The smell of Mallorca is very special: thyme and other herbs mixed with salt air. That contrast between sea and mountains stays with you. I remember it from my first time in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range about 10 years ago, when a friend who is from the island took us running there. Until then I had imagined Mallorca as mostly flat. I grew up in the Pyrenees and later ran very demanding terrain in the Alps, so I assumed the trails here would be easier. I was wrong. The mountains may not be that high but they are rugged, with sharp, irregular limestone that forces you to watch every step.
Botiga Essència Mediterrània at the bottom of the main Talaia d’Alcúdia trailhead © Anthony Perez
I’ve lived on Norway’s west coast for about 10 years. My connection to Mallorca comes mainly from NNormal, the outdoor brand I co-founded with Camper in 2022. I previously worked with Salomon for nearly 20 years, which was comfortable, but I wanted to develop my own ideas. We’re based in Inca, at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana. Whenever I’m here for work, I head straight into the mountains, often towards Puig Tomir. The trail is beautiful, the views are exceptional and it even gave its name to one of our shoes.
