Des Güell a Lluc a Peu is a unique event for pilgrims on Mallorca, which means “walking from Güell to Lluc”. Thousands of people make their way to the “Santuari de Lluc” monastery every year in the night of the 5th of August. This night hike has been a tradition for hundreds of years and is celebrated every year by young and old people.
Point Of Departure And Destination
The traditional starting point is in Palma, at the Plaça Güell. All participants meet there at sunset on the 5th of August. At around 11 pm the journey begins. Some streets in and around Palma are even converted into footpaths for the 50 km route.
Of course, there are also people who make the walk from other parts of the island to the place of pilgrimage “Santuari de Lluc” in the middle of the Serra de Tramuntana. But as its original name says, Des Güell a Lluc a Peu starts from Palma.
The destination is the monastery of Lluc. For many, the journey there is as meaningful as the destination itself. Some people go on pilgrimage in groups, others prefer to do it alone.
The Route
At the start in Palma, a large crowd is still moving through the streets of the city. Along the route, the participants then spread out a little, according to their own pace and fitness level.
However, all pilgrims will pass by beautiful landscapes, idyllic villages, small chapels and fruit farms.
The Challenge Of Des Güell a Lluc a Peu
This night hike is not only a spiritual experience, also a physical challenge. The rough paths and the mountainous landscape require a lot of physical and mental strength. However, the pilgrims support and inspire each other and so most of them reach the goal.
Some tips for the participants:
- Choose suitable shoes: Hiking shoes or suitable sports shoes
- Light, loose-fitting clothing including a change of socks
- Pack a rucksack with enough water and snacks
- Do light stretching exercises before the start
The effort is definitely worth it, as on arrival in LLuc the pilgrims are relieved, happy and the joy of successful participation spreads. In addition, making new friends and interesting conversations take place during the pilgrimage.
After a short rest, the return journey then begins in the early hours of the morning at around 5:30 am via Inca to Palma.
Don’t miss this spectacular event if you are on Mallorca in August.
