Route: Talaia d’Alcudia
Area: Spain, Mallorca
Date of walk: 26th April 2019
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 8.9 miles
Ascent: 2,200 feet
Weather: Sunshine and blue skies, warm
On this first day of a short walking holiday in Mallorca we were staying in the excellent Hotel Forum in the heart of the old town of Alcúdia. The town is situated in the north west of the island and is a good base for exploring an area which we’ve not visited before, one which is unspoilt by mass tourism and which offers numerous walking opportunities. Click here for a walk around the Old Quarter of Alcúdia a couple of days later
After making sure we had all we needed for a walk in hot conditions (water, sun screen and sun hats), we set off on the 20 minute drive to the start of the walk from Bar S’Illot, not far from the beach and island of S’Illot. On arrival, I realised that I’d left one vital piece of equipment behind – the camera. The language which ensued can’t be quoted in full (or part) but after 40 wasted minutes of the day spent in returning to the hotel and back we arrived at the start point for the second time
We walked back along the road for a short distance and left it to walk through the Campament de la Victoria. We then followed a path uphill beside a dry stream to the Coll de ses Fontanelles at 500 feet. From the col we descended beside another dry stream, and eventually reached Coll Baix. From here it’s possible to descend to a rocky beach, but today this would have been a diversion too far. Instead we set out on the long ascent of Talaia d’Alcudia. A zig zagging path up the rocky terrain made the going relatively straightforward. As we gained height the views became increasingly spectacular, the highlight being the summit of Talaia d’Alcudia – the deep blue sea and sky was a wonderful sight to behold
We then set off on the descent, following a waymarked path back to Campament de la Victoria. There were numerous twists and turns along the varied route, but we eventually arrived back at the Campament, and from there retraced our steps back to the start of a memorable walk
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The day before the walk we arrived in Alcúdia and checked into the Hotel Forum - which we can highly recommend. This is the view from our bedroom window over Constitution Square
There was time for a quick wander around the old town, which is pedestrianised
For anyone interested in walking in the spectacular north west of Mallorca, Alcúdia is an ideal base
Next morning, the start of the walk from the Bar S'Illot, a 20 minute drive from Alcúdia, looking across to the small island of S'Illot
Looking across the Bay of Pollença to Cap de Formentor as we follow the road for a short distance
We leave the road here and turn left to pass through the Campament de la Victòria
Beyond the site we pass through a barrier gate to follow a track
We follow the sign to Talaia d'Alcúdia
Heading along the Fontanelles Valley
A view back across the Bay of Pollença to Port de Pollença
We arrive at the Coll de ses Fontanelles and start to descend into the valley
The path leading down into the valley continues, but we leave it here and turn right to traverse along the valley side
We drop down into the valley of Coma de s'Egua
We join a broad forest track
We arrive at Platja des Coll Baix, where there is the option (which we didn't take) of a there and back detour to a small beach lower down. From here we started the ascent of Talaia d'Alcúdia
Views over a deep blue sea as we ascend...
A series of zigzags take the sting out of the steep gradient of the mountainside...
Talaia d'Alcudia walk, Mallorca
Onwards and upwards...
Alcúdia in the mid distance...
The Tramuntana mountains beyond Alcúdia
Gilly contemplates the way ahead as we arrive at a flat section before the final part of the climb
Looking across to Punta de la Solana
The ridge leading to the summit
A view back along the ridge to Menorca in the distance
Looking back along our path
We arrive at a large cairn just below the summit, and from here it's 5 minute climb to the highest point. We will return to this point on the descent
Stump of an old watch tower at the summit of Talaia d'Alcúdia, with Alcúdia below
Looking back down our ascent route, with a glimpse of Menorca on the right
The Bay of Alcúdia beyond a ruined building just below the summit
Start of the descent towards Cap des Pinar, with Cap de Formentor top left
We follow a path which zigzags down the steep mountainside...
We join a broader track, with views across the Bay of Pollença
We pass by Ses Tres Creus, the Three Crosses...
...then walk past the Ermita de la Victoria
At the corner of the car park of the Ermita, we join a narrow forest path which descends quite steeply
The gradient eases as we walk below the mountain where we'd been earlier
Wild Mallorcan goats...
After rejoining our original path near the Campament de la Victoria, we retrace our steps back along the road
Looking across the Bay of Pollença as we arrive back at the car park to end a fabulous walk
