Mallorca is a year-round paradise for hikers and an ideal destination for families who love to explore the outdoors. Even for the fly-and-floppers, a few hours exploring the island by foot can be a perfect sun ‘n sand interlude. Convincing the kids to switch off the screen on a Sunday morning may be a struggle but there is nothing like nature, adventure, freedom and fresh air to take even the stroppiest of teen to a better place. And with a few key ingredients, a family hike can be just the medicine your ipad addict needs.
The island boasts a remarkably varied landscape with rugged mountains, dramatic gorges and pine-scatted coastlines providing the perfect backdrop for adventurers little and large. Knowing where to begin can be the hardest part so we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite coastal routes and 5 top tips to get you going on the right track;
1. Plan the right route
Keep it easy and with plenty to see and do along the way, especially the first few times. For children over six or seven yrs, 4-5km may be a good start. If they are younger, start smaller (turn around earlier). Here are our favourite self-guided coastal routes in the South West & Tramuntana. Each include an optional dip in the sea or a well-deserved ice-cream / cerveza at the middle or end.
- Sant Elm; A dramatic 4km coastal circular walk with panoramic views of Dragonera Island. Set off from the charming fishing village of Sant Elm on this relatively easy loop trail. After a gentle ascent up a rocky path, enjoy a shady break with panoramic views under the pines before making your way back down to Sant Elm – enjoy lunch at one of Sant Elm’s fabulous fish restaurants if you have time.
Family Friendly Tip – Do the route in reverse for a sunny (exposed) descent before you jump into the sea to cool off at Sant Elm.
Approx. 1.5hrs without stops. - Portals Vells to Cala Figuera Lighthouse; A relatively flat and easy 5km out n back route along the sea from the beach of ‘Vells’. They are some high edges (and the occasional goat) but the route is not difficult. A few rocks to climb up and down at the bay just before the lighthouse, but you can turn back early if little legs are not up to it. Either way the walk is beautiful with sparkling seas all around and the lighthouse as a beacon.
Family Friendly Tip – If its not a scorching Spring day, stop for your picnic at the light-house. If the sun is strong, or the little ones are weary, turn back early and picnic on the photo-friendly rocks of Portals Vells.
Approx. 1.5hrs without stops. - Cami de Sa Volta Des General; A well-trodden 9km out and back stunning coastal route from the outskirts of Banyalbufar to the charming cove of Port des Canonge. Along the route enjoy impressive steep stone cliffs above you and stunning sea views below. Note that there are high edges so parents need to be vigilant.
Family Friendly Tip – Arrive at the parking early (the route is very popular and parking lot small) and stop for an ice-cream or cold drink in Port des Canonge before returning along the same route.
Approx. 3hrs without stops. - Cala Fornells to Cap Andritxol; A popular well shaded 4.5km sea-view loop hike in the South West. Some parts of the hike are steep with sharp rocks but adventurous children of 7yrs+ should enjoy the clambering. We know ours do. Stop for a break (or end the ascent if your children are young or tired) at the pirates look out (Torre del Cap Andritxol) – one of the 400 year-old defence towers lining the coast, before enjoying the downhill stretch.
Family Friendly Tip – End the ascent at the Torre unless your children are older or experienced hikers. Stroll down from the car-park to the charming Cala Fornells hotel for a swim in the delightful cove and cold drink on the hotel terrace
Approx. 2hrs without stops.
2. Dress for success
Hiking in Mallorca can be hot work, even in Spring. The solution? Layers. All the obvious (lightweight, breathable, shoulders covered), wear a hat and sturdy, comfortable shoes. Flip flops are out but trainers with good traction are fine. Oh, and do check the kids feet before you leave home! We once made it 45 mins drive across across the island for a hike only to discover a 6-year old in the backseat with no shoes at all. On Mother’s Day!
Family Friendly Tip – bring spare undies or extra swimsuits for the kids! Even in Spring, my kids end up splashing a sibling or jumping off a seaside rock. You will never regret having back-up pants tucked away at the bottom of the backpack.
3. Pack the bags right (and bring the right bags)
Back-packs only. We love local straw but save the shoulder bags for the beach. If your kids are a bit older, equip them with a little backpack too. Saves you from lugging the picnic, water bottles and countless discarded jumpers around all day. Bring plenty of water for everyone in your family and pack snacks for the half-time trail break – fruit and nuts are great. We also tend to hike with a well-hidden bag of jellybeans to encourage weary walkers on the final leg. 3 or 4 beans every few hundred metres usually does the trick!
Family Friendly Tip – don’t forget the sunscreen – a little tube of SPF50 works for everyone, some mosquito repellent (yes, those pesky tigers are out at all hours), and keep a few antiseptic wipes and band-aids tucked away in a pocket of your regular hike bag. They will come in handy at some point.
4. Time is your friend – set off early, take breaks and enjoy the scenery.
A family hike is an ideal way for kids to disconnect from ‘tech’ and re-connect with nature. Hiking is all about the journey, not the destination so try to let the kids set the pace, building in time for frequent stops, especially when they find a spot they want to explore or a big rock to climb. Talk about plants and wildlife that you might see along the way, plan plenty of time for breaks, take photos, and of course enjoy the scenery. Make it an experience they WANT to do again.
5. Bring the right people
Bring friends! And ideally lots of kids. This is the game changer, and something we rarely leave home for a hike without. If you are on holiday, new to hiking or want to try a more challenging route, there are plenty of organised groups you can join. Try the highly knowledgeable English Walking Guide.
Happy Hiking!
Advisory – Advice and recommended routes shared above and by links to third party websites are for informational purposes only and should be checked for updated accuracy, suitability, age appropriateness and safety before embarking on any hike.
