The GR221 was only partly waymarked across the rugged Serra de Tramuntana in Mallorca, when it caught the imagination of trekkers and quickly became a very popular trail. Recently, many gaps in the waymarking were filled and practically the whole trail, with the exception of the first day, is fully marked and signposted. In future years some important new variant routes are planned.

While updating the classic Cicerone guide - Walking in Mallorca - it became apparent that walkers were already trekking along parts of the evolving GR221. The full course of the route, also known as the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, or Drystone Route, had been publicised for some years, then a number of spur routes were also suggested, and work commenced on yet another route, the GR222.

Much of the GR221 was walked, often in both directions, over the years, and the whole route was walked during the research for this guidebook. A number of spur routes were also checked, as well a stretch of the GR222 that had already been waymarked. With all the information they need to hand, walkers can trek the route in as little as a week, or extend their explorations by taking in some of the spur routes.

A number of splendid refuges have been established along the GR221, and a couple more will open in due course, mostly in restored historic buildings. Anyone intending to use them must book in advance, and the guidebook gives details of the process. Alternatively, some may prefer to stay in hotels, pensions, or even monastic cells!

It is quite likely that the GR221 will rapidly prove to be one of the most popular trails in the Mediterranean.

The entire route and all its variants were walked again for the second edition of this guidebook, which now incorporates very detailed 1:25,000 scale mapping, courtesy of Editorial Alpina, who make the best maps of the island.

GPX tracks are available for this route. They can be downloaded from the Cicerone website.