GR221 Mallorca Trail, Day 4. The plan was for a “relaxing” day. A hiking detox. After three days of climbing, we wanted to take it easy. The goal was simple: up, down… and survive. A ridge climb to Col de Prat around the Puig de Massanella massif – the second highest peak in Mallorca. What could be more relaxing than hiking above 1,200 meters? Probably everything.
GR221 Mallorca Trails
We park at the Gorg Blau reservoir, where we ended yesterday. Right in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, on the legendary GR221 trail – the Ruta de Pedra en Sec. A classic. The rocky spine of the island. Every proper hiker who hears “Mallorca” and doesn’t just think sangria and beach umbrellas knows it.
The goal: hike through Col de Prat – a mountain pass beneath Massanella, with views ambitious enough to break your soul.
The Climb to Col de Prat
When GPS promises chill, but your legs scream betrayal. The trail from the reservoir starts innocently on a concrete aqueduct. Pure romance. Flat terrain, warm sun, lake views, grazing goats, birds chirping. And you’re thinking: “This is a breeze. I could’ve done this in sandals.”
But then it hits. The climb.
It starts gentle – 10%, then 15%, then 20%, then… a stony assault. Some sections are covered in loose rocks, as if angry Mallorcan gods tossed them there during their lunch break. Add to that blinding sunlight and almost no shade outside the forest.
Then come the springs, erosion, and mud. Lots of mud. First, just trees and rocks and shrubs, the occasional goat dropping… pure uphill joy. We make it above the treeline. The summit of the massif seems close. Visually. That last bit takes another hour.
And then… the moving stones. Every step like a tiny earthquake. We pass two British guys with rented MTB bikes. Out here? Why.
The Pass Keeps Going…
We climb out of the forest into the alpine zone. With height comes views – and an inner monologue. Thoughts like: “Why didn’t I just lie on a beach?” and “When did we decide this was a vacation?” trade places with silent awe. Above us, the rocky walls of Massanella; below, the sunlit island breathing slowly. We pray there’s something at the top – a view, a meadow, anything to justify not sipping beer on a beach and instead scrambling through these rocks toward heaven.
The final push to the pass is a brutal slap – a steep stretch that wrings out your calves like a towel.
And then… a fence. Are you kidding me? A fence at 1,000+ meters, where nothing but moss and lichen grows? Who built this? Why? Modern mysticism?
Col de Prat (1,205 m)
At the top, even your hyperactive brain goes quiet. Col de Prat gives you that rare silence that settles in your lungs like a fine wine. In sight: Puig de Massanella (1,364 m), Mallorca’s highest accessible peak. The whole Serra de Tramuntana stretched out like a 3D map.
We sit. I crack open the last can of beer. Ignác pulls out a baguette, jamón, tomatoes, and cheese. Picnic poetry. Even though the tomatoes tasted like wet sponges from Lidl, we wouldn’t change a thing.
Tomato Karma
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Spanish tomatoes and global justice. Those rubbery balls from the nearest supermarket. No flavor, no scent, no soul. Oddly satisfying to realize even the Spanish often eat these plasticky imposters. Karma. Equality. We’re all in this global food sadness together.
Why Hike This Trail?
The Col de Prat section is one of the most scenic parts of the GR221. Here’s what you get:
- Over 600 m of elevation gain – a serious vertical test
- A mix of forest, rocks, and wide-open views
- Minimal crowds – pure mountain peace without the tourist circus
- Optional continuation to Puig de Massanella, if you’ve got the legs and willpower
Tips for Survival (and Enjoyment):
🕓 Best season:
- March–May and October–November – great temps, fewer people
- June–September – very hot, go early morning
- Winter – not ideal: potential rain, sometimes snow at higher altitudes
🎒 What to bring:
- Hiking boots – strong soles, ankle support (Vibram if possible)
- At least 2L of water per person – no springs except at the aqueduct
- Light food and snacks – jamón and baguette welcome, tomatoes at your own risk
- Sunglasses and sunscreen – long exposure to UV and direct sun
- Offline map or app – highly recommend mapy.cz
📍 Trail Summary:
- Start: Gorg Blau (reservoir, roadside parking)
- Destination: Coll de Prat
- Time: ~2.5–3h up, same down
- Elevation gain: ~+650 m
We finish at sea. You know, Mallorca isn’t just beaches and parties. It’s an island with mountains that have soul and trails that test yours. Col de Prat proves it. Sometimes, you have to hike above the trees just to finally hear yourself.
