Spring boom in Mallorca's refugios: Almost 17,500 overnight stays

Spring boom in Mallorca's refugios: Almost 17,500 overnight stays

More people seek quiet in the hiking hostels – almost 270 beds, strong demand in June

Mallorca's public refugios have seen significantly more guests this spring: Between March and May a total of nearly 17,500 overnight stays were recorded, about eight percent more than in the same period last year. Together the facilities managed by the island council offer almost 270 sleeping places; for June alone there are currently nearly 4,000 reservations.

In the morning you can often smell the coffee on the plaza before the hikers set off. On the way up towards Galatzó the posts of the old dry stone walls creak, and in the lanes of Consell locals and visitors exchange tips — which refugio still has free beds, which spring is currently flowing. Particularly popular at the moment are the huts Son n'Amer, Tossals Verds and Galatzó; they feature on many routes across the island's bays and through the Tramuntana.

That is good news for the island interior. More overnight stays in mountain and hut areas spread visitor pressure, fill village cafés and small accommodations, and give people an additional incentive to stay away from the coast. Sitting on a refugio terrace having breakfast supports more than just your own supply of fresh air.

A few practical tips for those wanting to hike: Booking early pays off, especially on weekends; the huts together have only just under 270 beds. Those who are flexible should choose weekdays or lesser-known routes to experience the island more peacefully. And very important: respect the rules of the refugios and handle nature and fire sites with care to protect the experience for everyone.

Our little tip at the end: If you plan to spend a night in a hut in the coming months, pack a headlamp and good footwear — and bring enough patience for the narrow country roads. Mallorca is currently showing that it can do more than beaches: quiet nights under the stars, too.