A Hikers Playground

We are so fortunate here on the island to have an abundance of beautiful hiking trails, at all levels of difficulty, with such diverse landscapes and views. Sandy beaches, dramatic coastlines, flowing waterfalls, ancient building ruins, abundant wildlife, and the Tramuntana Mountains with peaks of up to 1000m offer the perfect trekking conditions. Mountain Guide Nicky Hanganu discovered all of this 12 years ago when the sailing yacht she was working on based itself in Palma during wintertime.

A Yearning for Land

While based here on the island, Nicky’s desire to be outdoors on terra firma grew to the point where she decided to leave the super yacht industry and pursue land-based work. Weekends were spent competing in running races in the mountains or hiking with friends and she quickly fell in love with Mallorca’s terrain. To date her most challenging mountain race has been the 105km from Andratx to Pollensa, which took 23 hours to complete and extensive preparatory training. 3-years ago she took her passion a step further and obtained her Level 1 followed by her Level 2 Mountain Guide Licenses. The comprehensive qualifications included an internship covering anatomy, geology, biology, meteorology, orientation and much more, and allow her to lead all manner of treks on the island.

Sharing a Passion

With so much experience and enthusiasm behind her, Nicky turned her passion for hiking into a career last autumn, setting up Zig Zag Mallorca and leading hikes and treks here on the island for tourists and locals alike. Many of us don’t quite realise the extent of what we have right on our doorstop, and as Nicky says “it’s impossible to not fall in love with Mallorca” – especially when she’s leading the way and showing us the hidden corners of the island.

The Hikes

Hikes with Zig Zag Mallorca cater to all abilities and can be booked for any day of the week. Nicky has led groups on shorter, more easy hikes with participants as young as 5 years old, through to devising a training programme for a client preparing to climb the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Nicky prepares each hike thoroughly beforehand and provides her hikers with all relevant information, and what they need to bring along. Up to 12 participants can be in one hiking group, so that Nicky can safely monitor everyone and keep them together.

Hundreds of Routes & Possibilities

There are so many different hikes on offer, and some truly unique and unforgettable experiences to be had. A personal favourite of Nicky’s is a hike she arranges for the full moon near Alcudia. This gorgeous 3.5-hour (10km) hike is suitable for all levels and rewards you with amazing illuminated panoramic views of the bay of Pollensa, the bay of Alcudia, and even Menorca on a clear evening.

Other unique hikes include a sunset hike in Bunyola where the group sets off at around 3.30/4pm in time for a spectacular sunset accompanied by a glass of cava, and then return by torchlight; or for the more intrepid hiking enthusiasts, Nicky can lead you on the infamous GR221 Dry Stone Route. She will help you navigate 5 or 6 stages, sleeping at the refugios, or hostels, dotted along the route. With Nicky’s expertise and knowledge of the island, she can discuss with you your ideal hike and make a dream adventure a reality!

 

ZIG ZAG MALLORCA
Nicky Conny Hanganu – Mountain Guide
zigzagmallorca@gmail.com
+34 652 130 869
www.zigzagmallorca.com