Impossible to get bored in Escorca

ADVENTURE AND SPORTS

Practice adventure and sport

The municipality of Escorca is located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a Natural Site in 2007 and a World Heritage Site in 2011. The peaks, streams and valleys of Escorca are the perfect setting for the practice of numerous sports of nature, such as mountain biking, climbing, descending torrents or caving.

When developing these activities, you must always take into account the nature of the space where they are practiced. The Serra de Tramuntana Natural Park was created to conserve exceptional natural and cultural values that must be protected and respected. Many of these activities are regulated and, in some cases, prior authorization is necessary from the body managing the natural spaces of the Balearic Islands, currently the Balearic Institute of Nature (IBANAT). On the IBANAT website, you can consult the authorized activities in protected natural areas and how to request these authorizations.

It should also be remembered that a very high percentage of accidents that happen in the mountains are due to human errors that can almost always be avoided. For this reason, it is advisable to always take extreme precautions and follow the recommendations to prevent accidents or mitigate them from the Mountain Service of the Civil Guard.

Safety comes first

HIKING

Escorca hiking trails

Pareis torrent

This is one of the island’s most iconic and spectacular routes. The descent of Torrent de Pareis is not easy and requires previous mountain experience. It is recommended not to do the route alone. Some sections involve scrambling and downclimbing, where the use of ropes may be necessary. Checking the weather forecast is highly advisable, and the route should be avoided if rain is expected. The descent begins at the houses of Escorca and follows the streambed, often filled with large boulders. The final stretch crosses the impressive gorge of Torrent de Pareis, flanked by vertical walls up to 300 metres high, before reaching Sa Calobra.

Mortitx torrent

This is a technical and spectacular route that requires canyoning experience. The itinerary includes several abseils, so it is essential to carry the proper equipment and have knowledge of descent techniques. This canyon is particularly attractive after heavy rains, when spectacular waterfalls are formed. The route ends at the sea, so it is recommended to check the sea conditions before starting the descent. Access to the canyon is from the entrance to the Mortitx estate. The duration of the descent is relatively short but requires technical skill.

Sa Costera

In the first part, the route follows a dirt track in a steady descent, passing through terraced olive groves. We will cross the lands of the estates of Bàlitx d’Amunt, Bàlitx d’Enmig and Bàlitx d’Avall, the latter dedicated to agritourism. From here, the path begins to climb until reaching Coll de Biniamar, the highest point of the route. The descent from the coll takes us quickly down to the sea. At this point, it becomes a real viewpoint, winding flat along the cliff edge. Halfway along, a junction indicates the descent to the factory that supplied electricity to Sóller until 1962. Returning to the main path, we continue towards Cala Tuent. From Cala Tuent, there is the option of returning by boat to the Port de Sóller. The company Barcos Azules offers a special Taxi Boat service that makes the crossing between the Port de Sóller and Cala Tuent. It is also possible to continue towards Sa Calobra (about one more hour of walking) and return by boat from there with Barcos Azules, which runs daily services between the Port de Sóller and Sa Calobra, or by scheduled bus to Escorca and Lluc (15:00 h, only from April to October, Monday to Saturday, to be confirmed on the website of the Consorci de Transports de Mallorca).

Puig de l’Ofre Lift

Following the signs of the GR-221, we will easily reach Coll de l’Ofre, from where the views of Pla de Cúber and Puig Major de Son Torrella are spectacular. Once at the coll, we leave the marked path and turn left, entering the forest. Soon we come to a comfortable dirt track that leads us to Coll dels Cards, situated between Na Franquesa on the left and l’Ofre on the right. From Coll dels Cards, the ascent becomes rockier and somewhat demanding. Don’t forget to look up to the sky from time to time, as vultures often soar over these peaks. From Coll de sa Línia, the path starts that takes us to the summit. This is the old route once used by the nevaters. We must carefully follow the path leading us to Pla de sa Neu and, from there, to the summit of the Puig. We will also find another stone marker indicating two alternative ascents to the summit: the one on the right is the most direct, following the old path, while the one on the left passes by the Font de s’Avenc.

Lap from the Sa Coma pantenet

The route begins at the Menut II recreational area (km 16.4 of the Pollença–Lluc road). From here, you cross a bridge over the road and take a wide dirt track that marks the start of the camí de sa Coma. The first section runs through an open pine forest with an undergrowth rich in mastic, myrtle, lemon-scented rockrose, Mediterranean cypress and spurge. From this area there are fine panoramic views of Puig Tomir, Moleta de Binifaldó, Puig Budell and Caragoler de Femenia. The path descends gently until it reaches the Font de sa Coma, with a small porch beside it. The water is not drinkable, as it is used by local livestock. Shortly before arriving, plants such as eixorba-rates blanc can be observed. From the fountain, the left-hand path leads to the artificial pond of the Pantanet de sa Coma, built as a fire-prevention measure. In this section, species such as eixorba-rates negre can also be found. The return follows the same path back to the fountain, where the initial trail is resumed. The route passes charcoal kilns and huts in holm oak woodland, with the occasional presence of wild cherry trees. In the final part, the path returns to the pine forest landscape, with the same vegetation as in the first section, until it reaches the starting point at the recreational area.

Ascent to Puig de Massanella

At kilometre 14.8 of the Caimari–Lluc road, just before reaching Coll de sa Batalla, there is an information panel with a map of the area. From there, a wide track leads to the gate of the Comafreda estate, where the corresponding entrance fee must be paid. Updated prices can be checked on the Puig de Massanella website. Once at Coll de Mancor or Coll de sa Línia, we will see two large stone markers placed years ago by the Foment del Turisme de Mallorca. These indicate the three possible directions: towards Mancor, towards Lluc and towards the summit of Puig de Massanella. Very close by is the first of the old snow houses of the massif: the Casa de Neu Major, located at a lower altitude. The other two are found at the Pla de sa Neu, near the summit. From Coll de sa Línia also begins the old path of the nevaters, which leads to the top. The trail climbs gently up to the Pla de sa Neu and from there continues to the summit of the Puig. Along the way, another stone marker indicates two alternative routes to the summit: the path on the right is the most direct, following the old trail; the one on the left passes by the Font de s’Avenc.

CYCLING IN THE SERRA DE TRAMUNTANA

Escorca cycling routes

Majorca’s secondary roads are perfect for cycling. There are many clubs and fans who visit the island, since the good weather conditions make this sport practicable almost all year round. Amateur cyclists meet with the world’s best professionals who compete in the Challenge, the first qualifying event for the World Cycling Championships, every February. Remember to always respect the traffic code and take extreme precautions, as these are roads with few curbs and reduced visibility for most of their route. Also pay attention to the packaging, help us keep Escorca Neta.

DESCRIPTION

The road from Selva to Lluc offers a pleasant climb shaded by pines and oaks. Along the route, marked by continuous curves, you can enjoy spectacular views. The first curve after the center of Caimari provides a beautiful panorama of the houses of the village of Selva and its church. The climb concludes at the Coll de Sa Batalla, where cyclists usually stop to recover their strength. The route ends at the monastery of Lluc.

DATA

– Distance: 12.58 km

– Ascent: 428 m

– Descent: 114 m

– Initial elevation: 166 m

– Final elevation: 481 m

OTHER SPORTS IN ESCORCA

All you can practice

Mountain bike

The steep topography and the extensive network of Escorca paths make this municipality the perfect place for mountain biking. Although this activity is not regulated or signposted, it is recommended to always respect private property and keep the environment clean.

climbing

Mallorca has positioned itself in recent years as one of the best European destinations for sport climbing. The limestone walls of the Serra de Tramuntana offer multiple routes of different levels of difficulty. It is recommended to always bring the right equipment and consult the specific guides for climbing in Mallorca.

Nordic walking

Nordic walking can be practiced on any of the trails and paths in Escorca. This sport, originally from the Nordic countries, consists of walking with the help of poles similar to those used in skiing.

Races and marches

Escorca hosts several popular races and marches, such as the Barranc de Biniaraix race and the Travessa per Serra de Tramuntana.

Sports grounds

In the Santuari de Lluc there is a semi-Olympic swimming pool that can be used with prior reservation.

kayaking

Access to the sea at Cala Tuent or Sa Calobra allows kayaking in calm and transparent waters.

speleology

Escorca has several cavities and caves that can be explored by speleology enthusiasts, as long as they have prior authorization.

diving

The transparent waters rich in biodiversity along the coast of Escorca are ideal for diving.

horse riding

Horse riding can be practiced in some sections of the Dry Stone Route, according to the indications of the Special Route Plan.