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.
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.
Refugi de s’Arenalet Checklist
- – Sleeping bags (and pillows if required)
- – Towels
- – Torch
- – Battery power banks (for mobile phones)
- – All food and drinks (only water provided)
- – Swim wear & insect repellant (we travelled end October ’24 and did not experience any mosquitoes or biting insects)
- – Warm clothes – there is no heating (or AC) in the bedrooms
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 steep ascents on the return. Booking ahead is a must—head to the IBANAT website here to reserve up to 60 days in advance.
Advisory – Advice, suitability, recommended routes and links to third party websites shared above are for informational purposes only and should be checked for updated accuracy, age appropriateness and safety before embarking on any hike or adventure.
