Walking Safely on Mallorca

Mama knows best -- all the things to watch out for and be careful of, courtesy of the Balearic government. 

Safety precautions  from the people who have to go out and find and rescue the dummies who didn’t stop and think or plan before setting out.

Seriously, this may seem pretty nanny-ish, but every year at least a dozen or so tourists fall off cliffs, break legs or ankles, get lost for up to several days, cause both emotional and monetary expense simply because they failed to use any common sense and take simple precautions.

At the cost of seeming nanny-ish myself, I’d say this page is more than worth the time it takes to read it, however obvious it all may be to you, who are of course wise to the ways of the woods and mountains, can dead reckon in a banshee blizzard, and know how to scout, make shelter, live off leaves and berries for weeks, and who wouldn’t get lost ever.

So read it anyway.

1. It’s better not to travel alone if you’ve got an option; you never know what may happen. Mobile phone coverage in Mallorca’s wilds is usually bad to nonexistent. But take one anyway, and be sure it’s charged. Tell your acquaintances or the hotel reception staff which trail you plan on taking.

2. Be informed about the degree of difficulty, distance and terrain of the trail you choose. If possible, hike a trail accompanied by someone who has taken it before. Take the hours of daylight into consideration.

3. Wear clothing suited to the time of year. Bring some spare clothing, which will come in handy to replace sweaty clothing or for additional warmth if the weather gets chilly. When the weather is changeable, bring a waterproof cape or raincoat.

4. Wear the most suitable and comfortable footwear. Several different types of footwear are sold according to the type of terrain; select the best you can afford. Don’t wear street shoes.

5. Bring some type of light in case night falls; a torch, flashlight or gas lantern.

6. Walk on the left side if you must walk on a road and wear reflective clothing or at least a reflective armband.

7. Bring extra food and drink. High-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit and bananas are recommended. Water is very important, especially in summer. You can’t rely on the springs you find along the way on an excursion; they may be dry or contain water unsuitable for drinking. Don’t drink from water reservoirs as they may contain chemicals you shouldn’t ingest.

8. Be careful of the sun, often strong on Mallorca. Walking many hours in the sun may burn skin, even in winter. Use a protective sun cream best suited to your type of skin and wear a hat with a brim.

9. Take a small first-aid kit with you. Pocket-sized will do.

10. Respect the flora and fauna along the way. Close the doors or gates you pass through behind you if they’re closed when you come to them. The Law of Country Gates is that you leave them as you found them. If trespassing is prohibited, take it seriously and go around or go back. Mallorcan guard dogs can be vicious.

11. Be especially careful with fire, which is not allowed in most areas, especially in spring and summer, or anytime the landscape is dry.

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