When we talk about Mallorca, everyone thinks of its splendid coastline, with beaches with translucent waters that make bathers and water sports enthusiasts happy on sunny days. But the largest island of the Balearic Islands actually has many other strings to its bow, in terms of landscape, heritage, culture and traditions. On the northwestern part of Mallorca there is a mountain range that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Serra de Tramuntana. And one of the most beautiful ways to discover the specificities of this steep territory is to take the GR221, also called the Dry Stone Route. Why this name? What is there to discover along the route? Here is all the information you need to know about one of the most beautiful routes in Majorca. Hiking enthusiasts will have only one thing on their minds: packing their bags and heading for this little corner of paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean.
Why the Route de la Pierre Sèche?
The GR221 is called the Dry Stone Route(Ruta de la Pedra in Sec) in reference to the numerous dry stone constructions that can be found along the route, hand-cut and interlocking without any binding material. This ancestral method was used to mark out paths, to delimit properties and crops, to build retaining walls for the cultivation of terraced slopes, but also fountains, wells and ovens. All these constructions are very useful in rural areas, in the heart of the steep relief of the Serra de Tramuntana.
The Dry Stone Route is a long-distance hiking trail from Andratx to Pollença. It is 283 km long and includes marked trails and some variations to get off the beaten track. The itinerary crosses the Serra de Tramuntana, following the coast and penetrating here and there a little further inland.
The Dry Stone Route: 8 stages to enjoy the view
The GR221 is an itinerary which reserves many surprises to the hikers. You will discover a great variety of landscapes, from the steep cliffs that dominate the Mediterranean to two of the highest peaks of the Balearic Islands - Puig Major (1,445 meters) and Puig de Massanella (1,365 meters) - passing through olive groves and other cultivated areas. All of this is dotted with dry-stone buildings, typical villages and historical remains that make the route even more captivating. There is no doubt that the Route de la Pierre Sèche is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe!
The long-distance path invites you to follow 8 stages. The first one connects Andratx to Estellencs and offers beautiful views of the cliffs and a little further on, the island of Sa Dragonera. The monastery of La Trapa is the most important heritage element of the walk.
After enjoying the terraces of Estellencs and Banyalbufar, one of the most remarkable dry-stone landscapes of the hike, the second stage leads to Esporles, an authentic Mallorcan village nestled in a valley and crossed by the stream of Sant Pere.
The third stage, which leads from Valldemossa to Déia, alternates between passages in undergrowth and moments of breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Déia is a beautiful village with ochre-colored buildings, and we take time to stroll through its streets before taking the road to the fourth stage to Port de Sóller. We cross beautiful olive groves before reaching the old telegraph station of Muleta, which remains one of the most beautiful points of view of the Serra de Tramuntana to see the sun set on the sea.
On the fifth stage, which leads to Tossal Verds, there is the elegant valley of orange trees and its villages. A passage also marked by the abundance of dry stones on the paths and terraces, at the Barranc de Biniaraix. Finally, we enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes, with the surprising water sheets of the Almallutx and Cúber valleys.
From Tossals Verds to Lluc, the mountain views continue and reveal constructions such as snow pits and huts. This sixth stage is most attractive when the ground is covered with snow. It gives character to the forest landscape.
What about the seventh stage between Lluc and Pollença? Except that it is a pure joy to walk the paths in the shade of holm oaks while keeping an eye on Puig Tomir, the third highest peak in Mallorca. The hike also includes a visit to the hermitage of Son Amer and the monastery of Lluc, fascinating places of architecture and history.
The last stage, which ends in Port de Pollença, can be seen as the most beautiful reward. The bay of Pollença awaits walkers for a swim in its turquoise waters, with the marvelous landscapes of Cap de Formentor in the distance.
Some variations of the Dry Stone Route
The Dry Stone Route also offers the possibility of taking some variants for even more surprises and pleasure. An invitation to go off the beaten track to enjoy every corner of the Sierra de Tramuntana. We can mention the section that connects the charming village of S'Arracó to Coll de sa Gramola. The dry and rocky landscapes are sublime under a radiant sun. Here again, you will discover numerous dry stone remains.
Another option is to go through the territory around the Puig de Galatzó, so particular with its conical shape. We discover a whole universe with terraces, mills perched on the slopes and huge possessions and properties that housed the charcoal makers and their families.
Finally, we propose to follow the path leading to Puig de Maria, between infinite panoramas of the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia and heritage, with the visit of a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
These itineraries are perfectly adapted to family hiking. To please the children, there is nothing like following the route that allows you to marvel at the typical architecture of the Serra and that leads to the Cala de Deià, where there are old fishermen's shelters. The reward will be a swim in its beautiful turquoise waters.
