Hiking in Mallorca
Mallorca, covering a total area of 3,640 km², is the largest of the five Spanish Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Even though many vacationers find their way here because of its mild temperatures all year round, emerald waters, and lively nightlife, we’ll give you another reason to visit this isle. Beyond all the mass tourism, there’s a world in which the sea and mountains, flora and fauna, country and people interact in completely new ways. It’s why we can’t recommend enough hiking in Mallorca.
Hiking in Mallorca, you’ll discover a paradise of diverse landscapes – untouched nature, contrasting scenery, millennia-old valleys, mountain villages, and beautiful views that make every outdoor-lover’s heart skip a beat. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced hiker. Every hiking route, no matter how difficult or easy it may be, will surely amaze you in one way or another.
The hiking trails in the so-called Serra de Tramuntana are particularly popular with active holidaymakers. This is a mountain range that stretches coast to coast, from the southwest to the northwest. It was declared a World Heritage Site in the “Cultural Landscape” category by UNESCO in 2011 – and not without reason! With its 50 peaks, nature reveals itself to be a unique beauty. The vegetation, sky, and light are subject to constant change in these mountains. The range’s name, translated from Catalan, means “northern wind.” For these reasons, each day on the northwest coast looks different. The famous long-distance hiking trail, Ruta de Pedra en Sec, also called the Dry Stone Route, runs through the Serra de Tramuntana. This famous 150-kilometer-long trail stretches from the southwest all the way to the far north, just like the mountains. However, there’s much more to see beyond the west side of the island. In this article, we’ve selected a small collection of hiking routes for you. So put on your hiking shoes and let’s go!
The Best Time to Hike in Mallorca
Because of its year-round mild temperatures, hiking in Mallorca is a great activity for just about any time of the year. However, the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range has the highest rainfall and is the chilliest region. Especially in the winter months, you may be surprised by a cold front. So be careful! Even inland and on the east coast between October and January, temperatures vary – from beautiful, pleasant days to rain and storms on others. It is best to check the weather conditions for your planned hiking day beforehand and decide spontaneously. Because even in the cool season, you can go on great hikes with magical lighting.
However, the best time for hiking in Mallorca is definitely spring – specifically from February to the end of May. In this diverse season, you will observe how the island gets greener and nature shows its best side. There’s another highlight – the almond blossoms. From the beginning of February until the end of March, you can walk in a sea of almond blossoms. With about four million almond trees, originally introduced by the Arabs in the 10th century, you can catch fantastic views of this special natural display. The people of Mallorca even organize almond blossom festivals in many regions. Enjoy a homemade almond treat or try a perfume made from almonds if the scent appeals to you.
Hiking in Mallorca – Hiking Trails
From Cúber to Coll de l’Ofre
Our first hike starts in the northwest of the island, namely in the Serra de Tramuntana. In the middle of the mountains in the municipality of Escorca is the Cúber reservoir. Its primary purpose is to supply water to the district of Palma and is located at an altitude of about 750 meters. But don’t worry – you don’t have to hike all the way up, of course. The hike begins at the reservoir’s parking lot and runs on a well-paved route with a moderate incline. This makes the trail suitable for children and beginners alike.
Starting from the parking lot, you’ll walk halfway around the lake. On the route to the south end of Cúber, you might see some sheep and cows that resemble paint splatters against the green mountain landscape. When you reach the other side of the lake, take a break at Refugide Cúber. This is a small hut where long-distance hikers can book a shelter for the night before continuing through Tramuntana the following morning. But even on short hikes, the benches outside Refugi provide a welcome resting point. From there, the path continues through a valley and then up into the mountains. After a while, you’ll see Finca Binimorat, before the trail begins to climb more steeply to the summit of Coll de l’Ofre. From the top, you get to enjoy a fantastic view of the deep turquoise water of Cúber or look across the mountains to Sóller and Port de Sóller. This sight is surely worth a holiday photo or two! You can make your way back to your car on the same route.
In total, the trail is around nine kilometers long, which will take around three hours.
Ruta de Pedra en Sec: fifth stage from Deiá to Port de Sóller
The next popular route is the Ruta de Pedra en Sec. This long-distance hike is divided into eight daily stages. Of course, you are welcome to do some research, prepare yourself, and plan the whole route. However, if you don’t have that much time, try the fifth stage of the Dry Stone Route. We are sure that you won’t be disappointed. This section will take you from the adorable village of Deiá to Port de Sóller. The 13-kilometer route traverses picturesque coastal paths through to olive groves and small coastal villages.
To get to your starting point, Cala de Deiá, you have the option of taking the bus or driving. From there, we recommend taking the coastal trail and returning to the Dry Stone Route later instead of the long-distance trail. This unforgettable alternative along the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea is not to be missed. In Cala deDeiá, the start of the alternative route along the sea is marked. You’ll walk for almost an hour above the enticing turquoise sea until you arrive at the coastal village of Llucalcari. You’ll then rejoin the official hiking trail, leaving behind the rushing waves, white spray, and deliciously salty air– probably with a heavy heart. From there, follow the signposted path towards Port de Sóller. You’ll arrive at Port Said after some time, with a view of Mallorca’s highest mountain, the Puig Major, and countless olive groves. After a nearly five-hour hike, you’ve earned a break. Cool off in the sea, enjoy a delicious coffee at the promenade or just admire the panoramic view of the beautiful port. From here, there’s a bus back to Deiá.
Hiking in Llevant Nature Park
The Llevant Nature Park is located on Mallorca’s north-east coast. The special features of this region are the mountainous landscapes, empty sandy beaches, and coves perfect for swimming. To get an overall impression of the incomparable natural park, we recommend you take the 20-kilometer-long circular route that boasts an 800-meter incline. You’ll need to be in decent physical shape for this hike. Sa Tudossa peak will reward you for your efforts with a magnificent view of the entire island. You’ll also pass a former prison camp and the beach at Sa Font Celada, which is particularly worth seeing. You won’t be able to stop marveling at the scenery!
The hike starts at the S’Alqueria Vella parking lot. There you’ll find a board with many different hiking trails through the natural preserve. So, if you don’t feel like doing the whole route, you can also choose a shorter option. No matter what you decide, you’ll be rewarded with unique natural landscapes.
Coastal hike from Cala s’Almunia to Cala Màrmols
You don’t feel like climbing up and down? No problem! This coastal hike is the perfect alternative and is by no means less beautiful than the mountainous landscape. The route from Cala s’Almunia to the “Marble Bay” is around five kilometers long – perfect for an afternoon outing. Five kilometers doesn’t sound like it would take that much time. However, with a long break on the beautiful white sandy beach, you’ll surely come to a total tour time of at least two hours.
You can park at the nearby parking lot at Cala s’Almunia. This bay alone is worth the trip. With its small sea caves and picturesque boat houses, it will certainly win your heart. The hiking trail is unrecognizable in some parts, which is why it’s advisable to use Google Maps or anything similar from time to time. A short distance from Cala s’Almunia, you’ll reach a coastal plateau, from which you can look over the entire coast. A little further on is Punta des Bauc. Here you’ll come across the remains of an old watchtower, which invites you to do some exploration. After setting off again, you’ll arrive at Cala Figuereta. Its inlet is recognizable by two large white columns. Cross the forge along a path until you see the light sand beach of Cala Màrmols. The beautiful, secluded bay with its crystal blue water invites you to take a breather or go for a quick swim. The route back to the car follows the same path.
Conclusion
As you can see, Mallorca is truly an incomparable paradise for those looking to enjoy the Balearic Island’s unique landscape away from mass tourism. Whether you are an advanced hiker or a beginner, the numerous trails invite hikers of all ages and abilities to seek adventure. Whether you are an advanced hiker or a beginner, the numerous trails invite hikers of all ages and abilities to seek adventure. What are you waiting for?
