Healthy Routes Trail Celebrates Its Ninth Edition for Balearic Islands Day 2026

Community walks, wellness promotion and awareness activities turn the Day of the Balearic Islands into a collective celebration of health across all the islands.

To mark the Día de les Illes Balears 2026 – Balearic Islands Day 2026 – the Health Department is once again promoting healthy habits with the ninth edition of the ‘Ruta de les rutes saludables’ – Healthy Routes Trail, a community-based initiative that combines physical activity, prevention, and well-being. This year’s program brings together more than 20 health centres across the islands and, for the first time, includes participation from Formentera. Organised by the Direcció General de Salut Pública in collaboration with primary care health centres, the initiative seeks to encourage an active lifestyle while supporting both physical fitness and emotional balance among participants.

By Claire Miller | Source & Photos – Govern de les Illes Balears

Routes Across the Islands

The main activity consists of guided walks adapted to each island:

• Mallorca
  The route will take place on Friday, February 27, starting at 10:00 a.m. in Palma. Two groups will set off from Plaça de Sant Jeroni and Sa Feixina, meeting at Plaça de la Murada. Participants from the ACTIVA’T municipal program and a Nordic walking group from the l’Institut Municipal d’Esports (IME) de Palma will join the walk.

• Menorca
  Five routes are planned, departing from the health centres of Canal Salat in Ciutadella, Es Banyer in Alaior, Verge del Toro, Dalt Sant Joan, and Ferreries.

• Formentera
  The island joins the Healthy Routes Trail for the first time, with its health centre hosting the activity on February 27.

• Ibiza
  Activities will be held on March 6, with two starting points—Salut Vila and Es Viver health centers—that will converge at the Portal de Ses Taules.

Focus on Mental Health

Mental health awareness will play a central role throughout the celebrations. From February 27 to March 2, the Direcció General de Salut Mental will operate two information stands open to the public.

Among the featured activities is “«Deixa el teu missatge per la salut mental» Leave Your Message for Mental Health,” a participatory initiative inviting visitors to write positive messages that will be displayed on a shared panel. Educational videos on mental health will be shown daily.

Creative workshops to design personalised badges will take place every day except March 2. On that date, a specific activity focused on alcohol consumption will allow participants to experience its effects through simulation goggles, highlighting the associated risks.

Additional events at the main Conselleria de Salut stand will connect emotional well-being with physical activity and creativity. These include sessions on exercise and mental health, inclusive craft workshops, a theatrical performance by users of mental health services, and a symbolic “hug box” promoting care and empathy.

Public Health Activities

The Direcció General de Salut Pública will offer different informational activities depending on the day:

• February 27 and 28: Promotion of healthy eating, guidance on preparing balanced meals with children, information on the Eina Salut platform, HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention, vaccination schedules, and early detection programs for hearing and newborn health.

• March 1 (Balearic Islands Day): Food safety advice, including recommendations for preventing foodborne illnesses and practical demonstrations of safe food handling, with special attention to vulnerable groups.

• March 2: Information on cancer screening programs and preventive measures against mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, under the theme “How can I protect my health?”

Consumer Information

Throughout the four days, the Direcció General de Prestacions, Farmàcia i Consum will also be present to provide guidance on consumer rights and responsibilities. The stand will promote the Consumópolis 2025–2026 school competition, aimed at helping students develop informed and responsible consumer habits.

With walking routes, interactive workshops, and accessible health information, the ninth Healthy Routes Trail turns Balearic Islands Day into a shared celebration of health, awareness, and community participation across the islands.