East Mallorca GR 226: New long-distance hiking route opening in December

After years of delays, the 100 km East Mallorca GR 226 is set to open – four stages, nearly one million euros in funding, and new connections along the east coast.

East Mallorca gets a new long-distance hiking route

One can already feel it: in autumn a different wind blows along the east coast. The last signs are being put up, volunteers repair walls along the path here and there – and after six years of delay, the new long-distance hiking route East Mallorca GR 226 should open as early as December. Not a big fuss, more of a pragmatic completion: benches here, waymarkers there, and in the end a fully marked route that many locals have been waiting for.

What the route offers

The route spans about 100 kilometers across the eastern part of the island. Start and end points are practically distributed: Artà, Capdepera, Manacor and Son Servera are connected. Along the way you pass familiar coastal towns like Cala Rajada, sa Coma and Cala Millor, but also quiet field paths and old dry stone walls that are easy to overlook otherwise.

Funding for the project comes from the island council with just under one million euros. The route is divided into four stages, well suited as day trips – for hikers as well as for cycling tours, as the route is officially open to cyclists as well. So if you're looking for a mix of beach breaks and forest paths, you can manage it in a week.

Practical in advance

Trail markings follow the usual GR system; there are stage goals with drinking facilities and some new information boards at historical points. Small details that make walking more pleasant: isolated shelter huts, seating with sea views and repaired access at typical rain gullies that can get muddy in winter.

The new route expands Mallorca's long-distance network to around 600 kilometers. For many residents that means more possibilities for trips without a car; for local gastronomy and accommodations along the stages it could attract more guests – nothing huge, but noticeable.

Although some criticize the long delay, hiking associations and local businesses are looking forward to the official start. When in December the first groups head out, you're sure to see a few familiar faces on Plaça de l'Església in Artà, early in the morning with a thermos and a map in hand. It may not be as quiet as before in some corners – but exploring new paths does the island good.