© Hipica Formentor
Explore the Mallorcan mountains on horseback
Three-day horse riding trek in the Serra de Tramuntana from October to May
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a must when visiting Mallorca. And there is no better way to explore them than on horseback. This autumn and winter, Hipica Formentor are offering a three-day mountain trail that will take you through some of the most spectacular landscapes on the island.
The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is well known for its varied landscape and stunning views of the sea. Leaving the stables on your horse in the morning, you'll get the chance to ride through almond and olive groves at first, visiting the picturesque villages of Campanet and Caimari, the olive oil capital of Mallorca, where you'll stop for a traditional Mallorcan lunch.
The trail continues reaching the Pedra en Sec or 'Dry Stone Route', an ancient pathway that crosses many old man-made structures constructed with the drywall technique. This pathway was used by traders to bring ice into the Tramuntana towns long before the fridge was invented. The landscape changes here as agricultural lands give way to pine and oak forests. As the light begins to dim, you'll get to the Sanctuary of Lluc, a hotel in the middle of the mountains that was first built as a monastery in the 13th century, where you'll spend the night. Delicious food both for breakfast and dinner will be served at the sanctuary while the horses stay on the monastery's grounds.
The next day, you'll go deeper into the Tramuntana mountains as your horse climbs steep pathways effortlessly. Once again, the landscape turns from woodlands to rugged rocks and low vegetation, home to some of the most majestic birds in the Balearics: eagles and black vultures. Views of the sea from here are just magnificent. Before stopping for a snack, you'll visit the massive ice storage cave in Galilea, built in the 18th century. Returning to the Lluc Sanctuary, you'll have time to explore the former monastery which boasts some of the most valuable artworks on the island as well as a museum and charming botanic gardens.
After a refreshing sleep in Lluc, the last day sees you returning back down on the old track that pilgrims used to visit the sanctuary. This steep descent takes you through woodlands and along streams, where you'll stop for a picnic lunch. The day ends in Pollença, where you'll say goodbye to the horses and to an unforgettable adventure in Mallorca.
Trails cost €675 per person and all is included, from the first morning after breakfast to the late lunch on the third and last day. Hipica Formentor will also find the perfect horse for you so you don't need to be an expert to take part. All trails start from their stables near Sa Pobla on the following dates: October 19th 2019, November 24th 2019, December 15th 2019, February 9th 2020, March 8th 2020, Sunday April 5th 2020 and Sunday May 3rd 2020. Groups of more than four people can arrange for alternative dates.
They can even arrange accommodation before and after the trail, as well as transfers from the airport or other locations in Mallorca. For more information and to book your spot, get in touch with Hipica Formentor.
