Days of calm, temperate and peaceful, shorter and yet more intense. The very long and hot days of summer are behind us, little by little the crowds are thinning out and the opportunity to calmly savor some of the most beautiful scenery in the Balearic Islands opens up before us.
Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza hold corners of great natural wealth. Dotted with mountains, untamed coastlines and tranquil landscapes, the islands boast an endless number of hiking trails; itineraries of different difficulty that allow you to discover them from a different point of view. As inspiration, we propose five of these ideal routes to travel in autumn. Take note!
The complete itinerary of this route (the GR 211), one of the most spectacular in Mallorca, totals 244 marked kilometers, of which 138 correspond to the main route. The tour is an excellent opportunity to delve into the landscapes built in dry stone of the Serra de Tramuntana, an ancient construction technique used to expand agricultural areas in which no mortar or cement was used, cataloged by UNESCO as a heritage site. humanity.
We propose a walk – in stages – of around ninety kilometers, which will take us from Andratx, in the southwest, to Pollença, in the northern part of the island. The Ruta de la Pedra en Sec (dry stone) is an ideal excuse to visit historical vestiges, immerse yourself in myths and legends, learn about local traditions, flora and fauna and, of course, its gastronomy and crafts in towns like Valldemossa . This small town of barely two thousand inhabitants with cobbled streets that usually appears in lists of the most beautiful in Spain, welcomes us with an incomparable image, in which the unmistakable silhouette of the charterhouse stands out, a 15th century palace that was a residence of King Sancho I of Mallorca and once housed famous people such as Chopin and George Sand.
The route is a succession of diverse landscapes, as some sections approach the coast and the highest peaks of the island, such as the Coll de ses Cases de Neu, just over 1,200 meters high. In any case, you can stay in one of the refuges located at strategic points, in environments of great beauty at affordable prices.
Less known and much shorter than the previous path, the Camí de l’Arxiduc extends between Vallemossa and Deià, a picturesque town of Arab origin that stands on a hill in the valley that descends from the Teix. In total there are 12.5 kilometers that allow you to enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean and its cliffs, since the route runs largely along the rocky coast.
The route, a panoramic dry stone path, is named after Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria, who had it built at the end of the 19th century so that he could enjoy the impressive maritime landscapes and the Serra de Tramuntana. The landscape appears before our eyes dotted with forests of oaks and olive groves, charcoal burners’ huts and natural viewpoints, a real treat for the eyes.
It is undoubtedly the best-known itinerary in Menorca, the second largest island in the archipelago and surrounds its territory, largely along the coastline. The Camí de Cavalls (horse trail) is another of the long-distance routes (GR-223) in the Balearic Islands, an ancient 185-kilometer trail that dates back to the 18th century. It was created for military purposes as a coastal surveillance road, as it allowed towers and watchtowers to be connected to protect Menorca from enemy attacks.
Its twenty sections, perfectly restored and signposted, cross ravines, farming areas, wetlands, coves and various virgin natural habitats. Additionally, during the tour, the hiker will discover ancient Talayotic settlements, watchtowers, trenches, lighthouses and other archaeological sites, which add a historical and cultural touch to the experience.
Menorca can boast of being a Biosphere Reserve and it is precisely the s’Albufera des Grau natural park, an area of ??5,000 hectares located in the east of the island, one of the enclaves responsible for its designation. For those who travel to the island attracted by nature, they will find an excellent option to immerse themselves in it.
The park has a network of perfectly signposted trails of varying difficulty, with viewpoints from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the reserve, with its wild olive forests, mastic and labyrinth plants, dunes, lagoons and a great variety of birds. And S’Albufera des Grau is home to some of the most important and diverse ecosystems, from the island of Colom, the Cap de Favaritx-Prat de Morella area and the Albufera lagoon and meadow.
Beyond the livelier Eivissa, in which the party is the protagonist, there is an Eivissa for calm souls; an island dotted with forests and fields and a steep coast, the face offered by the Es Vedrà Eye route. The trail guarantees breathtaking views of the rocky islet from Cap des Jueu.
The path starts from Cala d’Hort on a winding route through cliffs and hills, until reaching the natural viewpoint that gives its name to this path and which offers a unique view through some window-shaped rocks. The area is reputed to be an energy point and a center of magnetic force, which is why it is usually frequented by those who seek to live a spiritual experience, or simply enjoy a few moments of tranquility. In Es Vedrà the sunsets are simply unbeatable, so if you come to the area in the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to contemplate one of the most beautiful sunsets in Ibiza.
