Route: Sóller to Cala de Deià
Area: North West Mallorca
Date of walk: 7th September 2015
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 9.1 miles
Weather: Sun and blue skies, warm
It was a glorious morning and we set off from our rented villa in Sóller full of anticipation as to what lay ahead. After leaving the outskirts of the town we climbed uphill and were soon enjoying great views back to our starting point
We soon joined the path known as the GR221, which we would follow for most of the journey. The path contoured round the mountain side at just below 1,000 feet, giving amazing views as we went along
Eventually we emerged onto the main road from Sóller to Deià and at this point there was some uncertainty as to our route and we dithered here for a while. The lane we wanted to follow to the cove was marked ‘private’ but after checking with a local we were assured that the signs were incorrect, so we carried on
We then joined the coastal path, which was hard to follow in one place and was slightly exposed in others, but which gave us some fabulous views of the rocky coastline. Eventually we arrived at our destination Cala de Deià, a beautiful cove, where we met up with our son James and enjoyed a late lunch in one of the two restaurants. James took us back to base in our rented car – anyone else following this walk would need to carry on into Deià (another 20 minutes or so) and catch the bus back into Sóller
Postscript: for anyone following this walk as far as Deià, I’m quoting this email from a follower of this site:
You mention some navigational issues on the G221 walk from Soller across to Deia. When the path meets the main road east of Deia you do unfortunately have to follow the road for about a third of a mile before the path peels off on a left hand bend. Not ideal. The delightful path then loses height before reaching the lane coming up from the cove, where you can either carry on for Deia or turn right for the coast. You should not go on the cliff top path.
Today I returned to Soller via the coast path. Some sections are a little exposed or difficult but it is generally a delightful second leg to a wonderful circular walk.
Thanks Paul for this information
Click on the icon below for the route map
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Walking out of Sóller
Crossing the railway line as we climb up out of the town
We saw quite a few of these signs during our walks - I’m not sure what the ‘big game’ is, and it’s probably the landowner’s way of deterring walkers
A view back over the Sóller valley, dominated by Puig Major
We walk through groves of olive trees…
A glimpse of the sea and Port de Sóller as we contour round the lower slopes of Puig des Moro
Another view back over Sóller as we gain height
We stop for refreshments at an isolated farmhouse where there is a small cafe
View from the cafe of Port de Sóller and its watchtower
Ancient olive tree as we resume our walk
The Tramuntana mountains from Can Prohom
We join the GR-221 path as we approach the coastline
Wonderful views as we walk along the elevated coastal path
The Cala de Deià is on the far side of the rocky promontory ahead
At Can Rosell the path joins the main road into Deià, and we had some navigation issues here
A short way down the road, it seemed that our path was not a public right of way - but the sign is misleading as was confirmed by one of the locals
Walking towards the sea along the so-called private road
Careful route finding was needed on this rocky section over the promontory
At last the stony beach known as Cala de Deià comes into view below
What a heavenly spot
We met up with son James, had fresh fish and sangria for lunch, and were driven back home - perfect
