Life is an adventure, and Mallorca is the perfect playground for those adrenaline junkies among us who like to push limits, get off the beaten track and be at one with nature. One of the most spectacular locations to head to in the north of the island is the protected country estate of Mortitx.

Located on the road from Pollensa to Lluc at KM 10.3, at the northern part of the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range, Mortitx has two things you won’t find together elsewhere: raw, unspoiled landscapes, devoid of almost all humankind and….wine. 

It might not be noon yet, but who votes we start with the latter? Vinyes Mortitx is one of Mallorca’s best-known vineyards, producing an impressive selection of wines found in most supermarkets and top restaurants all over the island. Grown at some 400 meters above sea level, the altitude and microclimate make for a unique grape with a personality that differentiates it from all the rest. Open to the public for sampling (such an exquisite word), tours and purchase, it is here, at the vineyards, where our hike into the heart of the Mortitx country estate begins. 

Mortitx and its “torrent” (canyon) are challenging and often inhospitable landscapes. The trail that winds down the rugged canyon bed showcases rocky and lonely but breathtaking scenery, worlds away from the well-trodden paths found in the rest of the Sierra. 

It is important to note that this trail is not well marked and is extremely overgrown. Some sections require scrambling and navigation skills that may challenge some hikers. It is very easy to get lost here. And the area has limited or no mobile coverage! Therefore, (and to avoid any lawsuits..), we recommend undertaking this hike with a reputable local guide who is familiar with the route and can provide valuable insight and assistance along the way.

The route starts at the Vinyes Mortitx main road entrance. It is marked well to begin with, and the path passes by the vineyard’s main buildings, winding through fields of vines, olive groves, and herds of sheep. Hikers should veer right following the sign indicating “Refugi”.

Further along, there is an information board with some alternative hiking routes, and this is where civilisation, as you know it, ends. From here on in, you are alone in the wilderness, with nothing but wildlife for company, relying on your instincts, an occasional cairn or splodge of red paint to guide you. Initially quite visible, the trail becomes quite overgrown with high grasses hiding a very uneven terrain, making the markers hard to spot. A great deal of bushwacking is required throughout the day. Yep, welcome to ankle-breaking territory at its best. 

The path navigates down into the top part of the canyon and into the bed itself. There are many large boulders and slippery bits. Some sections must be passed along the edges to avoid the deep pools of water. Although they are only a few metres in length, they are rather “hands-on-rock” and a little hairy and might push an inexperienced hiker to their limit.  

Continuing down, you will spot the large rock formation known as the Bec d’Oca (it apparently resembles the head of a goose). At this point, you can choose to rope up and venture down into the more technical part of the canyon with your guide for some adrenaline-filled canyoning or veer to the right, up a path that takes you past the 13th-century ruined house Casa de Rafal d’Ariant.

Not much further along, and you reach what can only be decribed as the climax of this route: the viewpoint at the top of the cliffs of Sa Pesquera des Gat. It is a natural terrace: a giddy feast for the eyes, the deep blue Med stretching as far as the eye can see, a vertiginous sheer drop to the jagged coastline below, sea rock formations and caves in the cliff face. On the cliff tip to the right, close enough to get a good look, majestic Osprey soar and perch. It is an amazing spot to stop for a peanut butter sandwich before heading back to check out that vineyard in much more detail.

The Wine: For tours, wine sampling and shop opening hours at Vinyes Mortitx, call + 34 971 53 38 89. Their website www.vinyesmortitx.com is coming soon. Look out for their “Wine with Opera” concert usually held in July. 

The Hike: Contact the very capable Miguel Ángel and his team at Mon d’Aventura for guided experiences at Mortitx and other parts of Mallorca. www.mondaventura.com