leads deeper into the mountains again.

After the GR 221 crosses Sóller and one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, Fornalutx, the dry stone path leads into the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. Passing the Cúber reservoir, which lies opposite the island's highest mountain, Puig Major, the route leads over spectacular peaks and mountains to Lluc. The GR 221 on Mallorca then ends in Pollensa. This section is one of the most challenging due to the height of the mountains, but it offers unique views across the island.