A new long-distance hiking route stretching about 104 kilometres has opened on the Spanish island of Mallorca, offering walkers the opportunity to explore the island’s lesser-visited coastline.
The trail, known as the Gran Recorrido del Llevant and also called the East Mallorca GR-226, runs through the Llevant region on the island’s eastern side. Completed in January, the route covers a vast area known for its natural landscapes, historic towns and archaeological heritage.
The GR‑226 is divided into four roughly equal stages that can be completed over several days. The trail begins at Cales de Mallorca and leads to Manacor (24.99km), then continues from Manacor to Son Carrió (22.99km). The third section runs from Son Carrió to Artà (23.19km), with the final stage taking hikers from Artà to Cala Mesquida (22.63km) on the northeastern coast. Each stage covers just over 20 kilometres, and the largest climb in a day reaches around 248 metres, making the route manageable for hikers of different experience levels.
Additional access points along the route include Son Macià and Costa dels Pins, giving walkers the option to join or leave the trail at different locations and adapt their journey depending on the distance they want to cover.
The trail also highlights several cultural and historical sites across the region. Among them is the prehistoric settlement of Ses Païsses near Artà, which dates back around 3,000 years, and the 13th-century Bellpuig Monastery. The route also passes the 14th-century Capdepera Castle, the Cala Rajada Lighthouse, the Church of Sant Joan Baptista, and the Son Carrió Railway Museum. Along with historical landmarks, the trail connects several towns and villages in eastern Mallorca, offering visitors opportunities to experience local traditions and culture.
Running from Cales de Mallorca to Cala Mesquida, the route passes through a variety of landscapes, including coastal cliffs, sandy coves, forests and farmland. Walkers following the trail travel through both inland and coastal sections of eastern Mallorca, offering views of the Mediterranean as well as rural scenery.
Further information about the trail, including maps and directions, is available through the official Gran Recorrido del Llevant website.
