The 10 best hikes in Mallorca
Majorca is known worldwide for its sun and beach tourism. But there is another part of Majorca which is unknown to most tourists. Those visitors who have had the chance to get to know this different side of Majorca have been surprised by the variety of activities that can be done on this island.
One of those alternative activities that can be done on the island, especially in low season, is hiking. Walks on foot through different areas of the island to enjoy a splendid landscape that combines the sea and mountains.
The 10 most recommended walking tours around the island:
1. Puig de Massanella
It is a peak which is 1,365 meters high, being the second highest on the island. There are almost 12 km of walking tour through the Comafreda farm with a difference of 800 meters. This hike starts from the Coll de Sa Batalla and at the entrance of the farm you have to pay €4.00 per person (€2.00 for residents).
It is probably the most emblematic excursion in Mallorca. Its views from the highest points are impressive and it is very likely that you will see several species of animals during the hike, including the famous black vulture.
2. Puig Tomir
One of the hardest hikes of the Serra de Tramuntana due to the unevenness throughout the tour. From Binifaldó, the hike takes around 4 hours both ways and ascends to 1,104 meters. From the top you can see the whole island and in particular the Bays of Alcudia and Pollensa. It is definitely an experience which is worth it!
3. Volta Al Puig Roig
This is a very mythical tour that goes around the Puig Roig. Its difficulty lies in the fact that it can up to 7 hours of hiking. The views throughout the whole hike are breath-taking, especially during the part that runs next to the sea. It is an excursion that departs from the public estate of Menut that only opens on Sundays, and ends in Lluc.
4. Castell del Rei
This is an extraordinary excursion which requires permission of the property. Only 20 people can access the finca of Ternelles whose entrance is in Pollensa, a deviation from the road that goes towards Lluc. It is a hard trip, it has some unevenness and if you want to get to Cala Castell it is a 16 kilometers round trip. But it is certainly worthwhile, both to contemplate the rocky fortress in ruins of the Castell del Rei that was built in the time of Jaume I, and to see the waters of Cala Castell.
5. Puig des Teix
The climb to Puig del Teix (1,064 m.) is a circular excursion from Valldemossa, it takes 4 hours and a half with an important slope that runs through the Camí de L'Arxiduc. In 1883, this road was projected by the Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria. He lived in Valldemossa for a long time and was captivated by the olive groves and holm oaks through which the hike passes and by the views of the Serra de Tramuntana which can be enjoyed from the highest points. This is a route with an important cultural and historical component and with very impressive views.
6. Puig de L'Ofre
One of the possible routes to L'Ofre (besides the route that leaves from the Pla de Cúber, shorter and with less slope) is through the Barranc de Biniaraix. A cobblestone road that leaves from the village of Biniaraix, next to Soller, and goes up to the foot of l'Ofre (Coll de l'Ofre) between olive trees, sheep and water sources. From this point, fantastic views of the Puig Major (1,445 m.) and the reservoirs of Gorg Blau and Cuber can be enjoyed. There’s only a bit left until the top of the Puig de L'Ofre (1,091 m.) From where you can also enjoy the views of two peaks which are over 1,000 meters, Sa Rateta i Na Franquesa. In total, the hike takes around 6 hours through a unique landscape.
7. La Trapa
La Trapa is the southernmost peak of the Serra de Tramuntana and the excursion departs from Sant Elm, in the municipality of Andratx, one of the best areas in Mallorca to lodge in. Throughout its 2.5-hour circular itinerary with relatively little unevenness there are wonderful views of the sea and of the island of Sa Dragonera. At the top, you reach the old Monestir de Sa Trapa. It is a simple and pleasant excursion with magnificent views.
8. Puig d'en Galileu
Ses Voltes d'en Galileu is a cobblestone road from 1692. It leaves Son Macip, near Lluc, and leads to the Cases de Neu. Since it is one of the few northern faces of the island, back in the time the snow was used to make ice. From the Cases de Neu there is one more piece to the top of the Puig d'en Galileu (1,188 m.) From where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Puig de Massanella and the Lluc Valley. It is a hike of about 4 hours with some unevenness, especially at the beginning.
9. Aubarca
Our last two excursions are outside the Serra de Tramuntana. Aubarca is, in fact, a wonderful beach on the coast of Arta, which can only be accessed on foot or by boat. The hike starts from S'Alqueria Vell de Baix in Arta, which is the office of the Natural Park of the Llevant Peninsula. A walk of 1.5 hours one way between dunes and scrub with little unevenness, will take us to the beach of s'Arenalet d'Es Verger or d'Aubarca. A magnificent excursion, both for the views and vegetation of the road and for the destination, probably the most unspoilt beach in Mallorca.
10. S'Atalaia d'Alcudia
This is a relatively short hike; it only takes around 1 hour. It starts from the Ermita de la Victoria and from the first moments on the views are impressive. At the top of the Atalaia you can see the whole island and, above all, you can enjoy an impressive view of the Bays of Alcudia and Pollensa and even Menorca on clear days. This is an ideal excursion for a summer sunset.
