9 of the best hiking trails in Mallorca: A guide for beginners to experts
Mallorca is a popular destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers, but it also offers some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in Europe. Whether you are looking for a challenging mountain climb, a relaxing coastal walk, or a cultural exploration of ancient villages and monasteries, Mallorca has something for everyone. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best hikes in Mallorca, as well as provide you with some practical tips and resources to plan your hiking adventure.
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Best Hikes in Mallorca
Mallorca has hundreds of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to hard, short to long, and urban to rural. Depending on your preferences, skills, and time, you can find the perfect hike for you. Here are some of the most popular and recommended hikes in Mallorca, from easy, to intermediate and to more challenging.
Easy Hikes in Mallorca
If you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a family-friendly hike, Mallorca has plenty of options for you. These hikes are mostly flat, well-marked, and accessible by public transport or car. They are also suitable for beginners or people with limited mobility, as they have minimal elevation gain and no technical sections. Here are some of the best easy hikes in Mallorca:
- Itinerarios del Parque Natural de Mondragó: This hike takes you through the Mondragó Natural Park, a protected area of wetlands, sand dunes, pine forests, and rocky coves. You can choose from several circular routes that vary in length and difficulty, but all of them offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the wildlife of the park. The hike is about 7 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
- Puerto de Sóller – Viejo Olivo (Old Olive Groves): This hike starts from the charming port town of Sóller and follows a path through ancient olive groves and orange orchards. You can enjoy the views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and the bay of Sóller, as well as visit some historical landmarks along the way, such as the Can Prunera Museum of Modernism and the Sant Bartomeu Church. The hike is about 10 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete.
- Puig de Randa – Santuarios de Cura y Nostra Senyora de Gràcia: This hike takes you to the top of Puig de Randa, a hill that hosts three sanctuaries: Cura, Nostra Senyora de Gràcia, and Sant Honorat. The hike starts from the village of Randa and follows a paved road that zigzags up the hill, passing by the three sanctuaries and offering panoramic views of the island. You can visit the churches, the museums, and the gardens of the sanctuaries, as well as enjoy a meal or a drink at the restaurants and cafés. The hike is about 9 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete.
Intermediate Hikes in Mallorca
If you are looking for a moderate hike that challenges you a bit more, Mallorca has many options for you. These hikes are mostly on dirt or gravel paths, with some elevation gain and some technical sections. They are suitable for experienced hikers or people with good fitness levels, as they require more stamina and skills. Here are some of the best intermediate hikes in Mallorca:
- Sant Elm – La Trapa – Cala en Basset: This hike takes you to the ruins of La Trapa, a former Trappist monastery that was abandoned in the 19th century. The hike starts from the seaside village of Sant Elm and follows a steep and rocky trail that climbs up to the monastery, where you can enjoy the views of the island of Dragonera and the coast. The hike then descends to the beautiful Cala en Basset, a secluded cove where you can swim or relax. The hike is about 9 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete.
- Puerto Pollensa – Cala Bóquer: This hike takes you to the Cala Bóquer, a hidden gem of a beach that is only accessible by foot or boat. The hike starts from Puerto Pollensa and follows a dirt road that crosses the Bóquer Valley, a lush and green area with olive trees, goats, and sheep. The hike then enters a narrow gorge that leads to the Cala Bóquer, a pebbly beach with crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs. The hike is about 5 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
- Cala Fornells – Puig Gros – Cap Andritxol: This hike takes you to the summit of Puig Gros, a hill that offers spectacular views of the southwest coast of Mallorca. The hike starts from the Cala Fornells, a small and cosy beach resort, and follows a steep and rocky trail that climbs up to the Puig Gros, where you can admire the views of the sea, the mountains, and the nearby towns. The hike then continues to the Cap Andritxol, a cape that has several viewpoints and a watchtower. The hike is about 6 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Hard Hikes in Mallorca
If you are looking for a challenging hike that tests your limits, Mallorca has plenty of options for you. These hikes are mostly on rough and steep terrain, with significant elevation gain and many technical sections. They are suitable for experienced hikers with high fitness levels, as some walks are a test of endurance. Here are some of the best of the harder hikes in Mallorca:
- GR 221 Stage 6: Deià – Sóller: This hike is part of the GR 221, a long-distance hiking route that crosses the Serra de Tramuntana, the mountain range that runs along the north of Mallorca. This stage of the route goes from the picturesque village of Deià to the charming town of Sóller, passing by some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes of the island. You can see the coast, the mountains, the forests, and the fields, as well as some historical and cultural sites, such as the Son Marroig estate, the Mirador de Ses Barques, and the Sóller train station. The hike is about 17 km long and takes about 5 hours to complete.
- Lluc – Puig de Massanella – Puig d’en Galileu: This hike takes you to the summit of Puig de Massanella, the second highest peak of Mallorca, and Puig d’en Galileu, another prominent mountain of the island. The hike starts from the Lluc Monastery, a religious and cultural centre of Mallorca, and follows a steep and rocky trail that climbs up to the Puig de Massanella, where you can enjoy the views of the island and the sea. The hike then descends to the Coll de sa Línia, a mountain pass, and ascends again to the Puig d’en Galileu, where you can see the Puig Major, the highest peak of Mallorca. The hike is about 17 km long and takes about 6 hours to complete.
- Escorca – Torrent de Pareis – Sa Calobra: This hike takes you through the Torrent de Pareis, a spectacular gorge that is considered one of the natural wonders of Mallorca. The hike starts from the Escorca Church, a small and isolated church in the mountains, and follows a narrow and rugged trail that descends into the gorge, where you can see the impressive rock formations, the caves, and the waterfalls. The hike then follows the riverbed until it reaches the Sa Calobra, a stunning beach where the gorge meets the sea. The hike is about 15 km long and takes about 5 hours to complete.
Mallorca is a wonderful island that offers a lot of hiking opportunities for all levels and tastes. Whether you want to hike along the coast, in the mountains, or in the countryside, you will find a trail to suit your level. Hiking in Mallorca is also a great way to discover and appreciate the history, culture, and nature of the island, and to have a memorable and meaningful experience. So, don’t hesitate and start planning your hiking adventure in Mallorca. You won’t regret it. Happy hiking!
