Continuing my adventures around Mallorca, one of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and home to exquisite azure waters and breathtaking island views, I met up with a colleague from work who is lucky enough to live out here and ventured out for a day trip.
One of my favourite activities in the whole world to do is to go hiking so, after spending the evening hanging out with her family and joining in the fun of her life, we woke up and spent a hot sunny day visiting the incredible natural reserve at Sa Dragonera.
The hike here starts in the little town of Sant Elm on Mallorca's southwestern tip, an adorable beachfront town with cute boutiques, plenty of waterfront restaurants and a stunning blue water beach. From there, a small boat - La Margarita - ferries passengers for €15 cash each to Sa Dragonera and back. There are no inhabitants on Sa Dragonera, just four wonderful hiking trails across various bits of the island. The best hike (in my opinion) is the 9km return loop that takes you straight up to the top of the island to Mirador Del Far Vell for panoramic views back to Mallorca.
After your hot and sweaty hike, take the boat back to Sant Elm to spend the afternoon on the beach and snorkeling in the bright and clear waters - just watch out for little stinging jellyfish that sometimes hang out here!
SA DRAGONERA HIKE DETAILS
When: year round
Where: Mallorca, catch the boat from Sant Elm to Sa Dragonera Natural Reserve
Difficulty: intermediate
Length: 2 hours roundtrip for 9km
Directions: the boat will take you straight to the harbour of Sa Dragonera where the four trails on the island all start. The hike up to the island's summit is trail #4 and follows a series of clearly defined switchbacks up the mountain. Check out my (partial) route on Strava!
Bathrooms: yes, in Sant Elm and at the harbour on Sa Dragonera
Public Transit: yes, the 101 Port d'Andratx bus runs regularly from Palma to Camí des Rebolls where you transfer to the 121 to Sant Elm
