It's not all nightclubs and parties, take yourself away from the coast and you can find yourself in a very different world where there are breathtaking views and fantastic walking and hiking. The island offers walking for all ages and abilities.
The first thing that caught my eye was the existence of the Dry Stone Route which is a 90 kilometre path, much of which dates back to the Moorish occupation of the island, on which you can walk the length of the island. I love walks like this.
The island’s best walking region is said to be around Lake Cuber which is a man made reservoir in the Sierra Tramuntana. Like many other similar reservoirs, in drought times, you can still make out the outline of the settlement which was flooded. In this area you can see falcons, ospreys, black vultures with a near three metre wing span and even eagles circling the peaks. If you like circular walks, Lake Cuber offers one of the best offering a rugged, steep downhill path which leads to the first of a network of tunnels housing the irrigation pipes bringing freshwater from the mountains into the reservoir. You'll need stout boots and torches on this walk as you have to make you way through the five tunnels which are dark and uneven. Worth it though as the views, on emerging from the tunnels are stunning. From this point it's back towards the Lake again and more wonderful sights.
Another recommended walk is along the cliffs from Soller to the fashionable town of Deiá. This walk takes you past Robert Graves’ house. In the centre of Deiá try out the tapas and then walk or take the bus back to your starting point - guess it depends on how much sherry or Sangria you've had!
If you are looking for more strenuous hikes then you might want to try out some of the paths built by the Austrian Archduke Louis Salvador. These paths take walkers to the foot of peaks, like the Teix (1060m), from where you can see the entire coastline – from Soller to Valldemossa.
Finally for the fit and/or adventurous how about the six hour descent down through the Torrent de Pareis, through gorges and across massive boulders, to the sea. There are fixed iron rings and ropes to ease your way down but you would be advised to bring your own ropes just in case. You can stop at Sa Fosca, a subterranean cave and lake complex which offers potholing adventures for the experienced. Do take loads of water especially when the weather is hot as people have died from dehydration in the oven like atmosphere in the gorge in the summer. If you make it to the end, your reward lies in plunging into the sea at Sa Calobra.
The best months for walking are January, April and May, September, October and November so plenty of scope for you this year or add it to the plan for next. I'm just salivating at the thought of all the possibilities and in true East End girl style I'm looking forward to the stops to people watch, enjoy the food and the odd glass of wine too.
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