Our GR221 Mallorca Hiking Itinerary for Beginners or Families

In this post, I’ll share our GR221 Mallorca hiking itinerary for beginners or families, from Palma to Port de Pollença over the space of one week, with the help of public transport. We stayed in a mixture of official government-run mountain refugios, hostels and simple hotels, carrying everything in our backpacks and using buses to gain elevation and link up more accessible, scenic stretches of the trail.

When I first looked into hiking the GR221 in Mallorca, the idea of walking from village to village through the mountains, with views of the sea and overnight stays in remote stone refuges sounded incredible; but also a bit intimidating. The full route through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains is long, at times remote, and includes some pretty challenging sections.

It didn’t seem like the obvious choice for a family adventure or a gentle introduction to multi-day hiking, but I was really keen to find an active adventure for my kids and I during the Easter holidays. The Alps are covered in snow then, so they were out of the question, and the more I looked into Mallorca, the more I realised that:

1. Easter is the perfect time to hike in Mallorca – it’s warm but not hot, and
2. that I could make the GR221 much more manageable for kids or beginners using the island’s really good public transport network.

The GR221 is a long distance route through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in Mallorca. It’s known as the Dry Stone Route (Ruta de Pedra en Sec) because it follows traditional paths built using dry stone walling techniques – a centuries-old way of constructing terraces, steps, and boundaries without mortar. These beautifully crafted stone features are part of Mallorca’s cultural heritage and give the trail much of its unique character.

Whether you’re travelling with children or simply looking for a gentler introduction to multi-day hiking in Mallorca, this itinerary shows a completely different side of Mallorca from the resorts and the tourists. It blends walking with the unique Mallorcan culture, plus a few refreshing sea swims and many well-earned ice creams along the way. I’ll cover:

Why hike the GR221 in Mallorca as a beginner or with kids?

For starters, the scenery is spectacular and really varied. You get sea views, wild mountain stretches, wooded paths, and pretty villages, often all in the same day. In spring, the scent of orange blossom fills the air, especially around Sóller.

Another big plus is that you’re not having to camp or carry loads of kit. The route is dotted with government-run mountain refuges; basic but welcoming places to sleep, with dinner and breakfast included. As well as this, a lot of the stages start and finish in small towns and villages, so you can find more comfortable or even luxurious accommodation options on those stages!

And then there’s the public transport. Mallorca has a good bus network, especially along the western side of the island. We used it to skip some of the longer stages, to gain elevation, and to get to and from the trail at various points. It really opens the route up and gives you plenty of flexibility – you don’t even have to make decisions in advance and can play things by ear as you go.

What makes this GR221 Mallorca itinerary family- and beginner-friendly?

We picked the best and most accessible sections of the GR221 and skipped the ones that looked too long or too steep. Here’s how:

• We shortened the stages using buses.
  • Mallorca’s public transport network was a huge help. We used local buses to get to trailheads and to leapfrog the parts of the route that didn’t suit us—whether that was because of distance, time, or tired legs. It made a big difference and meant we always had options.
• We avoided the hardest sections.
  • There are a few stretches of the GR221 that are pretty tough going, with long climbs or just long distances. I looked carefully at the maps, at the route and elevation graph on Komoot, and the descriptions in the Cicerone guidebook “Trekking in Mallorca: GR221” and chose to skip anything that seemed too much.
• We stayed in a mixture of the government-run refugis, hostels and hotels (and even a monastery!)
  • The refugis are basic but decent. You get a comfy bed in a shared dorm, a warm shower in shared bathrooms, a hot evening meal, and breakfast the next morning. You can also book a picnic lunch for the next day’s walk. They’re not luxurious, but it meant we had somewhere to rest, refuel, and meet other hikers.
  • Mixing these up with our own private rooms in hotels and hostels meant that we had opportunities for a bit more space and privacy and much more choice for dinner and breakfast, which was just what we needed between the more sociable but simple nights in the refugis.
• We kept the pace realistic.
  • Some days we walked for a few hours, others were shorter or included a bus ride. We had time for sea swims, ice creams, stopping to look at goats, have snack breaks and eat oranges from honestly stands.

What to know before you go

There are a few things worth knowing before setting off on this version of the GR221, especially if you’re travelling with kids or new to multi-day hiking.

Pack light, but don’t skimp on layers

Spring weather in Mallorca can be unpredictable. It’s mostly mild, but we had the odd chilly morning and some rain too. We didn’t need full winter kit, but we were glad of waterproof jackets and warm jumpers. The kids hiked in their excellent hiking trainers, which were fine for the sections we did.

Bus route 231 is your best friend

Once we were on the GR221, we used different sections of the 231 bus route – which runs through the mountains (on a winding road!) from Port de Sóller to Alcúdia – to skip some of the longer or more difficult stages. Be aware this bus route only runs in “peak” season; from approximately the start of April until the end of October (check timetables carefully). I share full transport tips (including how to look up timetables and plan connections) in a separate post here.

Our GR221 itinerary: Palma to Pollença on foot and by bus

Day 1: Arrival in Palma

We flew to Palma from London on an afternoon flight and were in the city centre within 20 minutes thanks to the very easy A1 airport bus which costs 5€ per person (the most expensive bus we took all week)!

We stayed at Regina Smart Rooms, a self check-in hotel that was much perfect for us: clean, comfy, and well organised. There’s no reception desk, but we had friendly messages from the staff checking that we’d arrived and got in ok, which was a nice touch.

We found a brilliant little local tapas bar for dinner; Bar Mavi – delicious, good value, and full of locals. I discovered there that I’d forgotten all my Spanish. Luckily English is widely spoken in Mallorca, so it’s really easy to get around even if you don’t speak any Spanish. I really like to make the effort with the local language if possible though!

Day 2: Exploring Palma & Bus to Deià

We had a relaxed start, with an excellent breakfast at Surry Hills (great coffee and pancakes), followed by a walk to the beach and a spontaneous swim. After drying off in the sun, we had lunch at a beach café then walked back into the city to visit Palma Cathedral, which is huge, dramatic, and well worth the detour. Naturally, we finished off with ice cream; we’re very committed to research in this area.

Later that afternoon we picked up our bags (the hotel stored them for free after check-out) and walked to the main bus station, which is very central and easy to find – as long as you know it’s underground, which I didn’t at first – cue a minor panic. We caught the 203 bus to Deià – a beautiful 50-minute journey winding into the mountains, with views of honey coloured towns and terraced hillsides.

From the bus stop, it was a short walk (about six minutes) to our first refugi: Refugi Can Boi. This was our first taste of GR221 hiker accommodation. It’s a basic mountain hostel, but in a gorgeous spot just below the village, and by far the cheapest accommodation option there, as Deià is otherwise very arty, upmarket (and rather pretentious if you ask me…)!

It is undeniably beautiful, with stone houses tucked into the hillside and stylish cafés on every corner. Everyone looked as if they were halfway through writing a novel or had just come back from a gallery opening. We, meanwhile, turned up in dusty walking shoes and scruffy t-shirts, looking distinctly out of place and a bit sweaty. Still, it was a great place to spend the evening before dinner, and we enjoyed the most amazing homemade lemonade at one of the cafés on the main street which we found by wandering up through the winding alleys and stone staircases through the village.

Day 3: Hike: Deià to Port de Sóller

Our first walking day – and one of the most beautiful sections of the GR221. We set off after breakfast at the refugi and followed the GR221 trail from Deià to Port de Sóller. It’s around 12km with about 300 metres of elevation, and it took us just under five hours, including lots of breaks and snack stops.

The views were fantastic: olive groves, lemon and orange orchards, the ubiquitous dry stone walls and the sea glinting in the distance. The path itself was fairly rocky underfoot – nothing difficult, but quite tough on the feet after a few hours. It was well signed the whole way, so navigating was easy.

We were hoping to stop for cake and refreshing drinks at Finca Son Mico, an old farmhouse right on the route about halfway along, serving homemade cakes, quiches and lemonade, with breath taking views of Mallorca´s north coast. However it was a Saturday and it turns out the only day of the week they were closed is Saturday! Don’t make the same mistake if you can help it!

Day 4: Hike: Port de Sóller to Sóller (~5km)

This was a shorter day on the trail, which was perfect after quite a long first day carrying our packs. We spent the morning on the beach in Port de Sóller, enjoying the sunshine, before setting off late morning to walk the GR221 section into Sóller, the larger town nestled inland just a few kilometres away.

It’s about 5km, mostly flat, and took us less than 1 hour 45 minutes with a relaxed pace. The path gave us fantastic views over the valley, and we stumbled upon a lovely honesty stand selling oranges and lemons – warm from the sun and ridiculously juicy. Peter ate a (very sour) lemon like an orange and declared it delicious.

Sóller was quite busy when we arrived—there’s a touristy feel to the main square, but it’s still lovely to wander. We stayed at Hostel Sóller in a private triple room, which was a nice mix of hostel atmosphere and personal space. We had a great lunch at Miga de Nube and in the afternoon we explored the town and rewarded ourselves with churros and ice cream.

Sóller is a classic Mediterranean town, with tall shuttered stone houses lining either side of narrow cobbled streets, and a lively central square lined with cafés and overlooked by an impressive church.

Day 5: Hike: Sóller to Tossals Verds via the Pas de Llis (with a bus assist)

We were up bright and early to grab breakfast from Forn de Barri, a lovely little bakery in Sóller that opens early and does very good pastries. From there, we walked about 20 minutes to the main road to catch the 09:05 bus towards Lluc, which climbs up into the mountains.

It’s a beautiful 30 minute drive, but very windy—if you or your kids get travel sick, this is definitely the time to break out the motion sickness tablets.

We got off at the stop just after the Cúber reservoir, which is perfectly placed for picking up the GR221 again. From here, you leave the road behind and head properly into the mountains – this is one of the more remote sections of the trail, and your only accommodation option is the Tossals Verds refugio.

There are two walking routes from the bus stop to the refugio, essentially forming a loop around the mountain it sits behind. Since we were planning to return to this point the following day, we opted for the shorter but more adventurous route via the Pas de Llis today. I can’t stand retracing my steps, so I was happy that we could complete the circuit tomorrow without going back on ourselves!

The route is about 5km, but it’s slow going and fairly technical, with lots of big rocks, uneven steps, and even a short scramble with chains. You don’t need any special gear, but you’ll want to be sure-footed and reasonably confident with a bit of clambering. The kids loved it – they are fairly experienced hikers by now. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it in wet weather; we had some drizzle and the rocks got very slippery. Thankfully it dried out again quickly as the weather cleared up.

Despite the short distance, it took us 3 hours 45 minutes including breaks. There’s only 140m of ascent and 380m of descent, but the terrain really does slow you down. That said, it was our favourite section – challenging, fun, and a real adventure without being too long or exhausting.

We arrived at Refugi Tossals Verds in the afternoon, tucked away in the mountains with stunning views and a real feeling of being off the grid. The hostel itself is lovely, with a fun communal atmosphere. The food was okay, but not particularly child-friendly, so I was very glad I’d packed a few Decathlon expedition meals and my Jetboil just in case. We lucked out with a four-bed dorm all to ourselves, which definitely helped everyone get a good night’s sleep.

Day 6: Hike: Tossals Verds to Lluc (with a bus assist)

After breakfast at the refugio, we packed up and set off on foot to complete our circuit back to the road. Technically, the next full stage of the GR221 goes from Tossals Verds all the way to Lluc – a proper mountain day at over 14km with 800m of elevation and no facilities along the way. We spoke to some hikers who’d done it, and they said it was a real highlight of the trail, albeit hard. But honestly, I was glad I hadn’t attempted it with the kids. It’s a long, remote stage that takes at least six hours without breaks, and I think it would have been a push too far.

Instead, we took the first part of this route until the turn off up into the high mountains. The trail was beautiful as we hiked up from the refugio through the holm oak forest, crossing small streams and enjoying the cool shade and mountain views. At the point where the full GR221 route branches off, we continued around the loop, back towards the road where the bus stops. This stretch was… fine. It follows a flat aqueduct path, which is easy walking but a bit bland after the more dramatic trails of the previous days. The total distance we walked this day was about 7km, with about 340 m of elevation gain.

We arrived back at the road after about 3 hours including breaks with an hour and a half to wait for the next bus – definitely one to plan better than I did! The bus only runs a few times a day though, so it’s really worth checking the timetable carefully and giving yourself a buffer.

The bus journey from the the Cúber reservoir to Lluc takes about 40 minutes, winding down through the mountains on a very narrow road. The views are spectacular – sea glimpses, jagged ridges, and every road cyclist in the world apparently – but I was very happy not to be behind the wheel! If anyone in your group gets carsick, this is definitely another time for motion sickness tablets.

In Lluc, we stayed in the monastery itself, in one of the old monastic cells that have been converted into simple guest rooms. Lluc is Mallorca’s most important pilgrimage site, and the monastery complex dates back to the 13th century. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a fascinating place to explore, with courtyards, cloisters and botanic gardens that makes it feel very different from anywhere else on the route.

Day 7: Hike: Lluc to Pollença (or bus if needed)

The final stretch of the GR221 runs from Lluc to Pollença, and it’s a nice day of walking which makes for a gentle end to the trip; provided you’re up for one more decent walk. The full stage is just under 20 km, mostly downhill or flat, with around 300 m of ascent and 600 m of descent, winding through forests, olive groves, and wide cobbled tracks. It’s the easiest terrain we’d walked on all week, so felt quite easy after some of the more rugged days.

We were feeling pretty fresh after a shorter walk the day before, so we decided to walk the first 14 km to where the trail meets the main road into Pollença. The final 5 – 6 km of the trail follows the main road into town, which didn’t appeal much, so we planned ahead and hopped on the 231 bus from the stop right where the trail joins the road (very convenient!).

Looking out onto the monastery courtyard that morning when I woke up, the view was mostly obscured by pouring rain, but luckily the worst of the rain passed before we left. We set off in damp, low-cloudy conditions, but we actually didn’t get rained on once we were hiking. The path itself was in great shape – well made and very easy terrain, so we made excellent time and reached the road in just under four hours, with only a few brief stops.

We had our picnic lunch at the bus stop and then caught the bus straight to Port de Pollença, where we spent two nights by the beach at Pensión Bellavista. Port de Pollença was a great place to end our trip; it’s laid-back and family-friendly, without tipping too far into full-on package holiday resort. It is a bit touristy, but in a fairly chilled out way. It’s ideal for a couple of days of beach time and recovery.

You could catch the same bus the whole way from Lluc to Port de Pollença, if you didn’t fancy walking that day!

Day 8: Port de Pollença

We had a full day to unwind in Port de Pollença, and while the kids were keen on more beach time, it was a bit too chilly (with a cold wind too!) for a full day by the sea. So we hired basic bikes from 2gocycling (€12 each – we didn’t need to book in advance, but you can if you want to be sure you get the right size bikes) and set off for a mini-adventure. There’s a cycle path that runs along the bay to the Reserva Natural de s’Albufereta, around 6 km away, where I’d heard we might be able to spot flamingos.

The first half of the ride was on a segregated bike path, flat and right along the coast, which was fun. The second half runs along a very wide hard shoulder on the main road, which felt safe as drivers are very used to cyclists in this part of the island. That said, it’s probably not ideal for very young kids or anyone who’s wobbly on a bike, just because of the proximity to traffic.

The nature reserve itself is low-key; a few viewing towers, a bird hide, and no facilities; but it’s a peaceful place, and we did in fact spot flamingos, which was a definite highlight. I always bring my tiny pocket monocular on hiking trips (lightweight, great for wildlife spotting) and it came in very handy here.

We cycled back via a few leisurely stops; lunch, a swim, a playground, and more ice cream. A relaxed end to the trip, and a great way to soak up a bit more sunshine before heading home.

Our favourite places to eat in Port de Pollença were:

Day 9: Bus to Palma airport and back to the UK

Time to head home. We had a relaxed breakfast in Port de Pollença before making our way back to Palma Airport for our flight to the UK. There are a few ways to get from Port de Pollença to the airport, depending on your budget, timing, and how much patience you have left.

🚌 Public Bus (Budget-Friendly)

If you’re not in a rush and don’t mind a bit of a journey (although it was very easy!), the TIB Route 322 runs from Port de Pollença to Alcúdia. From there, you can change onto the TIB A32 bus directly to the airport. The total journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on connections, and costs around €10 per person.

🚐 Shared Shuttle (Mid-Range)

For a more direct option, several companies offer shared shuttle services from Port de Pollença to Palma Airport. These need to be booked in advance and typically cost around €15 per person. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the number of stops. It’s a convenient choice if you prefer a door-to-door service without breaking the bank.

🚖 Taxi or Private Transfer (Fastest & Easiest)

If convenience is your top priority, a private taxi or transfer is the way to go. The drive takes about 45–50 minutes, and prices are around €85 – €104 for a standard taxi (up to 4 passengers). It’s the most expensive option but offers the comfort of a direct, hassle-free journey.

Our Komoot Route

Tips for hiking the GR221 with kids or as a beginner

Here are a few things we learned along the way that made the experience smoother (and more fun).

Take it slow and plan short days
This is probably the biggest one. Even if you’re used to walking long distances, don’t underestimate the terrain or the weather, especially if it’s hot or rainy. We planned shorter walking days so that we always finished feeling good, with plenty of time for breaks and snack stops.

Use the buses
I know I’ve mentioned it already, but being able to skip and shorten stages made the trip very do-able with kids (and it wouldn’t have been otherwise). We didn’t feel the need to complete every single section – choosing the highlights made it more enjoyable. I have a separate post with full transport tips here.

Don’t underestimate how satisfying it is, even for kids
There’s something very rewarding about arriving on foot at your next stop. Even the kids got a little buzz out of reaching each refugio or new village, and the rhythm of walk, rest, walk is really relaxing.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it
There were a few imperfect moments, of course. Tired legs, sore feet, closed cafes right when we needed them most! But more often than not, those moments were followed by something brilliant; a great picnic spot, or a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean.

The trail surprised us – in the best way
We expected good views, but we didn’t expect such a variety of landscapes: coastal scenes, holm oak forests, cobbled old roads, and high mountain paths. The villages were beautiful, the paths well marked, and the whole experience felt like a proper adventure without ever being unmanageable.

More information about hiking the GR221 in Mallorca:

How hard is the GR221 Dry Stone Route?

It really depends on which parts you do. Some sections are long, steep, and remote, with rocky paths and big climbs; definitely a challenge even for experienced hikers. But with a bit of planning, you can avoid the trickier bits, take shorter stages, and still get a fantastic experience. We used buses to skip the hardest sections and walked a mix of scenic, more manageable routes, perfect for kids or first-timers.

How far do kids walk each day on the GR221?

We planned for around 5 to 14 km per day, depending on the terrain and weather. That might not sound like much, but it’s plenty when you factor in the elevation and rocky / tough terrain, and plenty of breaks! It’s all about finding the right balance between a decent walk and still having enough energy to enjoy the next day as well as getting some down time in the afternoon.

Are the trails safe for children?

Yes, with some caveats. The sections we did were safe and well-marked, but some sections of the GR221 trail includes steep, remote paths or short scrambling sections. We avoided most of those and stuck to routes that were challenging but very manageable for children. You do need to keep an eye on footing in rocky areas, but overall, it’s a safe and brilliant introduction to long-distance walking for active kids.

Can you hike the GR221 without camping?

Absolutely; most people do. There’s no need to carry a tent or stove unless you really want to. You can stay in government-run mountain refugios, small hotels, or hostels along the way. It’s one of the things that makes this trail so accessible.

Can you camp on the GR221?

In short: not really. Wild camping is technically illegal in Mallorca, and there are very few official campsites along the route. Most hikers stay in the government-run refugios, which are basic but solid places to sleep and eat, or mix it up with hotels and hostels in the towns along the way. It’s a much more straightforward and comfortable way to do the route, especially with kids.

How long does the GR221 take?

To walk the full route from Andratx to Pollença as an experienced adult, you’d need around 8 to 10 days, depending on your pace. But you don’t have to do the whole thing. Lots of hikers, including us, choose the best bits and walk a 4 – 7 day highlight route, using buses to skip the longer or harder stages. It’s a great way to get the GR221 experience without overcommitting.

Where is the best part of the GR221?

We loved the Deià to Port de Sóller stretch for its coastal views, the smell of orange blossom and proliferation of citrus orchards. We also loved the walk from the Cúber reservoir into the mountains to Tossals Verds, particularly the short, technical route there via the Pas de Llis, which felt like a proper adventure. The area around Lluc is beautiful too; peaceful forests, stone paths, and fewer people. If you’re picking and choosing your route, I’d say central and northern sections are the best bet for a mix of scenery, accessibility, good signage and trail quality.

Where to next? More family adventures: