GR221, Mallorca 🇪🇸

The GR221 - La Ruta de Pedra en Sec - runs the length of the west coast of Mallorca over the Tramuntana mountain range and follows mostly lime stone bed-rock or old stone paved paths. The full route runs from Port Andratx on the south west coast to Puerto Pollenca in the north for 145 km, although there are a number of different start points and side routes, while many guides regard Pollenca (old town) as the end point.
The path climbs up to peaks and back down into villages and towns along the way. It winds through holm oak forest and pine woods and past ancient terraced olive trees. It passes by historic remains including sitges (charcoal burning platforms), carboners stone huts and stone lined snow pits. Originating at sea level, several parts of the path rise over 900m and up to 1200m at the highest point. Walkers who complete the full route make an overall elevation gain of 6,000m. Views out to the sea on the west coast and back towards Palma are absolutely spectacular.
I was restricted to 6 days of walking and therefore chose to start at es Capdella which would save 1 day. As it turned out I managed to complete the route as far as Pollenca in 5 days by undertaking a long last day. Walking the full route would be quite possible over 6 days and I hope to return one day to walk the full 145k.
This was a really exhilarating experience which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys long distance walking.