The best hikes from Biniaraix to Cornador Gran Peak, Tramuntana Mountains, Mallorca

Cornador Gran is an eye-catching peak in the Tramuntana Mountains of Mallorca. At an elevation of 956 meters, it towers above Sóller Valley and stands out with its distinct tombstone-shape.

The hike to Cornador Gran peak starts in the hamlet of Biniaraix, 2 kilometers from Sóller. It follows the GR 221 Dry Stone Route, which actually traces the old pilgrimage route to the LLuc Monastery.

After ascending the Biniaraix Gorge (Barranc de Biniaraix) along a mostly cobbled path, the trail crosses the Torrent de l’Ofre stream and climbs up a final 260 meters to the summit of Cornador Gran.

The hike from Biniaraix to Cornador Gran presents no technical difficulty. However, it’s a moderately difficult hike because of the considerable elevation gain/loss (1150 meters). Also, almost the entire route is paved with cobblestones. Hiking on an uneven cobbled path for hours is taxing, especially on the descent.

Another thing to be aware of is the popularity of this route. In addition to the GR 221 trekkers, this trail is very popular among trail runners as well as day hikers, who are hiking point-to-point from Cúber reservoir to Sóller. However, most hikers/runners do not ascend to Cornador Gran. So, there is some peace and quiet after all.

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Cornador Gran Hiking Map

Where to Start the Cornador Gran Hike

Biniaraix

Biniaraix is situated in Sóller Valley, 2 kilometers from the town of Sóller.

If you’re driving, it’s best to part along Camí de Biniaraix, outside of the town center. We parked around here: Google Maps.

Barranc de Biniataix – Cornador Gran Trail Description

Biniaraix to GR 221/Camí Vell Trail Intersection (20 minutes)

Walk through the village of Biniaraix. After passing Bar Bodega, continue on Carrer de Sant Josef street. You’ll soon see a GR 221 trail sign directing you right towards Barranc de Biniaraix and Cúber.

The pathway leads along stone walls towards the mountains. Cornador Gran and Cornador Petit are visible straight ahead. To your right, beyond a few cultivated fields, Sóller sprawls across the valley.

When the path divides, take the right trail, following the GR 221 signs. When the trail divides again, bear right once again.

After crossing the stream bed of Torrent de Biniaraix, the cobbled path continues for 10 minutes between terraced olive tree groves to the GR 221 and Camí Vell trail junction.

Camí Vell Trail (45 minutes)

The GR 221 trail continues straight through the Biniaraix Gorge.

However, if you want some variation along this out-and-back hike, you can ascend along the slightly longer Camí Vell trail and later descend via the GR 221 gorge trail.

The paths link back up in about 45 minutes (1.6 km).

The gorge path is the better path, but variation is always nice.

We turned right and followed the Camí Vell Trail. This trail is waymarked with wooden posts indicating direction. It zigzags up terraced olive tree groves and delivers some outstanding views of the terrace scenery and the Tramuntana mountains flanking the gorge.

Soon after crossing the Torrent de l’Ofre stream in Gorg de Can Cati, the Camí Vell and GR 221 trails converge.

Gorg de Can Cati to Cornador Gran (1:30 hours)

Following the sign to L’Ofre and Cúber, the ascent continues along the cobbled pilgrimage path (GR 221) between more terraced groves.

As you approach the uppermost part of the gorge, the mountain views get more dramatic.

After passing through a gate with a “L’Ofre Propietat Privada No Abandonar La Ruta Assenyalada” (Private Property Stay on the Marked Path), the path follows a balcony trail to the Mirador d’en Quesada/Es Cornadors turn-off.

Turn right here, crossing the stream via the wooden plank bridge.

After so much time on the cobbled GR 221 trail, this path feels a bit disorienting at first. It’s overgrown initially, but becomes increasingly more clear with time.

The path ascends through thick dissgras across the eastern slopes of Cornador Gran. Behind you, cone-shaped Puig L’Ofre, with its thick forested slopes, towers above the cultivated fields and buildings of the L’Ofre estate.

Wild goats and free-roaming horses roam about the trail.

The trail continues to the southern slope of Cornador Gran, passing some rock needles.

When the path reaches the saddle between es Sementer Gran and es Cornador Gran, turn right towards the boarded up stone shelter (Refugi de Joaquim Quesada). The trail gently ascends the karst slope to the right of the shelter and to the summit of Cornador Gran within a few minutes.

Cornador Gran is marked by a stone pile.

The summit overlooks Sóller Valley, the towns of Sóller and Port de Sóller, the Sea, and the highest peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana like Puig Major.

Cornador Gran to Mirador Xim Quesada (2 minutes)

Spot the cairn below the summit and follow the trail towards the sea. This path leads to a pulpit-shaped viewpoint called Mirador Xim Quesdada, which overlooks the Barranc de Biniaraix.

Cornador Gran to Biniaraix

Return to the GR 221 along the same route. And follow the cobbled pilgrimage route all the way down to Biniaraix.

The trail follows the torrent de Biniaraix stream, between terraces and enclosed farmsteads. The whole route is a dream, but there’s a particularly spectacular passage which narrowly passes through the steep-sided gorge called S’Estret. The walls are vertical on both sides.

The trail descends alongside the stream, zigzags down terraces, and then links back up with the Camí Vell.

Follow the familiar route back to Biniaraix.

Where to Stay

Fornalutx

Fornalutx is a mountain village nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana range. It’s located just off the scenic Ma-10 road in Sóller Valley. The village charms with its traditional stone buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and gorgeous mountain backdrop. During the day, the main square, Plaça d’España, is teeming with cyclists, hikers and other visitors. Though small, Fornalutx boasts a nice collection of eateries including Restaurant Café Med, Calzone Pizzeria, and molón.

Midrange | Can Pera Accommodation – TI (2 Nights Minimum Stay) is a cozy guesthouse in Fornalutx offering a shared kitchen, garden and swimming pool. Guests rave about the hospitality and the gorgeous setting.

Luxury | Hotel Apartament Sa Tanqueta De Fornalutx is an adults-only aparthotel in the idyllic village of Fornalutx in the Tramuntana Mountains. Surrounded by olive and orange trees, this countryside retreat offers air-conditioned apartments with living rooms and kitchenettes. Guests have access to a shared saltwater outdoor pool and free private parking.

Look for accommodation in Fornalutx.

Sóller

Sóller is located in a bowl-shaped valley in the central Tramuntana Mountains. It’s the ultimate base for hiking in Mallorca. During your stay, we recommend prioritizing the Barranc de Biniaraix – Cornador Gran peak hike, Puig des Tossals Verds circuit trail, and Cúber to Puig de l’Ofre peak hike.

Sóller is situated 3 km inland from the coast and Port de Sóller, which means that the coast is just a short drive, or bus ride away.

Beyond its fantastic location, Sóller is a delightful and vibrant town with no shortage of cafés, gelaterias, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Hotel on-site parking is rare. We recommend reaching out to your accommodation in advance to inquire about parking. Some hotels offer paid parking in a location nearby. A lot of people park on the main road ma-11, just outside town, and walk in. The estate hotels outside of town have on-site parking.

Budget | Hostel Sóller – Albergue Juvenil is a charming and clean hostel and bar in Sóller perfect for trekkers and backpackers. Double rooms and dormitory beds are available. Breakfast available (7 EUR). Note: if you’re staying in the dormitory rooms, you can either sleep in your own sleeping bag or rent sheets for 5 EUR.

Midrange | Hotel El Guía is a small (24 rooms), traditional Mallorcan hotel and restaurant set in the old town of Sóller, a short walk to Plaça de sa Constitució Square. It’s possible to book a parking space (10 EUR/day) in advance.

Midrange | Ca’n Abril is a cheerful, family-run guesthouse in Sóller. This top-rated accommodation stands out with its central location, kind and personable service, and the plentiful and generous breakfast, served in the local bakery. They offer paid parking in a nearby car park on a first come, first served basis

Midrange-Luxury | Designed with imagination and great attention to detail, the family-run Ecocirer Healthy Stay is an intimate boutique hotel with six rooms in Sóller. A nutritious, homemade, vegan and vegetarian-friendly breakfast is served daily. Private parking is available nearby with reservation (8 EUR/day).

Luxury | Finca Ca’s Curial – Agroturismo – Adults Only is an estate hotel surrounded by citrus groves just outside the town center of Sóller. Guests love the secluded location, extensive grounds, spacious rooms, swimming pool and poolside honesty bar. Breakfast is included and on-site parking is free.

Luxury | Owned by the same family for 750 years, Finca Cas Sant is a historic estate in Sóller, set on gorgeous grounds, walking distance to the old town of Sóller. Finca Cas Sant offers 13 rooms and suites, two seasonal swimming pools, and free parking.

Source : moonhoneytravelers

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