The Most Beautiful Trails of the Dry Stone Route (Ruta de Pedra en Sec) in Mallorca
The "Ruta de la Pedra en Sec"is one of the most renowned routes in Mallorca. Stretching about 90 kilometers through the Serra de Tramuntana, it was named in homage to the construction method employed to delineate it. The walls and "marjades" (terraces) were built using dry stone, enabling the creation of terraces on the steep slopes of the mountains for planting dryland trees such as olive trees.
This technique involves stacking stones with astonishing precision, without the use of mortar or cement. It's akin to solving a puzzle where each piece must fit with the others, requiring modification through chisel and hammer.
Most of these constructions date back to the Muslim period, and although many were abandoned due to the decline of traditional crops, artisans have worked tirelessly to restore them to their former glory.
Along this route, one can also admire other structures created using the dry-stone technique, such as wells, lime kilns, or water channels.
The trail traverses the island of Mallorca, from the port of Andratx to Pollença, with numerous variations and stages to be enjoyed gradually.
For less experienced hikers
We recommend starting gradually. There are several beautiful and relatively easy routes suitable for groups with little experience or children:
- -From Deià to Sóller, you'll find one of the easiest and most picturesque stages of the "Ruta de la Pedra en Sec" in Mallorca. Lasting only three hours, the first part of the route runs along the coast. After a stop in Cala Deià, the path continues through the forest, passing by beautiful villas seemingly in the middle of nowhere. You might even encounter a flock of sheep along the way. The route concludes at the Muleta refuge, very close to the port of Sóller, offering unparalleled views.
- -From the port of Andratx to La Trapa, the path takes you along the coast, with a stop at the islet of Sa Dragonera, a beautiful protected natural reserve. Part of the route passes through a pine forest, and not far away, you'll find two lime kilns built using the dry-stone technique. The trail ends at La Trapa, where there's no shelter, but you can surely find a place to recharge.
Dry Stone Excursions for Experienced Hikers
For more experienced hikers, we recommend these other routes:
- -From Estellencs to Esporles is a stage lasting about five hours, passing through three charming villages seemingly frozen in time: Estellencs, Banyalbufar, and Esporles. These are tranquil towns, where stopping for a snack is almost obligatory. Here, you'll find the "Camí des Correu" (Mailman's Path), an old route leading from Esporles to Banyalbufar, where you can observe the dry-stone terraces and the numerous fruit trees cultivated in this area.
- -From the port of Sóller to Tossals Verds, the trail is challenging but fascinating. This eight-hour stage crosses two of the highest mountains in the Mallorcan Tramuntana, l’Ofre and Colom. It also leads to impressive cliffs such as Biniaraix and, on the descent, passes by the reservoirs of Cúber and Gorg Blau.
Were you familiar with the "Ruta de la Pedra en Sec" or Dry Stone Route? You're sure to be enchanted by discovering it, along with all the places along its route.
