The largest of the Balearic Islands is one of the most popular holiday destinations. Mallorca is known for its beach life under palm trees. But the Spanish island in the Mediterranean has more to offer than bathing fun. It is a true paradise for hikers. Mountains, hills and coastal highlands attract visitors all year round. It goes along wide curved bays, up to old ruins, past salt flats and windmills.
The most beautiful hiking tours for beginners
Experience Mallorca in a different way? On hikes, the whole beauty of the Spanish island with its varied landscape and fascinating culture opens up. Beginners will find their happiness on tours around Palma, in the nature reserves in the southeast, in the south at Cala Carril or on the northwest coast in the Bóquer Valley, a well-known bird sanctuary.
A highlight is the almond blossom in Mallorca. The three-hour tour to the Klosterberg of Randa is perfect for beginners. From the summit plateau of the “Puig de Cura” at an altitude of 543 meters, you have a magnificent view of the blooming plantations. The hike starts on the PM-501 road in the direction of Algaida and continues along the Camí d’es Putxets through fields to the slopes of Puig de Son Reus and then up past several monasteries. If you want to start very easily, hike directly in the capital Palma to the Castillo de Bellver.
Travelling with the family
If you want to hike with children on an active holiday in Mallorca , you will find many options at an easy level. Children love to go on a discovery tour. There are plenty of surprises on the island. Follow the trail of pirates on the six-kilometre path from Port de Sóller to Sóller. In May, the route is particularly exciting on some days. At various points, the historical battle between islanders and pirates is re-enacted. The tour is particularly suitable for families with smaller children, as parts of the route can be covered by the old tram.
Among the classics are tours around Deià. The mountain village is located on the GR 221 long-distance hiking trail. Smaller routes can be comfortably mastered by families as a round trip. From the main street in Deià, it goes through narrow streets past grain fields, oil mills, lemon and orange trees to the fishing port. A sling for the youngest is recommended. The paths are usually not suitable for the stroller.
Moderately difficult hikes in the heart of Mallorca
The landscape of the 3600 square kilometre island is dominated by the coast, the Serra de Tramuntana, the Pla de Mallorca in the interior, which runs into the Migjorn to the south, and the Llevant mountain range in the east. Almond trees, lemon, orange and olive groves delight the hiker.
At a moderate level, hikes along the coast move to watchtowers such as the Torre Cala d’en Basset in the west of Mallorca with its fantastic views of the sea.
In the northwest, near Alcudia, in the Albufera Nature Park, a thirteen-kilometre-long circular trail awaits hiking bird lovers. From Fornalutx, in the northwest, you come to the Puig de sa Bassa for about ten kilometers through holm oak forests. The mountain village in the Serra de Tramuntana is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
Tours for summiteers
Mallorca also offers opportunities for demanding hikers. The Tramuntana mountains in the northwest have eleven peaks with heights of over 1000 meters. The highest mountain is the Puig Major at 1445 meters. However, the summit is in the restricted area. The route to Puig de Massanella at an altitude of 1364 metres requires good fitness. From the Col des Prat, you walk along the stone wall over the gully and up to Finca Coma Freda. Mountaineering boots are mandatory on this route.
The wild side of Mallorca is revealed on the tour to the crevice of the Torrent de Pareis. Experience in climbing should be available.
You can get to know another facet of the island on the circular route from Sa Dragonera via Na Popia and Faro de Cabo de Tramuntana back to Sa Dragonera. About 20 kilometers have to be covered.
Hiking and enjoying culture
The combination of active exercise and sightseeing can be easily realized in Mallorca. From the old watchtowers on the cliffs you can enjoy the wonderful panorama and at the same time go on a journey through time. From here, the islanders defended themselves against pirate attacks.
Between Sóller and Valldemossa near Deià lies the manor house Son Marroig, which already inspired the Empress Sisi. In the southeast of Mallorca near Felanitx, on the Puig de Sant Salvador, lies an old monastery.
A short trip to the north of the island to Pollença is a good idea. You can get to Carrer del Calvari along tall cypress trees over 365 steps to the Kreuzkirche.
Garden lovers will make a pilgrimage to the Jardines de Alfabia near Sollér. The journey can be varied if you take the “Red Lightning”, the traditional railway.
Active in Mallorca
You can hike in Mallorca all year round. Even in winter, temperatures do not drop below 0 degrees. Spring and autumn are most appreciated by active holidaymakers. The temperatures will then be around 20 degrees. Some combine early or late season with a beach holiday.
Pampered by the comfortable beach life, you should not underestimate the challenges of hiking. The routes themselves are mostly well developed and signposted. In order to meet the requirements in the mountains, experience and fitness are a prerequisite in some places. When planning tours, it is worth taking a look at the route.
