Mallorca Active Travel Guide | The Best Hikes In Mallorca

The Best Hikes in Mallorca | Mallorca Active Travel Guide

Mallorca is a beautiful destination which I have to admit, I wrongly dismissed in the past. I spent far too long assuming that it was an island where you sunbathed all day and did little else. Little did I know that it is home to the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With dramatic peaks and a vast network of trails, they are popular amongst hikers in the know. In fact Mallorca has 11 summits over 1000m, the highest being Puig Major which reaches 1445m, so there’s plenty of peaks to conquer! Plus it is a solid shoulder season destination, with the months of April, May and October being perfect for hiking.

And now? I have visited the island nine times (I even got married there!), and hiked in all four corners of it, so I feel pretty well qualified to recommend the very best routes. This guide focuses on the area surrounding the Tramuntana mountains but if you want to explore other regions of the island, read my guide on where to base yourself here (link). For active travellers like myself who like to immerse themselves in nature, this guide has all the information you need to plan the ultimate hiking trip. Let’s hop in!

The Practicalities:

Getting There & Getting Around:

There are direct flights to Mallorca from most UK airports and it is around a two-hour journey. Once on the ground, I recommend renting a car as you will need one to access the hikes, trailheads and beaches.

Prices:

You can visit Mallorca on a budget or splurge on luxury hotels. Cut costs by staying in an Airbnb or Agroturismo, as well as cooking in your accommodation or choosing low-cost meals when possible. Quieter regions in shoulder season tend to come with a slightly lower price tag, but in peak season it can be hard to find truly affordable options.

How Long To Stay:

You could easily spend a week or more exploring the various regions of Mallorca, but a long weekend is also more than enough time to get a taste of the natural beauty the island has to offer.

When To Go:

Mallorca is a year-round destination. If you want some intense sunshine then visit during summer, but the heat can be sweltering and tough to handle on hikes. If you’re wanting to explore on foot then spring and autumn are prime times to visit. There is sunshine, minimal rain, less crowds and more tolerable temperatures.

Where To Stay:

I have a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Mallorca based on your holiday preferences here. However, for hiking specifically I would recommend Soller, Bunyola or Valldemossa. These three towns are all located right in the heart of the mountains within easy reach of amazing trailheads.

Travel Tips

Cash: Get out a small amount of Euros, as you will need cash for things like parking and sunbeds.
Be Early: Parking can be limited and beautiful locations can be understandably popular. So be sure to arrive at the trailheads early in the morning to ensure you get a parking spot.
Hiking Book: The Mallorca Rother Walking Guide is a super practical resource packed with 70 coastal and mountain walks, categorised by region and difficulty.

Digital Map: I recommend downloading and using AllTrails, saving the route maps offline so you can use them when you don’t have any signal.
The Weather: Depending on the season, dress appropriately for the weather. I recommend hiking at sunrise during the summer months to avoid the heat of the day. Always carry waterproofs no matter the time of year, you’re in the mountains after all.
What About Beaches? This region of Mallorca isn’t known for its beaches, but rather its mountains. However, there are a few gorgeous spots you can check out. I would recommend Cala Deia, Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent.

The Best Hikes in Mallorca:

If there is one thing you do in Mallorca, go hiking! The island is best explored on foot and there is an abundance of well-marked trails for all abilities. Here are the best ones I found:

This beautiful coastal route takes in the famous region of Deia. It starts off in the mountains and loops back via the rugged coastline, with plenty of spots to stop off for a swim along the way.

Distance: 13km
Elevation Gain: 530m
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Click here.

One of our favourite hikes! A steep climb out of Bunyola up to the peak of Penyal d’Honor gives incredible 360 degree views of the mountain range and island. Refuel afterward at S’eco Nomat in Bunyola.

Distance: 12.4km
Elevation Gain: Around 600m
Difficulty: Challenging
Route: Click here.
Note: This AllTrails route is inaccurate in terms of the elevation gain.

Another one of my favourite routes, a slightly more spicy climb to a summit that gives absolutely incredible views over Mallorca and the nearby coastline.

Distance: 10km
Elevation Gain: 892m
Difficulty: Challenging
Route: Click here.

This route takes in the famous La Trapa viewpoint over neighbouring Dragonera Island and stops off at Cala en Basset, a cove only accessible by boat or a hike.

Distance: 11.67km
Elevation Gain: 555m
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Click here.

A gentle hike between orange and lemon trees, passing through idyllic villages with views of the surrounding mountains.

Distance: 7.6km
Elevation Gain: 205m
Difficulty: Easy
Route: Click here.

This tough climb takes you to the famous Alaro Castle which has panoramic views over the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

Distance: 12.4km
Elevation Gain: 625m
Difficulty: Challenging
Route: Click here.

This route runs parallel to the Mallorca coastline and gives excellent mountain and sea views, be sure to stop off at Finca Balitx d’Avall for a drink. Note: this is a one-way route, a return journey would be almost 20km.

Distance: 9.7km
Elevation Gain: 356m
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Click here.

A short but seriously satisfying hike. This trail climbs up through a gorgeous ravine, giving top-notch views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. I recommend hiking it in a counter clockwise direction for the best experience.

Distance: 5km
Elevation Gain: 401m
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Click here.

This route circumnavigates the peak of Tossal Verds, going via a remote mountain hut and giving amazing views over the surrounding mountains as well as the waters of Cuber reservoir. It includes a short and exciting section with chains.

Distance: 11.3km
Elevation Gain: 595m
Difficulty: Challenging
Route: Click here.

A steep and challenging hike that starts at the picturesque village of Valldemossa and rewards you with phenomenal views over the island.

Distance: 13.5km
Elevation Gain: 720m
Difficulty: Challenging
Route: Click here.

I hope that this travel guide has given you all the tools you need to plan an active escape to Mallorca. This island is the perfect destination for a hiking adventure and shouldn’t be overlooked!

Safe travels,

Zanna xx