When it comes to hiking on the island most of us instantly think of the Tramuntana mountains. Or of the coastal trails along the turquoise Mediterranean. The great unknown, though, is the Wild East of Mallorca. However, there’s a dozen hiking trails of stunning beauty in the Parc Natural de Llevant. The mountains here may be less rough but nature is abundant and the views are just amazing. From Artà to Cala Ratjada to the bay of Alcúdia and even to Menorca in the distance.

While the Tramuntana runs from southwest to north the Llevant covers the easternmost part of the island. In between the Pla, the great plain. Mallorca’s laid-back, rather rural part. As much as I love bustling Palma, from time to time I need these little escapes into the wilderness. And while the Tramuntana represents the essence of the Mediterranean for me, the Parc Natural de Llevant often reminds me of my hikes on the Canary Islands. 

Maybe it’s the secludedness. For sure the barrancos leading all the way down to the glittering sea. Abandoned houses overgrown with flowering shrubs are silent witnesses of the past. Reminding us that this remote area used to be a prison during the civil war. Today, groups of hikers take over the Campament dels Soldats, celebrating life. And friendship triumphs over hate.