GR221 - Complete Tour Including Accommodation Before and After (12 Days)

Route

What's the plan?

Day 1: Arrival in Port d'Andratx
You arrive in Mallorca the day before the trek starts, this will contribute to a relaxed start of the trip. From Palma de Mallorca it is easy to reach Port d'Andratx, the starting point of the GR221. Under FAQ you can find exactly how to get to Port d'Andratx.

Accommodation: Hostal

Day 2, Stage 1 - Port d'Andratx to Sant Elm
The route starts gently from the port of Port d'Andratx, through low wooded hills you walk towards Sant Elm, enjoying views of distant mountains along the way. After just two kilometres, you can enjoy the first panoramic views over the Mediterranean bays. The beautiful views will continue throughout the route. You also pass the Pas Vermell, where you have to climb for a while. You then descend to Sant Elm, a fishing village with beautiful beaches. Here you can relax after the first day of hiking!

Distance: 8.5 kilometres
Duration: 3 hours
Ascent: 370 metres
Descent: 370 metres
Accommodation: Hostal

Day 3, Stage 2 - Sant Elm to Ses Fontanelles
Starting from Sant Elm on the second day, the route goes up to the Pas de la Trapa. Along the way, you'll pass the ruins of the monastery that stood here for centuries and walk along the rocky coast. You will also see many different plant and animal species here, many of which are protected. After about five kilometres of walking, you reach the highest point of the day. You walk alongside cliffs here while enjoying beautiful views over the sea and Isla Dragonera. You then gradually descend to eventually end up in Ses Fontanelles.

Distance: 12 kilometres
Duration: 4 hours
Ascent: 520 metres
Descent: 240 metres
Accommodation: Private refuge

Day 4, Stage 3 - Ses Fontanelles to Estellencs
From Ses Fontanelles, the route continues up to the Mola de s'Esclop, a climb with rocky and cobbled paths. The landscape here can be inhospitable, take your time to hike calmly here. The stage eventually takes you to Estellencs, the first mountain village on the route. In this charming town, you can look back at yet another beautiful day while enjoying a meal and a drink.

Distance: 13 kilometres
Duration: 4 hours
Ascent: 600 metres
Descent: 730 metres
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 5, Stage 4 - Estellencs to Esporles
After an overnight stay in Estellencs, another beautiful stage is waiting for you. Over rocky paths and past old farms, you hike out of the valley towards Banyalbufar, a highlight of the day! This historic town is laid out on terraces, on which grapes are still being cultivated. You can enjoy a culinary stop here, around Banyalbufar you will enjoy views of olive groves and the ever-blue sea. You continue walking past pine trees and along old walking paths, eventually arriving in Esporles. Restaurants and other facilities are plentiful here.

Distance: 14 kilometres
Duration: 4.5 hours
Ascent: 660 metres
Descent: 620 metres
Accommodation: Hostel

Day 6, Stage 5 - Esporles to Valldemossa
The fifth stage slowly takes you uphill from Esporles, after which you can fully enjoy wide views of forests, mountains and the sea. You will gradually descend towards Valldemossa, from a distance you can already see the large monastery that used to be located here. Worth a visit, like all of Valldemossa which is very scenic. A nice end of the day.

Distance: 9.5 kilometres
Duration: 3.5 hours
Ascent: 650 metres
Descent: 440 metres
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 7, Stage 6 - Valldemossa to Deià
Another versatile day, through small valleys and olive groves you walk uphill past an old water source and a refugi, also encountering an old snow pit. During this hike, you will partially follow the Camí de s'Arxiduc, a path once built on Archduke Luis Salvador's orders to enable horse-drawn carriages. These days, you'll need your own legs to enjoy the views! Through forests and steep paths, you descend towards Deià, today's endpoint.

Distance: 13.5 kilometres
Duration: 4.5 hours
Ascent: 580 metres
Descent: 870 metres
Accommodation: Refuge

Day 8, Stage 7 - Deià to Sóller
From Deià, you walk along olive groves and cobbled paths. On the way, you overlook bays along the rocky coast. After about seven kilometres, you pass an olive forest with very old trees, a lovely place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. After this, you soon have a view of Port de Sóller and all activity in the bay. Between terraces and olive trees, you continue walking to Sóller, today's destination. This town is pleasantly busy and offers many facilities, from shops to restaurants and bars. A terrace is sure to be found here!

Distance: 13 kilometres
Duration: 4 hours
Ascent: 320 metres
Descent: 470 metres
Accommodation: Hostel

Day 9, Stage 8 - Sóller to Tossal Verds
Today is a stage with contrasts, after leaving Sóller you walk over small bridges and stone paths through a narrow gorge, in between you can take a break to enjoy views of the mountains. The route continues across Coll de l'Ofre, after which you walk towards and past a reservoir. Not many people are here, you will mostly see and hear sheep. For the final stretch the route offers two options, Bookatrekking.com has chosen the slightly longer but easier one. The shorter route is steeper and has a klettersteig. You continue your way along a canal and an aqueduct, all used for the island's water supply. You eventually reach Refugi de Tossals Verds, the finishing point of the day. This is the only place to spend the night in this spot on the route, a contrast compared to the activity in Sóller.

Distance: 20 kilometres
Duration: 6 hours
Ascent: 1,180 metres
Descent: 680 metres
Accommodation: Refuge

Day 10, Stage 9 - Tossal Verds to Lluc
To head towards Lluc, today's stage starts by walking a short distance back from yesterday's route. After the junction, you will gradually hike up to Coll des Prat. Along the way, you pass streams and an old spring, while the trail is varied. You also come across an old snow pit. The views continue to be beautiful. Today's destination is Lluc, towards which you hike through fields of low bushes and olive trees. The distinctive red shade of the soil is still striking. Lluc has a large monastery (Santuari de Lluc), which is worth a visit. In addition, amenities are plentiful in this town.

Distance: 14 kilometres
Duration: 6 hours
Ascent: 830 metres
Descent: 870 metres
Accommodation: Refuge

Day 11, Stage 10 - Lluc to Pollença
The last stage of the route departs from the monastery grounds of Santuari de Lluc, with views of the monastery and an old mill during the first few kilometres. The paths are mostly wide and well-travelled, in the woods you can hear goats bleating as you go. After about six kilometres you will come across the Alzina d'en Pere, an oak tree estimated to be 500 years old! The route takes you further along winding paths and past trees, eventually ending in Pollença via Pont Roma (a 2000-year-old Roman bridge). In this cosy town, you can raise a toast to completing the GR221!

Distance: 19.5 kilometres
Duration: 6 hours
Ascent: 330 metres
Descent: 760 metres
Accommodation: Refuge

*Stage 10 addition - Puig de Maria
A nice addition is to climb the Puig de Maria, a summit located in Pollença. After the climb you will be rewarded with beautiful views, you can also visit the chapel and explore the grounds. Afterwards, you descend back to Pollença using the same route and your tour is truly complete.

Distance: 5.5 kilometres
Duration: 2 hours
Ascent: 275 metres
Descent: 275 metres

Day 12: Departure from Pollença
After your breakfast, your adventure will come to an end and you'll leave Pollença. Today, you can travel back to the airport or another destination on Mallorca.

What's included

Included:

√ Booking the huts and other accommodation
We will take care of arranging accommodation for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead. 

√ Accommodation
We will arrange your accommodation on the GR221 in mountain huts (refuges) and hotels. There are several options to choose from along the trail. We have selected the refuges on our trek based on the length of each stage and recommendations from trekkers who have done the GR221 before us.

√ Accommodation before and after the trek
Before the trek starts, you will stay in Port d'Andratx. Staying in this charming town will contribute to a relaxed start of the trip. After the last day of hiking is finished, you will stay in Pollença for the last night to ensure a nice finish of the trip.

√ Overnight stays in Hotels/Hostals including breakfast
Accommodation at the hotels and hostals includes breakfast where possible, keep this in mind. 

√ Overnight stays in Refuges including half-board
Accommodation at the refuges includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. 

Excluded:

× Airfare and Visa
You have to make your way to Port d'Andratx. The total amount does not include flights to Mallorca. 

× Transfers
Once in Mallorca, you will have to make your way to the starting place in Port d'Andratx. We will provide the instructions and assist you with how to get there. Transport to Port d'Andratx is not included.

× Travel Insurance
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

× Food when staying in Sa Fita Backpackers
If you stay in Sa fita backpackers, it requires you to take care of your own breakfast and dinner, keep this in mind.

× Food when staying in Finca ses Fontanelles
If you stay in Finca ses Fontanelles, it requires you to take care of your own breakfast and dinner. You have to take food to prepare with you, as there are no facilities nearby in Fontanelles.

× Lunch
Half-board is included if applicable in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the accommodations along the way or in the villages you pass.

× Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

Accommodation

Accommodation

During your trek, you will stay in small mountain villages, where you can find a variety of accommodations. Refuges and hotels are the most common. If you book the GR221, the booked accommodations may differ from the below (day-to-day) program here and there. A beautiful location and great food are at all times guaranteed.

Hostal Catalina Vera
Located in Port d'Andratx, this charming hostal is close to the promenade of this town and also close to the starting point of the GR221. You can also explore nearby beaches, the waterfront or go for a short walk in the area to get ready for your trip.

Hostal Dragonera
Located in Sant Elm, this seaside hostal offers comfortable rooms, some with seaside views. Arriving here after your first day of walking, it is a good place to enjoy this nice town and enjoy views over the Mediterranean.

Finca ses Fontanelles
The first refuge on this trip is small and cozy, you will feel welcome here and can enjoy a chat with fellow travelers. After cooking your meal in the communal kitchen, you can enjoy a good night's sleep in the middle of this quiet area.

Hotel Nord
This small hotel is located in Estellencs and offers a relaxing atmosphere, perfect after a hike. You can enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants in town and have a good night's sleep in the hotel. After a good breakfast the next morning, you are ready for a new day.

Sa fita backpackers
You can find this nice youth hostel in Esporles, it provides shared and double rooms. Their garden offers space to relax after a day of hiking, exploring Esporles is also an option.

Es Petit Hotel
In the town center of Valldemossa, this charming hotel provides comfortable rooms for a relaxing stay. Due to its central location, restaurants and other amenities are nearby. After breakfast the following morning, it is easy to pick up the GR221 trail again, almost from the front door.

Refugi Can Boi
Located in Deià, this refuge offers everything you need after a day of hiking. A meal, a drink and a place to sleep. Get to know your fellow travelers or enjoy beautiful Deià.

Hostel Sóller
This hostel offers dormitories and private rooms, you can also enjoy breakfast and dinner here. Renovated and with a cozy atmosphere, this is a good place to stay after a day of hiking. Centrally located in Sóller, you can easily pick up the GR221 trail the next morning.

Refugi de Tossals Verds
This secluded refuge is located in the middle of the mountains, a well-earned destination after a long day of walking. Here you can unwind and enjoy nature. Cozy dormitories and hot showers will help you relax and get ready for the day ahead.

Refugi de Son Amer
Located in Lluc, the refuge can be found directly next to the GR221 trail, an ideal location to unwind. Here you can enjoy a good meal and a drink on the terrace.  The dormitories offer a place to recharge and get ready for the last stage of the trek.

Refugi del Pont Romà
Beautifully located near an old Roman bridge, this refuge is a good place to stay. Enjoy your meal here and get some rest in the dormitories. You can also head out to explore Pollença and maybe even climb Puig de Maria.

Packing List

Packing List

It doesn't matter where you are going trekking or for how long. Carrying the right equipment with you is paramount. For the GR221 you will need, first and foremost, a good backpack and comfortable trekking shoes. The size of your backpack will depend on how many days you will be spending on the mountain, the season, and the clothes you will be taking with you. We have prepared a packing list with some essential clothing that you should include and some extras that you may find useful:

Essentials

- Walking boots (worn in)
- Walking socks
- Base layer tops – ideally thermal
- Mid-layer tops (eg. fleece)
- Trekking Trousers
- Hat for warmth or shade
- Gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm layer
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings
- Nightwear and underwear
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses & sun cream
- Toiletries
- Sleeping bag liner

Extras
 
- Small first aid kit
- Blister Plasters
- Insect repellent
- Electrical socket adapter
- Camera and charger
- Map and compass
- Whistle
- Book to read
- Energy snacks
- Walking poles
- Buff
- Sleeping bag

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the GR221?
The GR221 is a 140-kilometer-long walk in Mallorca, where you explore the Serra Tramuntana on this beautiful island's northwestern part. The route stretches from Port d'Andratx to Pollença and is divided into ten stages of varying lengths, ascending and descending 6,140 and 6,150 metres respectively. The route has no technical difficulties and is suitable for anyone with a decent fitness level.

Best season for the GR221
Mallorca's climate has hot, dry summers and relatively wet winters. In the summer months, the average temperature is around 30 degrees, though often with a slight breeze. Since Mallorca is an island, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. A sunny start to the day with a rainy follow-up is possible. Generally, the weather is sunny and warm. Bookatrekking.com therefore recommends hiking the route in spring or autumn and not in July or August. The trails are easily passable then and the weather is not excessively hot.

How do I get to Mallorca?
Mallorca is a tourist island, served by many European airports. The airport is located near Palma de Mallorca. Do you have all the time for your trip? Then you might like to arrive in Mallorca by ferry. Several ferries dock from the Spanish mainland.

Starting points for the GR221
From the airport, you can take bus A1 towards the centre of Palma, and get off at Plaça d'Espanya. The Estació Intermodal bus station is located at this square, take bus 101 from here, which will take you to the route's starting point, Port d'Andratx. Alternative starting points for the GR221 are also available, namely es Capdellà and Calvià. Starting your route here? Then take bus 107 from Estació Intermodal to get to your starting point.

Departing the GR221
The moment you have (hopefully) completed the route and want to travel back from Pollença towards Palma, you can return by bus 301. From Palma, you can continue to the airport or another Mallorca destination. Returning to Palma partly by train is also possible, take a bus to Inca or Sa Pobla and continue from there by train to Palma.

Safety

Safety

The GR221 is a safe trek and the trail is quite well signposted along the way. Although the route is quite clear throughout the trek, it is important to carry competent navigation with a map and compass. Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the mountains and occasional snow, fog or storms can make navigation hard. A map and compass are a must when going on a self-guided trek. Also, make sure to always have enough water, snacks, and a good jacket.

Should you find yourself in trouble despite your preparation and need help, you can contact the Bombers (they are part of the fire brigade) or the Guarda Civil. Mobile coverage on the island is limited, phone numbers can be found below:

Bombers: 080 or 112
Guarda Civil: 112

COVID-19

COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has had its grip on us, and accommodations around the world have had to take several preventive measures over the past two years. In the meantime, most of the measurements are not taken into consideration anymore, yet it is definitely still a factor to take into account. Some restrictions that are worth mentioning:

- Don't go on your hiking trip if you have symptoms.
- Not all the accommodations are allowed to operate at full capacity yet, so make sure you book your stay in advance.
- Keep your distance and hygiene.
- Use disinfectants and hand sanitizers.