Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Mallorca is an incredible place to hike. With rocky cliffs that plunge into the sea, small mountain towns perched on the hillsides and trails that traverse ridgelines high above sea level, Mallorca is a stunning hiking destination.
In this guide to the best hiking in Mallorca we will share 6 incredible and varied trails to enjoy when you are on the the island. We spent about 4 days on the island and researched the hiking trails extensively and selected these trails for a variety of lengths and scenery. Several of these are easiy trails that stop at gorgeous beaches, while 2 of these hikes are long and more challenging routes that take you high into the hills.
There are so many incredible hiking trails that in addition to these 6 trails, we’ll also list some of the other trails that are commonly mentioned as the best trails on the island. Dave and I love hiking on Mallorca and highly recommend visiting the island, especially during the off season when the weather is cooler and there are fewer visitors.
Quick Look at the Trails for the Best Hiking in Mallorca
Below you can see a detailed description of each of these hikes, but here is a snapshot to the trails for the best hiking in Mallorca.
- Cala Mondrago Mallorca – An easy trail on the south coast with gorgeous beaches
- Cala Figuera Beach, Mallorca – a short walk down to a beach on the north point of Mallorca
- Cala Murta and El Castello, Mallorca – An easy to moderate hike to a beautiful beach and cliff
- Cúber Reservoir Circuit Trail in Mallorca Spain – a moderate walk around the a small reservoir
- La Trapa Mallorca and Mirador d’en Josep Sastre – A moderate/challenging hike with sweeping views of the west and north of Mallorca
- Archduke Trail Mallorca as a Loop via Valdemossa – A difficult, but epic hiking trail with views to the north
Details of the Best Trails for Hiking on Mallorca
Below you can see details of some of the best hiking trails on Mallorca. The hikes below are listed from easy to hard. It’s important to note that there are MANY MANY amazing hikes on Mallorca, specifically in the north of the island. The trails in this list were selected as they offer a wide variety of trails. This list includes hikes to remote beaches, strolls across ridgelines and walks along inland water surrounded by mountains.
Cala Mondrago
Distance: Varied Elevation: Minimal Difficulty: easy
The hiking paths within Parc Natural de Mondragó are predominantly gentle, with many featuring paved surfaces. These trails present various loop options for discovering the picturesque coastline and beaches. By connecting different trails, you can enjoy a leisurely walk of approximately 5 miles. The minimal elevation gain makes these trails easy, providing a pleasant contrast to the more challenging hiking routes found in the northern part of the island.
Read more on Cala Mondrago Mallorca
Cala Figuera
Distance:0.7 miles Elevation: 200 feet Difficulty: easy
The walk to Cala Figuera is brief but has a bit of incline. Numerous trails guide you to the beach, allowing you to extend the distances mentioned earlier for a delightful stroll. The most convenient access is by parking in the spacious lot just inland from the beach.
From this point, two trails lead to the beach. The most direct path descends directly from the parking lot. This section of the trail is steep, and navigating the main path can be challenging, as various trails appear to wind down the slope towards the beach.
Cala Murta and El Castellet
Distance: 3.2 miles Elevation: 400 feet Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
The path leading to Cala Murta offers a leisurely stroll along a broad and predominantly flat road, gradually descending to the beach. The trail commences on the opposite side of the street from the parking lot. Identifying the trailhead may be a bit perplexing, as it gives the impression of being on private property. However, it is indeed open to the public. It’s crucial to adhere to the designated trail, as it traverses through private land, and certain activities, such as driving a car, are prohibited on the trail.
Winding through a charming and shaded forest, the trail gently descends for just over a mile before unveiling the picturesque Cala Murta—a small yet beautiful coastal destination.
Read more about Cala Murta and El Castello, Mallorca
Cuber Reservoir Curcuit Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles Elevation Gain: 200 feet Difficulty: easy
Keep in mind that the parking area is compact, so arriving early or late is advisable, especially during the bustling months. Given that this trail intersects with the GR221, we encountered several through-hikers at the trailhead.
The trail startsat the parking area adjacent to Sa Font des Noguer, and you have the flexibility to hike the loop in either direction. Opting for a counterclockwise route, we found the trail featuring some rocks and uneven sections but primarily unfolding along a flat, open path with minimal changes in elevation.
Read more about Cúber Reservoir Circuit Trail in Mallorca Spain
La Trapa Ruins Hike
Distance: 9 miles Elevation: 1500 feet Difficulty: difficult
The trail kicks off at a moderately sized parking lot situated at Coll de Sa Gramola. The initial segment unfolds along a broad and mostly level path, treating you to splendid views overlooking Palma. Upon reaching a well-marked intersection, a pair of minor turns is necessary, aided by new signposts and a map to facilitate easy navigation.
Subsequently, the trail transforms into a narrower and rockier path, hugging the coastline on the way to La Trapa. This segment offers breathtaking vistas to both the east and eventually the west. Although the trail remains mostly flat, progress is a bit slower. Once you arrive at a sizable cairn, take a brief walk to the Joseph Sastra viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Sa Dragonera Island.
La Trapa Mallorca and Mirador d’en Josep Sastre
Archdukes Trail Loop
Distance: 8.8 miles Elevation Gain: 2,250 feet Difficulty: Challenging
Valdemossa offers various paid parking lots, and there’s also limited roadside parking near the trailhead. Starting from town, make your way to the trailhead (refer to the details below or check the map for precise location).
Embark on the trail, initially winding through a picturesque forest with some steep ascents until you reach the breathtaking Mirador de Ses Puntes viewpoint. As you ascend to the ridge, the trail officially transforms into the Camí de s’Arxiduc. This remarkable ridge is entirely exposed, featuring a steep drop. The trail widens as it gracefully traverses the ridge, treating you to incredible views of the west coast.
Named in homage to Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Habsburg-Lorraine, a distinguished aristocrat and naturalist renowned for mapping numerous paths in the 19th century, this trail reflects his extensive studies of Mallorca’s wildlife.
Following an extended ridge walk, the trail forms a loop, guiding you back to Valdemossa through the scenic Es Cairats Valley.
Read more about the Archduke Trail Mallorca as a Loop via Valdemossa.
More Hiking Trails on Mallorca
- Torrent de Pareis: A challenging but stunning hike through a dramatic gorge.
- GR221 – Dry Stone Route (Ruta de Pedra en Sec): A long-distance trail offering diverse landscapes. (this trail takes about 10 days to complete)
- Cala Boquer to Port de Pollença: Coastal trail with beautiful views.
- Sa Dragonera: A nature reserve with several trails and coastal views.
- Puig de Massanella: Mallorca’s second-highest peak, offering panoramic vistas.
- Cap de Formentor: Coastal trail leading to the iconic lighthouse.
- Cala Figuera to Cala Tuent: A coastal route with crystal-clear waters.
- S’Albufera Natural Park: Wetlands with birdwatching opportunities.
- Cami de Cavalls (Menorca): A trail connecting beaches and coves on Menorca, Mallorca’s neighboring island.
- Cala Varques: A secluded beach with a picturesque trail.
- Puig de Galatzó: A challenging hike to the summit with rewarding views.
Things to Know about Hiking in Mallorca
Best Time of Year to Hike Mallorca
Mallorca provides an excellent hiking experience throughout the year. Dave and I visited Mallorca in November, enjoying a warm week with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit – perfect for our hiking adventures.
For optimal hiking conditions, the best times to explore Mallorca are generally during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Spring showcases blooming wildflowers and lush landscapes, while autumn offers pleasant temperatures minus the summer crowds.
Summer (July to August) can be quite hot, often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), which may make hiking less comfortable. Winter (December to February) brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, yet hiking remains feasible, especially in the lowland areas. Be sure to check specific weather conditions and trail accessibility based on your chosen route and altitude.
General Information About the Hiking Trails on Mallorca
In general the hiking trails on Mallorca are well maintained. Many of the trails are flat and wide making for fast and easy hiking. Many of the longer and more challenging trails have more typically hiking conditions with rocks and uneven footing.
Cell service is limited on many of the hikes, so downloading maps will help when you are on the trail.
It’s also important to follow posted signs. Many of the regions of Mallorca are private property. Some of the property owner permit people to hike while others will post no traspassing signs.
As always, practice leave no trace and pack out everything you take with you on the trail.
What to Pack When Hiking on Mallorca
Consider the season when heading out on a hike on Mallorca and prepare accordingly by packing layers, water, and snacks. The trails generally lack spots for replenishing water or obtaining snacks, and there’s no shade along many of the routes. Pack plenty of water and snacks. Even in November, a hat would have been beneficial.
Many of the trails are wide and flat, but some offer rocky and uneven footing. Hiking boots or shoes are recommended. Rapid changes in temperature, accompanied by swiftly-moving clouds, are common, potentially making the trail slippery. As a general practice, we recommend always packing essential items for day hiking.
Best Place to Stay for Hiking on Mallorca
When we started planning our hiking trip to Mallorca we looked extensively on where to stay. Ultimately, we decided to stay in Port de Soller. This is a great option during the summer, but we wished we had chosen an inland town on the northern coast.
Look in towns like Valdemossa or Soller. We booked our apartment through Booking.com.
