If you’re thinking of going out Palma de Mallorca hiking, it’s the perfect time of year to start the adventure. If you’ve already tried it and are hoping to improve, we’ll give you some advice that will make sure you have a great time in the mountains.

Some of us have been lucky enough to have had the chance to go with a guide or more experienced hikers when starting out; this is very rewarding. However, not all of us have been so lucky! Not only are we missing out on the good company, but we also have to pay plenty of attention to the directions.

Don’t worry, these tips will turn you into an expert and you’ll feel much more relaxed.

1.- Familiarise yourself with the route: although it seems obvious, the first step is to find out about the route: starting point, ending point, how long it takes and its difficulty level.

2.- Check the weather: researching the area is important, but it’s also vital to find out what the weather will be like when you’re there. You’ve got to be sure that you won’t be caught out by torrential rain or thick fog which makes visibility very difficult. You should also make sure you’ve got appropriate sun protection in case it’s hot.

3.- Map and a fully charged mobile device: although you’ll already know a bit about the route, as we mentioned in the first step, you should always have a device with a downloaded copy of the route and sufficient battery and a charger, to hand. You should also carry a map. Remember that batteries run out and not everywhere has a good signal.

4.- Appropriate clothing: we all want to make sure we always look great, but in this case, it’s more important to be comfortable and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for trekking and hiking. Don’t wear sandals, shoes or trainers with a thin sole, no matter how comfortable they look! Remember that the terrain isn’t what you’re used to when carrying out everyday activities. You should wear footwear designed for hiking, with a thick sole and ankle support, as twisted and sprained ankles are very common injuries. Your clothing should allow you to move freely and don’t forget to always carry a jacket or similar, just in case.

5.- Food and hydration: carrying water is essential, as you don’t know if you’ll be able to pick some up on the way. Take at least 1.5 litres of water, in addition to isotonic drinks. You should drink them in small, continuous amounts, making sure they last until the end of the hike. But don’t let yourself get thirsty. Dehydration can make you feel disorientated and can cause fainting and muscle cramping. Before setting out on your hike, make sure you eat something rich in sugar and energy. You should also carry nuts and seeds, energy bars, sandwiches and fruit.

6.- Carry a first aid kit: your first aid kit is key. You never know what might happen, but you can be prepared and be ready to act on it. Your first aid kit shouldn’t weigh more than 200g, nor measure more than 10cm. You can use a pencil case to carry the basics such as anti-chafing products, soothing cream, anti-inflammatories, painkillers, antidiarrhea medication, anti-histamines, eyewash, an assortment of plasters, adhesive tape, multi-purpose elastic bandages and a thermal blanket if you’re staying for more than a day.

7.- Trekking pole: many of us don’t consider a trekking pole to be an important bit of gear, however, it’s more useful than you think. You’ll never finish a hike with the same energy levels as when you started, so a pole is great for that extra bit of support.

8.- Look after your surroundings: don’t forget that the area is for everyone, so you must look after it. Don’t light fires or leave rubbish behind and always be careful not to harm the surrounding wildlife.

9.- Shoelaces: If you haven’t already tied your shoelaces ready for the hike, you can try leaving the lower part loose and always tighten the upper part. Don’t forget to do them up properly when embarking on new terrain.

10.- Take it easy on the slopes: this is where you should pay attention to the old saying: “slow and steady wins the race”. It’s not to say that you should go really slowly, but you should maintain a constant rhythm, especially on the hills.

We hope that you find these tips helpful and that you enjoy hiking. Don’t forget to stay somewhere comfortable and local when you reach the end of your adventure. Hotels VIVA offer the best facilities in areas perfect for hiking, guaranteeing you a comfortable stay. Enjoy!