Mallorca's timeless mountain trails

After La Trappa deserted monastery site, the path opens to reveal one of those views that captures why we walk. The coastline stretches before us, mountains meeting sea in dramatic sweeps. La Trappa itself speaks of another kind of journey, where monks once sought spiritual solitude in these heights. Now only stones remain, but the sense of searching, of pilgrimage, still hangs in the air. 

This is what makes this tour special: the perfect combination of mountain and coastal walking as the Serra de Tramuntana sweeps down to the sea. From these heights, we can trace our week's journey written across the landscape. There are the terraces where we walked among ancient olives, the coastal paths where we glimpsed falcons, the villages where we paused for beer or wine. Each day's walk has been a thread in a larger tapestry.

The centuries-old restored cobbled paths have carried us through layers of history. We've walked where Moors built terraces a thousand years ago, where monks sought solitude, where watchmen scanned for pirates. The Archduke's Path reminds us that appreciation for these landscapes crosses centuries and cultures. Each stone underfoot connects us to those who came before. This is truly rambling worldwide: not just covering ground but connecting with the long tradition of travelling on foot. 

Throughout our week, we've moved between worlds. From protected reserves with ancient olive trees to spectacular coastal views, from quiet village bars to sophisticated waterfront drinks in Port d'Andratx. The scenery changes as we cover more ground during the day, each turn offering something new. We've learned to read the landscape: how morning light reveals different details than evening shadows, how the sound of the sea grows stronger as paths descend, how the scent of wild herbs intensifies in the midday heat.

I think of all the feet that have worn these paths smooth: farmers carrying olives to market, postmen connecting isolated communities, charcoal makers heading to their forest camps, perhaps smugglers moving goods under cover of darkness. We're part of an unbroken chain of walkers stretching back through time. Our modern boots follow routes established by sandaled feet, our GPS-tracked routes overlay mental maps passed down through generations.

Back at Hostal Dragonera for our final evening, we watch the familiar sunset behind Dragonera Island. The sky performs its nightly show of reds and oranges as we dine overlooking the sea. Some leave the table once more to capture the moment, though by now we know no photo quite captures the magic. It's not just the colours but the whole experience: the taste of Alioli, the sound of quiet conversation mixing with waves on the shore, the satisfaction of a week well walked. 

The swim behind the hotel calls one last time, that miracle of sand making the rocky shore suddenly welcoming. As we float in the evening-warm water, the mountains glow in the last light. Tomorrow, we leave, but tonight we raise glasses of local wine, sharing stories of ancient paths and falcon sightings, of resilient olive trees and pirate watchtowers. 

We've walked in the footsteps of centuries, and in doing so, made our own small mark on these timeless trails. Take time to stop and look, I always say, for you will have a different perspective around the next corner. This week has given us countless corners, countless perspectives. We leave knowing these paths will continue to carry footsteps long after ours have faded, that the olive trees will keep sending out branches, that the falcons will return next September. We've been privileged to join, however briefly, in the long conversation between humans and landscape that defines these ancient walking ways.

Ready to add your footsteps to paths worn smooth by Moors, monks, and merchants? Join our Walking from San Telmo tour to experience La Trappa's dramatic views and walk the Archduke's Path. From sunrise coffee to sunset wine at Hostal Dragonera, discover why these timeless trails keep calling us back.