Mallorca is not a camper's paradise. In fact, camping is strictly forbidden pretty much everywhere on the island, aside from a handful of designated campsites. There is no lack of potentially good camping spots in the Serra de Tramuntana, but camping is not only frowned upon but also an offence punishable by hefty instant fines. Officially, it is the supposedly heightened fire risk that justifies the ban; in reality, vested interests are also at play, alongside the innate dislike of anything that could vaguely be seen as 'bohemian' by the administration. The vast majority of the Serra de Tramuntana is in any case privately owned, and you are very likely to be camping on someone's private turf... not really helpful in the constant fight to keep right of ways open!
We have all been stuck at some stage and have had to camp; should you find yourself in this utterly unforeseeable situation, follow these basic rules:
Never, ever, light a fire. This is totally criminal in late spring, summer and fall, and best avoided at any other times.
Be discreet, chose a camping ground that is out of the way and will not be easily spotted. You will be reported otherwise.
Set up late, push on early and carry your rubbish.
Government campsites:
Sa Font Coberta
Mallorca's first and foremost campsite is situated at the upper end of Lluc monastery car park. You are not exactly in the wild here, and it can get very busy on weekends and fiestas. Nevertheless it is a pleasant spot when things are calm on weekdays, and there is shade and standard services. The campsite can be booked by calling 971 51 70 70 or 971 51 70 83, an advisable precaution on weekends.
There are BBQ pits and plenty of restaurants to choose from in and around the monastery.
S'Arenalet, Parc National du Llevant,Arta
This the jewel of Mallorca's campsites. Set less then two hundred meters from a sandy beach in a shaded area, s'Arenalet can only be reached after a two hour hike from the closest road. It is a small campsite, usually very peaceful, at least outside of the main holiday periods. Services are limited, there is no drinking water or food available locally but there is a daily food delivery service from Arta for those that have run out of goodies. The campsite is run by Ibanat and a spot to pitch your tent can be booked over the phone on weekday mornings by calling 971 17 76 52
Scouts campsites
Large groups can book a number of campsites through the Mallorquin scouts association and the foundation Maria Ferret, one of those camping grounds is located in a fantastic olive grove in the Barranc de Biniaraix close to Soller. More details can be founds at http://fundaciomariaferret.org/reserves/index.php
We have all been stuck at some stage and have had to camp; should you find yourself in this utterly unforeseeable situation, follow these basic rules:
Never, ever, light a fire. This is totally criminal in late spring, summer and fall, and best avoided at any other times.
Be discreet, chose a camping ground that is out of the way and will not be easily spotted. You will be reported otherwise.
Set up late, push on early and carry your rubbish.
Government campsites:
Sa Font Coberta
Mallorca's first and foremost campsite is situated at the upper end of Lluc monastery car park. You are not exactly in the wild here, and it can get very busy on weekends and fiestas. Nevertheless it is a pleasant spot when things are calm on weekdays, and there is shade and standard services. The campsite can be booked by calling 971 51 70 70 or 971 51 70 83, an advisable precaution on weekends.
There are BBQ pits and plenty of restaurants to choose from in and around the monastery.
S'Arenalet, Parc National du Llevant,Arta
This the jewel of Mallorca's campsites. Set less then two hundred meters from a sandy beach in a shaded area, s'Arenalet can only be reached after a two hour hike from the closest road. It is a small campsite, usually very peaceful, at least outside of the main holiday periods. Services are limited, there is no drinking water or food available locally but there is a daily food delivery service from Arta for those that have run out of goodies. The campsite is run by Ibanat and a spot to pitch your tent can be booked over the phone on weekday mornings by calling 971 17 76 52
Scouts campsites
Large groups can book a number of campsites through the Mallorquin scouts association and the foundation Maria Ferret, one of those camping grounds is located in a fantastic olive grove in the Barranc de Biniaraix close to Soller. More details can be founds at http://fundaciomariaferret.org/reserves/index.php