Easy Long-distance hike in Europe: Mallorcas GR221 

GR221: Difficulty

According to the SAC mountain hiking scale, the G221 is classified as T1 - T3. T1 means "that the path is well paved. If there are any, exposed areas are very well secured. If you behave normally, the risk of falling can be largely ruled out." T3 means "that the path on the ground is not necessarily continuously visible. Exposed areas can be secured with ropes or chains. You may need your hands for balance. Some exposed areas with a risk of falling, scree areas, pathless crags." (Source Wikipedia) I already announced it, we ran the GR221 as beginners. Means: we had already done many a mountain and day hike, but not a long-distance hike so far. We have always taken this into account when planning the stages so as not to overdo it (see our stage planning). On our stages (see below) there were passages that required some stamina due to the altitude difference, but we did not perceive the paths as particularly dangerous. It is important to mention that this is a mountain hike, so it should only be done with the appropriate equipment (especially good shoes) and a basic level of fitness. Thanks to numerous hiking apps and very good signage, finding your way around is no problem. It should be noted that we had rain, but never storms and were not exposed to excessively hot temperatures (travel time April). Weather conditions should be given special attention on every hike.

The right travel time for the GR221

The ideal time for the GR221 is late March to May and late September to October. In summer, the high temperatures can be torturous, while in winter snow can be expected on the mountain peaks. Hiking is possible during this time, but less recommended.

At a glance: The classic GR221

• Total length: 145 km
• Best hiking time: March to May; end of September/October
• Daily stages: 7 – 9
• Accommodation: Hikers' shelters/refuges, hotels and B&Bs (camping officially prohibited)
• Requirements: Good stamina, sure-footedness and a head for heights are required
• Degree of difficulty according to the SAC mountain hiking scale: T1 – T3
• Maximum altitude: 1365 meters
• Total meters in altitude: 5,700 m ascent/ 5,700 m descent, of which an average of 800 per day
• Departure: Port d'Andratx
• Destination: Port de Pollenca
• Connection: by plane or ferry to the island, onward travel by bus and taxi possible

2. How do I plan a long-distance hike on the GR221?

First of all, you should think carefully about how much time you have available and how long you want to be on your feet each day. Most hikers walk the GR221 in seven to nine stages. But since Mallorca is so well connected and you pass at least one village every day, you can also plan your stages individually, which is how we did it, by the way. We covered an average of seven to thirteen kilometers a day, with the last stage being more of a short walk. This left enough time to explore the pretty towns and end the evening with good food and wine. Since this was our first visit to Mallorca, we really liked this mix of hiking, relaxing and exploring. For accommodation, you can either choose the simple hikers' hostels that you will find along the entire route (reservation is recommended), or you can book a hotel, bed & breakfast or holiday apartment. Guided hiking trips including luggage transport are also offered. We booked cheap hotels in advance and paid an average of 40 euros per person with breakfast per night. First of all, you should think carefully about how much time you have available and how long you want to be on your feet each day. Most hikers walk the GR221 in seven to nine stages. But since Mallorca is so well connected and you pass at least one village every day, you can also plan your stages individually, which is how we did it, by the way. We covered an average of seven to thirteen kilometers a day, with the last stage being more of a short walk. This left enough time to explore the pretty towns and end the evening with good food and wine. Since this was our first visit to Mallorca, we really liked this mix of hiking, relaxing and exploring. For accommodation, you can either choose the simple hikers' hostels that you will find along the entire route (reservation is recommended), or you can book a hotel, bed & breakfast or holiday apartment. Guided hiking trips including luggage transport are also offered. We booked cheap hotels in advance and paid an average of 40 euros per person with breakfast per night. 

Getting to the GR211

We flew to Mallorca, which is probably the easiest way. You also have the option of taking the ferry to Mallorca. We hiked without a dog back then, so the ferry would be a good option for us in the future. On the island you can either take the bus to your starting point for the hike or treat yourself to a taxi. 

Hiking GR221 with a dog?

As for the challenge of the hike, a hiker's dog can also handle the GR221. You should always have enough water with you and avoid both the hot season and the midday heat. The ground is rocky in places, caution is advised here. When it comes to accommodation, you should note that dogs are not allowed in the dormitories of the refuges. But you will find hotels that will take you and your dog. We can very well imagine doing the hike with our dog one day. 

3. Packing list: What do I need for a long-distance hike on the GR221? 

We actually traveled with very light luggage. My backpack (without water) weighed barely three kilos. I got by with a 25 liter backpack. However, I hardly missed anything. 

Our hiking gear for the GR221 (per person)

• Good walking shoes (ankle-high recommended)
• Slippers/light shoes for the evening
• Long hiking pants, short hiking pants
• Long cloth trousers/linen trousers
• Optional a light dress
• 2 short-sleeved sports shirts
• 2 shirts
• A fleece jacket/knitted fleece
• rain jacket
• underwear
• Bikini/swim trunks
• Lightweight Shawl/Buff Cloth
• cap
• sunglasses
• suncream
• deodorant
• A light towel
• mobile
• charging cable
• First aid kit/bandages and ointment
• Water bottle/bladder for 2-3 liters
• 25-35 liter backpack with rain cover
• granola bar

What we didn't have with us, but is recommended:

• Hut sleeping bag for overnight stays in refuges
• Light down jacket
• walking sticks
• camera gear
• compass
• gas cooker

4. Easy long-distance hike on Mallorca: Our stage planning 

I already said that we tended to plan quite easy stages. I should mention that we didn't walk the path from start to finish, but picked out the particularly beautiful middle section. By the way, this route is perfect if you want to go on a one-week hiking holiday in Mallorca.<br>

The most beautiful stages of the GR221? Our stages at a glance*

1. Day 1: From Estellence to Banyalbufar (6.6 km, 200/220 m)
2. Day 2: From Banyalbufar to Esporles (7.8 km, 300/360m)
3. Day 3: From Esporles to Valldemossa (9 km, 610/410m)
4. Day 4: From Valldemossa to Déia (13 km, 660/880 m)
5. Day 5: From Déia to Port de Sóller (10.5 km, 300/230 m)
6. Day 6: From Port de Soller to Sóller (5 km, 110/80 m)

*Specifications in distance, positive altitude, negative altitude

5. GR221 field report: Our long-distance hike in Mallorca

Day 1: Estellence to Banyalbufar (6.6 km, 200/220 m) 

You must have recognized it in the stage planning – we took it easy. We started in Estellence, a small mountain village in a dreamy, Mediterranean setting. So we got in the middle of the GR221. As Estellence is a bit isolated we invested in a taxi to take us from the airport to the starting point. At barely seven kilometers, the stage was good for arriving and getting a first impression of what to expect over the next few days. You walk through pine forests, can look forward to a fantastic sea view and have to overcome quite a few meters in altitude. We also really liked the arrival point of Banyalbufar with its many cafes and restaurants (including sea views). A nice first day.<br>

Day 2: Banyalbufar to Esporles (7,8 km, 300/360)

The second stage was already significantly more hilly. Again and again we went along the typical dry stone walls deep through the forest, which seemed really mystical due to the rainy weather that we had that day. By the way, there is hardly any sea view anymore, because you walk towards the interior. The mountain village of Esporles is really pretty, and you can also find nice little restaurants here to end the day. 

Day 3: Esporles to Valldemossa (9 km, 610/410)

On this stage, you walk through holm oak forests on paths that are not always paved, and you can now and then see the landscape. Valldemossa is the first tourist spot on this hike, but we liked it here. The place is particularly good to explore in the evening or early morning, when the day tourists have disappeared. 

Day 4: Valldemossa to Déia (13 km, 660/880 hm)

My absolute favorite stage! At the beginning it goes steeply up until you have a fantastic view of the mountains of the island. But it gets even better, because another short climb later opens up the view of the sea. Now you walk over an open mountain plateau with a 360 degree view, until the long descent to the beautiful artist village of Déia is pending.

Day 5: Déia to Port de Sóller (10,5 km, 300/230 hm)

I also have breathtakingly beautiful memories of this stage. While you can make detours to picturesque bays at the beginning, you walk through beautiful olive groves as you progress. This route is particularly Mediterranean. The last section of the route offers fantastic views of the sea and the crescent-shaped bay of Port de Sóller. Port de Sóller didn't blow our minds, but it was nice to spend a few hours in the sun on the beach.<br>

Day 6: Port de Soller nach Sóller (5 km, 110/80)

To be honest, this route can hardly be described as a hike, but rather as a short walk to the next town. It leads mainly over the street/sidewalk and can alternatively also be driven with the sweet train. The rest of the day was dedicated to exploring Sóller, a place that we really liked. For us, the hiking trip ended here. A small highlight was the return trip to Palma. With the wooden train inaugurated in 1912, we rushed through the breathtaking landscape of Mallorca. 

6. Long-distance hiking for beginners: the most important tips

So that the first long-distance hike does not turn out to be a flop, you should consider a few things. 

• Choose stages that are not significantly higher in length and altitude than what you have already hiked. 
• Plan to become more tired over time. It is better to follow a long stage with a short one and do not start directly with the most difficult stage. 
• Choose long-distance hiking trails that have a certain infrastructure. 
• Don't underestimate the weight of your backpack if you usually travel light. 
• With permanent accommodation, you save yourself the weight of tent equipment. 
• Don't skimp on gear, especially hiking boots. Rely on high-quality and light materials. 
• Don't forget the first aid kit. 
• Use hiking apps with offline functionality to avoid getting lost. 
• Plan for any weather and prepare for rain, heat, and cold. 
• Enjoy your time!

Our conclusion: Our first long-distance hike on the GR221 in Mallorca

We really enjoyed the hiking week in Mallorca. As far as the hikes are concerned, the first stages tended to be too short, but we had a little more time to explore the places and enough strength for the more difficult middle stages. Although the GR221 is very popular, we were almost always alone and only met other hikers on the stages around Déia/Valldemossa.