The 10 best hiking trails in Mallorca
Mallorca is much more than sun and sand. The largest of the Balearic Islands has a lot to offer for anyone who is willing to put on a pair of hiking boots and venture out on the thousands of trails that run through the island and cross it from one end to the other.
If you are a nature lover, are passionate about discovering unique places and have been wanting to cross Mallorca off your bucket list for some time, this selection of the 10 best hiking trails in Mallorca is just what you were looking for.
This selection includes routes for all tastes and colours: from simple trails, circular trails, hiking trails to do with children, tours across the Tramuntana mountain range or spectacular coves.
Taking these routes, you will discover magical corners that will take your breath away: from ancient defensive towers to prevent pirate raids, necropolises that are more than 3,000 years old, virgin beaches and coves with turquoise water, artificial lakes surrounded by mountains or enchanted forests.
But the real charm of these routes and what will leave you truly impressed will be their spectacular views. From several key points along the route you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the whole island of Mallorca and even Menorca.
For an unforgettable experience, get your rucksack ready, put on your boots and get ready to discover the 10 best hiking trails in Mallorca.
Closed loop hiking trails in Mallorca
Of all the possible types of hiking trails, closed loop trails are the most popular among hiking enthusiasts in Mallorca.
The possibility of discovering a new place with every step you take or the sensation of exploring the unknown are two of the many reasons why this type of excursion is so popular.
Of the thousands of circular hiking trails in Mallorca, the Comuna de Bunyola and Camí del Arxiduc are the most recommended for several reasons.
From their accessibility, as they are suitable for almost any type of person and physical condition, to the spectacular views, as you can enjoy 360º panoramic views of practically the whole island.
Circular route through the Bunyola Commune
This is a simple trail full of interesting spots. It has different variants, although the one that starts from Bunyola is the most recommended.
In case you don't know it, Bunyola is a pretty village located in a privileged enclave in the Tramuntana mountain range from where many hiking trails in Mallorca start, including the Comuna.
Make the most of the excursion and save a couple of hours to visit this picturesque mountain village and enjoy its streets and local shops.
To start the trail, you have to get to Bunyola and park your car in the free car park at the entrance to the village. Once you get there, you will have to climb a small hill that will be the only demanding part of the route.
Don't worry, the rest of the trail is flat and very easy to follow, as it is well signposted and runs along a perfectly conditioned forest track.
Among the attractions you will find on this closed loop hiking trail we would like to highlight: its beautiful and peaceful holm oak groves, which will accompany you throughout the journey; its old coal bunkers and snow pits, handicraft workplaces that are now extinct on the island; or the replicas of the huts of the people who worked in these trades.
But the highlight of this trail is at its highest point: the Penyal d'Honor. To reach it, you will have to take a small signposted detour that will take you uphill and should not take you more than 5 minutes.
The effort is well worth it. You will enjoy a 360º panoramic view of practically the entire island: from the Bay of Palma and Alcudia Bay, through the Pla de Mallorca to the Levante mountain range in the background.
Closed loop hiking trail along Camí de s'Arxiduc
This is undoubtedly one of the best-known and most emblematic hiking trails in Mallorca among hiking enthusiasts.
This ancient path was built by Archduke Ludwig Salvator at the end of the 19th century to enjoy long walks during his stay on the island.
It starts from the privileged village of Valldemossa, where the Archduke spent long periods of time, and has several itineraries. Depending on which one you choose, you will have to apply for a free permit here.
Regardless of the route you choose, the path is no more difficult than the ascent itself. At the top, the reward for your efforts awaits you: the most spectacular views of the entire island.
To the south you will enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire bay of Palma, the Pla de Mallorca and the surrounding villages.
To the north, a dreamlike view: the most iconic peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range, steep cliffs bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and Deià, a small, bucolic village that has been the inspiration for numerous artists such as Robert Graves and Jimi Hendrix.
Hiking routes in the Tramuntana Mountain range
The Tramuntana mountain range is, without a doubt, the best place to enjoy hiking in Mallorca.
In this World Heritage Site there are an infinite number of hiking trails that start or cross it, as it runs from one end of the island to the other and is home to more than 13 municipalities.
Given such a wide range of itineraries and possibilities, it is necessary to make a selection of the best hiking routes across the Tramuntana mountain range to enjoy all its splendour.
The two best examples are the dry-stone route and the Camí des Correu, two very popular trails that will allow you to explore the most emblematic corners of the Tramuntana mountain range.
Dry-stone route or ruta de la pedra en sec
This is a hiking lover's dream in Mallorca.
This is not just one trail, but several that will take you from one end of the Tramuntana mountain range to the other, from Andratx, in the southwest, to Pollença, in the north.
You will also have the chance to wander through such impressive villages as Valldemossa, Esporles, Banyalbufar, Deià and Sóller along the dry stone route.
Its more than 180 kilometres are divided into 8 stages of varying difficulty and distance, making it accessible to all types of hikers: from short, gentle walks to long, demanding trails. There are routes for all tastes and colours.
However, bear in mind that there are sections of the route that are still in their restoration phase, so be sure to find out all the information you need before you set out on it.
Here you have all the information you need to plan it:
Whichever one you choose, this ancient network of paths is a magnificent way to discover the most magical corners of the Tramuntana mountain range.
And although it is one of the best-known hiking trails in Mallorca, very few have managed to complete it.
So if you are passionate about this sport and you plan to visit the island for several days, consider making time in your holidays for the Pedra en Sec or dry-stone route.
Whether you reach the milestone of completing the whole trail or just one or several stages, the effort will have been well worth it.
The Camí des Correu trail
This is one of the most highly recommended stages of the dry stone route and one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Mallorca.
It runs through the very heart of the Tramuntana mountain range along a path that dates back to 1401 and links Esporles with Banyalbufar, two beautiful mountain villages that are well worth a visit to discover their charms.
The entire route is completely uncomplicated and runs along a cobbled path that was completely restored in 1999 and crosses several holm oak groves, the most common landscape in the Tramuntana mountain range.
As it is a simple route with plenty of shady areas, it is suitable for all types of people and physical conditions.
It is the perfect plan if you want to walk a hiking trail in the Tramuntana mountain range but your getaway to the island is only a few days long.
Hiking trails across spectacular coves in Mallorca
If Mallorca is famous for anything, it is for its privileged and diverse coastline, where you can enjoy everything from kilometres of fine white sandy beaches to small solitary coves.
It is precisely the latter that are the main aim of those seeking to get away from the crowds to enjoy these corners of the Mallorcan coast almost exclusively.
To reach them, there are many hiking trails in Mallorca across spectacular coves, among which two stand out: Es Caló de Betlem and Parc Natural de Llevant.
Both are located in the northeast of Mallorca, a place that is not as popular compared to other areas of the island, but which is just as impressive as other areas of the island.
Thanks to the fact that it is less crowded, it still keeps its wild nature intact, which will captivate you from the very first moment you come into contact with it.
Route to Es Caló de Betlem
This is undoubtedly one of the few gems still to be discovered on the island.
The route to reach the cove starts in the small fishing village of Betlem, on the peninsula of Artà, in the northeast of the island. It is a unique natural area that offers picture-perfect scenery to all those who visit it.
The path is completely flat and undemanding, so the only thing that will take your breath away is the spectacular panoramic views:
On one side, small coves bathed by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On the other, the highest peaks of the Artà mountain range with their steep crests. And as a backdrop, the Tramuntana mountain range and the bay of Alcudia.
An unparalleled view that will make you want to stop time and enjoy these views forever.
And this is just on your way to the cove.
Continuing to the end of the path, your long-awaited destination awaits you: Es Caló de Betlem, accompanied by a small, pleasant pine grove.
If you continue further on, past the pine trees, you will find several small coves of stones and rocks. The most recommendable is the last of them all, and as it is the most secluded, you will have the opportunity to enjoy it exclusively for yourself, as it is unusual for bathers to go this far out.
As it is an area with a unique natural wealth, it is ideal for hiking lovers in Mallorca, as it allows you to explore it through its different routes.
But its charms are not only to be found on land, but also underwater. The whole area holds great underwater treasures that are well worth discovering, so it is highly recommended to bring a small snorkelling equipment.
Trail across the Parc de Llevant to S'Arenalet d'Aubarca, Sa Font Salada or Cala Matzoc
To enjoy this trail you will return to the area of the previous route we mentioned above, as it is once again located in the northeast of the island. This is an area that is not very well-known by the general public, which ensures that you can enjoy its natural landscapes without big crowds.
Like the Pedra en Sec or dry stone route, it is not just one trail, but rather several trails that run through the Llevant Natural Park, a protected area since 2001, and which will take you to several unspoilt coves that boast great beauty, such as S'Arenalet d'Aubarca and Sa Font Salada.
Your visit should also include Cala Matzoc, a little further away, which is a good option if you have a little more time and energy. It is well worth the effort: to reach it you will have to follow the coastline past tiny coves, cliffs and the mouths of torrents.
Halfway along the way you will find an old restored watchtower, once used to spot pirate raids, which allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the Parc de Llevant, the Mediterranean Sea and, if the day is fine, even the neighbouring island of Menorca.
Easy hiking routes in Mallorca
Mallorca is undoubtedly a land full of nooks and crannies and treasures that invite you to venture out and explore the island.
Many of them are in places that are difficult to reach and require a great deal of effort.
Others, however, are within everyone's reach and do not require much more than a short walk. It is only necessary to know where to go.
Among the latter, there are two easy hiking trails in Mallorca that are easy to reach so you can enjoy their privileged surroundings.
The first is a trail around the Lluc monastery, the island's pilgrimage site par excellence, which will take you through fairytale forests to a spectacular viewpoint.
The second will take you through the foothills of the Tramuntana mountain range to one of the most spectacular and unique natural monuments in Mallorca, ses Fonts Ufanes, which spring up very occasionally.
Trail around the monastery of Lluc
The Monastery of Lluc and its surroundings are a magical place, full of legends and mysteries that captivate all those who visit it.
From sightings of virgins, apparitions of young women of great beauty after jumping into the void, petrified camels or caves full of coffins, this spot is still surrounded by mysticism.
Further proof of this is the name of the monastery itself, as "Lluc" in Latin means sacred forest, which may give a clue as to why the place is the object of pilgrimage year after year.
Leaving aside the myths and legends of the place, it is an ideal spot for hiking in Mallorca, as it is the starting point for several routes, including another stage of the dry stone route and the trail that runs through the surrounding area.
The latter will take you to different viewpoints, such as Foment and Son Amer, from where you can see the sea and enjoy spectacular views of the Lluc Monastery complex.
To reach them, you will have to cross forests that seem taken straight out of a fairy tale: hundred-year-old holm oaks whose fallen leaves spread a cinnamon-coloured carpet over the ground, large, imposing rocks covered in deep green moss, and a bewitching light that gives the forest its mystical aura.
Apart from the views and the route itself, the trail is not difficult at all, as the entire path runs along a perfectly prepared and well-signposted forest track.
It is, therefore, one of the easiest hiking trails in Mallorca and one that will fill your holidays with magic.
Trail to Ses Fonts Ufanes
Ses Fonts Ufanes are located in Campanet, at the foot of the Tramuntana mountain range, in the northwest of Mallorca, and are literally a monument.
A natural one, as it was catalogued as such in 2001, and a water phenomenon unparalleled in Mallorca.
As the name suggests, they are natural springs that spring up suddenly and very occasionally from the ground. This only occurs after several days of heavy rainfall, which is very characteristic of the autumn season in the Mediterranean.
Whether you are lucky enough to visit the island during autumn and witness this natural phenomenon, or if you visit in any other season, the trail to ses Fonts Ufanes is well worth the effort.
It is an easy hiking trail in Mallorca, as it runs along a walkable and well-conditioned path. But the real magic happens when you walk into its wonderful dense holm oak grove. Feel free to leave the path and explore the estate and its surroundings on your own.
Hiking in Mallorca with children
The reasons to hike in Mallorca with children are many and varied.
From easy access to the hiking area, the simplicity of the trails or discovering the local flora and fauna, these all make Mallorca the ideal place to enjoy a day surrounded by nature with the little ones...
Of all the hiking trails for children in Mallorca, the most recommendable are two: the one that runs along the Cúber reservoir, at 750 metres above sea level, set in a gorge surrounded by mountains, and the one that runs through the Finca de Son Real, a place where nature and history combine to perfection.
Route around the Cúber reservoir
Who said there were no lakes in Mallorca? Although technically it is not, to the eyes of any outsider and more than one local, the Cúber reservoir looks like one.
In fact, together with the Gorg Blau, located less than 3 km away, they are the two largest reservoirs in the Balearic Islands and provide water to Palma and its surroundings
Both are located in Escorca, in the north of the island, at an altitude of 750 metres. They can be reached by car after crossing the pretty village of Sóller and accessing them via a mountain pass. Despite the curves, the road is perfectly conditioned. You can even make short stops at viewpoints to contemplate the spectacular views.
The excursion around the Cúber reservoir is very easy and does not present any kind of difficulty, as it runs along a well-marked forest track, which makes it a perfect hiking route in Mallorca with children.
One of the main attractions of this circular excursion is its spectacular scenery. All along the way you will find yourself surrounded by mountains, including Puig Major, the roof of Mallorca, which will accompany you all the way.
Another attraction is the fauna you will find along the way: from wild goats to domesticated animals, such as cows and sheep, which will delight the little ones.
The best time to take this trail is between autumn and spring, as there is hardly any shade along most of the trail, which can be a complication during the hottest months.
Route through the Son Real estate
This is one of the most special hiking routes in Mallorca with children on the island, as it combines nature and history at the same time.
From dunes and prehistoric remains, as well as necropolis and millenary quarries, to mediaeval houses and unspoilt beaches are the wonders that make this route unequalled.
Located in the municipality of Santa Margalida, in the northeast of Mallorca, the Son Real public estate is free of charge and offers you 4 different itineraries so that you can explore it at your leisure and at any time of the year.
Almost all the trails run along a forest track, with good signposting and are completely flat, making it especially suitable for children.
These four itineraries can also be covered by bicycle, which is a perfect excuse for the little ones to enjoy it even more. A bicycle rental service is available at the reception of the estate itself.
Among the 4 trails, regardless of whether you do it on foot or by bicycle, the most recommended is the one that leads to the beach. To get there, you will cross different pine groves with small bushes between dunes and blocks of marés, a sandstone very typical of Mallorca.
Once you arrive, in addition to enjoying the beach and cooling off after the journey, you will have the opportunity to explore the necropolis of Punta de los Fenicios, which is in a very good state of conservation.
Now that you've loaded up with reasons to enjoy the island on your next holiday thanks to this selection of the 10 best hiking routes in Mallorca, the only thing left to do is to make them a reality.
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