13th to 21st October 2018

We have been to this Spanish Mediterranean island many times now. This past October we were on the island for the group trip and we were pleasantly surprised at how warm and sunny it was and how the countryside was a lush green and a joy to be in. So when the days are getting shorter and the weather fails at home this is a chance to have a burst of cycling or walking in the sunshine before winter sets in.

We return to the resort of Can Pastilla, which is on the Bay of Palma. The resort is well positioned and very welcoming to the activity holidaymaker as it is outside their main season. Without the crowds, everywhere is open and there is a great buzz of activity. Our hotel is well placed in the resort. Just back from the beach and by the 15km sea front path/cycle track, stretching the length of the bay and going right into Palma.

For Cycling

Those of us who have been on trips on the island before have found it a cyclist’s paradise. The resorts are quickly escaped to a different island of open countryside and small villages, mixing the mountain range with the undulating central plain. There is a network of quite lanes and an ever-increasing number of special cycling routes. We will be very much aligned to the centre of the island so have good access to both the picturesque western end of the main mountain range as well as the stunning high peaks of the eastern end. Meanwhile there is great access to the central area of the island for wonderful undulating countryside and lovely old villages with bars and cafes. During the week there is plenty of scope for longer rides into the central plain and shorter rides in the mountains. A chance to enjoy something a bit different from the countryside at home. Our regular bike hire shop is close to the hotel. The hire bikes are of very good quality and are available in a number of styles. If you prefer you can bring your own bike.

For walking

This will be the third year with GOC walkers and they are gathering a good knowledge of walks It is expected that some of these walkers will return and bring their knowledge, but there is a request for others to help with leading walks. The guidebooks always focus on the walks in the mountains but there are options on the open countryside.  The hotel is adjacent to bus stops for the local buses and these also connect at either end of the routes to the country buses and also the train in Palma, so locations across the island are easily reached.

The Hotel

Our hotel is a resort hotel and its facilities are excellent, and includes a proper secure bike store. The hotel is near both our superb bike hire shops. All rooms have a balcony and overlook the gardens. It is close to the nice sandy beach and the hotel offers heated outdoor pool. It has a 24hour reception, wifi and a full buffet service restaurant. It is close to shops, and along the sea front there are all the bars and cafes you could expect to just relax in the sun or later in the evening.

The offer is for half-board and based on two people sharing a twin room. As with club trips we all mostly want to book as individuals and so we pair people up to take advantage of this great offer. Single rooms are also available. The booking price is for half-board. Only drinks and snacks during the days are extra.

Our initial reservation has been made, later bookings will depend on availability, and may be subject to a price change.

Please note only members of GOC are able to see details on how to book this event.