A dreamy Tramuntana hike with a fun family sleepover, the Refugio Tossals Verds in Escorca on the celebrated Dry Stone Route GR221 trail, is a perfect destination for a weekend in nature.
The hike to the Refugio from the Son Ordines car-park is well signposted and takes approx. 1.5-2hrs (6-7km) but may take longer with little people in tow (or in our case, a teenager who insists on kicking a football up and down the mountain). The carpark is small so if you arrive late, you may have to wait for a parking spot to free up (when day hikers return) or park further away along the single track road. Pushchairs are out, so bring a backpack carrier for toddlers.
The scenery is majestic from beginning to end. Gorges with cliffs overhead make way to forests and ancient olive trees as you ascend to 550m. Bird song echoes all around and children scamper ahead, with no fears of traffic or dangerous drops. The last 30mins is steeper along a winding paved road or clambering straight up through well-trodden short cuts. Knowing that we were off for a family sleepover – and meeting friends at the Refugio – kept everyone in good spirits throughout.
We arrived in time to enjoy the last of the day’s light and after the kids’ excited squeals choosing their bunks beds, they ran off to explore while we enjoyed a glass of wine and a beautiful sunset on the outdoor terrace. Dinner was home-cooked and hearty, but the after-dinner chocolate we had packed went down very well.
The Tossals Verds Refugio sleeps up to 42 pax, we were a group of 10 and had a wooden-beamed picturesque dormitory to ourselves (sharing with our friends and their children). The mattresses were hard but looked new, protected and perfectly clean, as was the dorm itself, the linens and the shared bathroom.
If you are hiking in Spring or Autumn, keep in mind it can be chilly in the evening. The fire was roaring inside but we were all happy to have warm jumpers and cosy clothes to spend the evening in.
Waking up to enjoy first light in the mountains was a highlight and the kids ran around outside in their pijamas until everyone made it down to breakfast. Breakfast itself was simple (bread, jam, cheese, eggs), so if you are partial to porridge or otherwise, bring it along.
From the Refugio, you can continue along the GR221 to Cuber and beyond. After a stroll, we headed back down the mountain, enjoying the easy downhill hike back to our cars, and already planning our next visit to the Consell de Mallorca’s well-run Refugio network.
Family Friendly top tips:
– When you book your bed, make sure to also book bed sheets and towels (unless bringing your own) and make sure to book your meal/s in advance. You’ll be very grateful for home cooked food at the end of the day. Do advise of any food intolerances in advance, there is no ‘menu’ at meal time.
– We had packed snacks and extra evening treats and were glad we did.
– There is a drinking water fountain to refill bottles and you can order a soft drink or wine / beer from the reception area (at additional cost)
Booking Information
– Book in advance! Refugios have become popular for families seeking an authentic alternative holiday experience and they get busy well in advance.
– Bookings open 4 months in advance and usually close 5 days prior to arrival. You can book for a max. of 3 nights in one stay.
– Online Booking can be made here.
