A new 65-mile hiking trail has officially opened on the lesser-visited eastern coast of Mallorca, offering outdoor enthusiasts a unique way to explore the Spanish island's natural and historical treasures. The Gran Recorrido del Llevant spans the Llevant region, home to the Serra de Llevant mountain range and picturesque beaches such as Cala Ratjada and Porto Cristo.
Trail Overview and Sections
The hiking route is thoughtfully divided into four roughly equal parts, with the largest elevation gain in a single day measuring 248 metres, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. Stage one of the trail connects the coastal area of Cales de Mallorca inland through scenic pine forests and vineyards, leading to the town of Manacor.
From Manacor, the walk continues along traditional farms and dirt roads, passing by an embroidery museum before reaching Son Carrió. The subsequent sections offer a diverse mix of inland landscapes, coastal stretches, and mountain areas between Son Carrió and Artà, culminating in a final leg from Artà through historic Capdepera to the coastal destination of Cala Mesquida.
Key Highlights and Access Points
Highlights along the trail include the 14th-century Capdepera Castle, the Cala Rajada Lighthouse, the Church of Sant Joan Baptista, and the Son Carrió Railway Museum. To accommodate hikers of all abilities, two access points have been established at Son Macià and the Costa dels Pins, providing shorter start and end options for those seeking less demanding routes.
Further information, including downloadable maps and detailed directions, is available on the official Gran Recorrido del Llevant website, ensuring visitors can plan their journeys effectively.
Global Hiking Context
In related outdoor news, more extreme hikers may face new regulations when attempting to conquer the highest peaks. The upper house of Nepal's National Assembly has unanimously endorsed a new tourism bill, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, which could introduce tighter rules for climbing Mount Everest.
If the law is confirmed, a permit to climb Everest will only be granted to applicants who have previously summited at least one other Nepalese mountain higher than 7,000 metres, highlighting a global trend towards increased safety and experience requirements in adventure tourism.
