MALLORCA SPORTS & ACTIVITIES II

Mallorca is a paradise for outdoor sports: 300 days of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and perfect infrastructure make every athlete’s heart beat faster.

Mallorca and sport, a perfect relation – At least cyclists and golfers noticed many years ago that Mallorca is the perfect destination to combine pleasure, sports and holidays. Cyclists had been the first ones who established an own tourism sector in the off-season and golfers strengthen the quality tourism and find variety on 24 golf courses and magnificent fairways with sea views.

The summer belongs to the water sportsmen. Then it gets colorful and lively in the waves when canoe-rowers, stand-up-paddlers, swimmers and divers share the cool water. To find a place for each passion is no problem even in the high season thanks to 550 km coast line.

Even hikers discover the variety of Mallorca sport possibilities and encourage the Tramuntana mountains, especially in the off-season. It’s not just busy pensioners on vacation who climb the peaks, also locals and families are drawn to the mountains. They seek relaxation and tranquility and are rewarded with spectacular views.

There are so many opportunities for sport activities in Mallorca … We only want to introduce some and betray the best places. Some are worth a short trip, others are almost unknown, but they all combine the passion to move outdoor in a dreamlike nature.

 

RUNNING SPORT IN MALLORCA

Mallorca is an island of running lovers. Locals and tourists are running day and night along the promenades and prove their skills on numerous running events.

The most famous international running event is the Palma Marathon which leads through the old town and along the sea promenade. Professional participants certainly won´t have an eye for the lovely boats and monuments along the way but hobby runners appreciate the varied route. The Palma Marathon is a two days event with marathon, half marathon and a children’s run as well as numerous side events. If you want to participate in the Palma Marathon save the date for 2018: 14th October.

Our tips for best running routes:
A six-kilometer jogging track is located on the grounds of Castell Son Claret. The path is marked, unpaved and leads through oak forest and almond orchards. An overview map is available at our reception.

Another beautiful running track in our area is the new footpath between Es Capdella and Paguera. It leads through the “Vall Verd”, the green valley, with its beautiful meadows, almond trees and sheep herds. It is worth the detour back over the forest. About halfway on the left, a hiking trail sign leads you to untouched nature. After a few kilometers, you will reach the road connecting Es Capdella with Andratx and return to Castell Son Claret.

Have fun while running!

 

HIKING IN MALLORCA

Did you know that the Tramuntana range in Mallorca was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO in 2011 and that there are 30 peaks of more than 1,000 meters high? The highest mountain, the Puig Major, is 1,436 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, it is a military area and not accessible but hikers can climp the second highest mountain, the Massanella, next to Puig Major.

The 90 kilometer long Tramuntana mountain range in the west of Mallorca is an ideal hiking area with numerous marked trails, shelters and impressive views of the sea. The high-altitude mountain character should not be underestimated: Climbing the highest peaks requires endurance and sure-footedness. But there are also many easy trails in the mountains and the coastal regions which are suitable for families and those who rather prefer to stroll along olive and orange groves.

Our tip: Castell Son Claret is located next to the highest peak in southwest Mallorca. Puig de Galatzo is a 1,026 meters high peak and definitely worth a climb. From the summit the view sweeps over the whole island, even Ibiza is recognizable on clear days. The route to Galatzo starts next to Castell Son Claret and leads by the grounds of Finca Galatzo – initially flat then steeply uphill – in about 2 hours to the summit. Take a picnic and enjoy the view!

Men on his back doing hiking with a backpack in the middle of nature

CLIMBING ON MALLORCA

Psico…what? Psicobloc (also Deep Water Soloing) is a form of solo climbing over water and had been established in Mallorca!
Psicobloc is one of the most unique and purest forms of climbing. Elite climbers like Chris Sharma do regularly visit Mallorca to push the envelope of technical climbing and experience the special challenge afforded by Psicobloc. The risk is low and even beginners and children can try cliff climbing. After all, there is nothing better for the little ones than to fall into the water.
The coastline of the southeast around Santanyi is ideal for psicoblog but specialized outdoor agencies also offer climbing in the southwest.

But it´s not all about water – Mallorca has also established itself as one of Europe’s premier rock climbing and sport climbing destinations. There are many spots all over the island and outdoor agencies offer guided tours.

 Men sitting on his back doing climbing next to the ocean

CANYONING IN MALLORCA

Yes, we also have this sport in Mallorca! In winter, many canyons in the Tramuntana Mountains fill with water, making them ideal for hiking, climbing, abseiling and swimming. All this is canyoning – a multi-action sport.

Ideal months for canyoning in Mallorca are from October to April when plenty of rain falls. Then experienced guides take their guests to the so-called “torrents”, dry rivers in the limestone which have dug deep gorges in millions of years. Popular torrents are Torrente Coanegra, Torrente Na Mora and the Torrente Sa Fosca. Sa Fosca is even among the top 10 canyons worldwide!

 Person jumping into a lake from the top of a cliff with backpack on

SOCCER ON MALLORCA

Locals are real soccer fans and almost every village has its own ground. The island club RCD Mallorca plays only in División B, league two, but that´s irrelevant because the stadium in Palma is worth a visit anyway. There are guided tours that take place on different days. Or if you are lucky there is a match with FC Barcelona super stars.

 Soccer players on the grass field

TENNIS SPORT ON MALLORCA

Mallorca is the home of tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya and the sport is practiced in almost every village.

In 2016, the first WTA tournament on Mallorca celebrated its premiere. At the Mallorca Open, the world’s best women’s tennis players compete on the new grass courts in Santa Ponsa and prepare for Wimbledon. The Mallorca Open takes place in June.

Castell Son Claret offers its own tennis court and lessons upon request. Reservations are made at the spa reception.

Bird view from tennis court with four playersLegs of a person playing tennis with the paddle and tennis ball

STAND-UP PADDLING (SUP) MALLORCA

With 550 km coast line and 300 days of sunshine there are so many water sports activities in Mallorca. But we only want to list one which is particularly popular and even attracts yoga fans: stand-up paddling. Stand-up paddling requires balance and body control. Similar to canoeing you move with a paddle but the specially developed surfboard challenges the user if you do not want to constantly fall into the water. Fun is guaranteed once you master the technique.

A men doing stand up paddling on the water with his dog standing on the top of the board

There are several companies who rent SUP boards and offer courses on the beaches of Calvia, e.g. in Paguera, Portals and Port Adriano. Some even offer yoga lessons on the wide SUP board. It is worth a try…

Your favorite sport is not listed? Or do you want to experience something special on your holiday in Mallorca? Ask us about the possibilities. There is almost nothing you can´t do on this beautiful island … have fun!