Adventure & Wildlife 10th November 2024

A Family Trek to Refugi de s’Arenalet in the Parc Natural de Llevant

For families with well trodden hiking boots and a taste for adventure, an overnight trip to Refugi de s’Arenalet in Mallorca’s Parc Natural de Llevant ticks all the boxes. Stretching across 1,670 hectares of Arta’s Mountains in the island’s northeast, the Llevant Park is a haven of wild landscapes, rugged hills, and sweeping sea views. This 2-day trek will take you across 20km of unspoilt natural beauty, to a wonderfully remote hostel on a pristine beach that may feel like your very own.

Overview

Highlights:
Wild rugged hills & pristine beaches

Location:
Llevant National Park

Trail Length:
10km from the Visitor Centre to the Refugi

Facilities:
Visitor Centre at Parking Lot

Parking:
S’Alqueria Vella Visitor Centre

Best for:
Ages 8+

Difficulty level:
The overnight hiking adventure to Refugi de s'Arenalet is best suited to children over 8yrs old who enjoy regular family hikes. The trail is not technically difficult but at approx. 10km each way, it is long with some long steep ascents on the return.

Pushchair friendly:
No

Trail Details and What to Expect

Start your journey at the S’Alqueria Vella Visitor Centre, with its convenient parking, maps, and bathrooms. The park’s trails cater to all abilities, from short, family-friendly walks to longer, more ambitious routes. The path to Refugi d’Arenalet follows trails 3, then 5 or 6, is well-marked and not difficult. It is however a long trek (3-4hours including stops) so set out early with plenty of water and snacks. Equip kids with their own backpacks for water bottles, picnic supplies and light sleeping bags, while adults carry the overnight essentials.

The path winds through pine forests, across rolling hills, past dry stone walls, and lookout points perfect for spotting birds of prey. At long last you spot the sea in the distance and weary walkers begin a steep excited descent to the Refugi.

On arrival, collect your room key from the outdoor safe (you’ll receive the code beforehand). The Refugi d’Arenalet is simple yet welcoming, with bunk rooms, private shower facilities, a shared kitchen with crockery, and outdoor spaces perfect for the kids to explore.

Bring sleeping bags (beds are made up with clean bottom sheets but no pillows or blankets) dinner and breakfast supplies (no food is provided), a torch, and battery packs for charging devices en route and overnight (outlets are limited). Two 5L drinking water bottles are provided per room, but pack any extra drinks required for your stay.

Steps from the Refugi, an unspoilt beach invites weary hikers for a refreshing dip. Afterward, enjoy a home-cooked meal, hot chocolate, and card games (don’t forget your deck!). Morning brings more magic with sandy games in pijamas before breakfast.

For your return, retrace your steps or, avoid the dauntingly steep climb via an inland trail from neighbouring beach ‘Sa Font Celada’ to join trails ‘7 – Vels d’Albarca’ and ‘2 – Es Verger’. Make sure to save plenty of snacks and water for your 10km return journey back to the car at S’Alqueria Vella

Adventurous families can extend the trip by a day to explore hiking trails to Torre d’Albarca and around the gloriously wild beaches of Cala Mitjana and Cala Torta. Keep in mind that the coastal trails are challenging and offer little shade so best avoided on sunny days.

Top Tips

Booking: Booking ahead is a must—head to the IBANAT website to reserve up to 60 days in advance.

Best Time to Go: Autumn or Spring when the weather is mild, the nights not too chilly, and clouds offer a little shade from the midday sun

Safety Tips: Set off early and do not under estimate water and walking supplies. A suggested check list below:

Refugi de s’Arenalet Checklist

Sleeping bags (and pillows if required)
Towels
Torch
Battery power banks (for mobile phones)
All food and drinks (5l bottle of water was provided in each room – advised to check beforehand)
Swim wear & insect repellant (we travelled end October ’24 and did not experience any mosquitoes or biting insects)
Warm clothes for the evening – there is no heating (or AC) in the bedrooms

Advisory: Advice, recommended routes and links to third party websites shared above are for informational purposes only and should be checked for updated accuracy, suitability, age appropriateness and safety before embarking on any hike.