With the proximity of mountains and sea Mallorca is an eldorado for hikers. Whether you’re up to an easy walk or a challenging climb, the island offers something for everybody. Yet, if you go hiking with children, a little incentive will surely be helpful. So here’s a best-of hiking with kids on Mallorca. Exciting trails, attractive destinations and the best routes that are fun for the whole family.
Assuming a certain level of fitness, curiosity and enjoyment of exercise. The following 10 routes go from easy, mostly flat paths to those that require experience and sure footedness. Wherever you go, take proper footwear, sun screen, plenty of water and a favorite hiking snack. You’ll discover many wonderful picnic spots, and occasionally even a great place to stop for a bite.
Port des Canonge
This beautiful coastal walk in the shadow of pine trees takes slightly more than an hour. All along, the aromatic scent mingles with the salty air. And there are some great vista points. The turquoise crystal clear water to your feet is constantly luring you to jump in. So why not combine your hike with a bath, and a lunch break in Banyalbufar or Port des Canonge?
Finca Galatzó
A noble old farmhouse in this huge public estate tells about Tramuntana life in former times. Following the path further on through the valley you pass wide orchards of almond trees and chalk burner’s places. Every now and then wooden tables in the shadow invite you to rest and enjoy a picnic in the open while the kids explore the surroundings of Finca Galatzó.
Torre Picada
The ancient watchtower is part of a network of observation posts that formed an early warning system around the entire island. Not far from Port de Sóller the climb takes barely half an hour. But once you arrive at the Torre Picada a rare panorama of the Tramuntana mountains unfolds. And to your feet the Mediterranean spreads out in all shades of blue.
Puig de Maria
Although it takes less than an hour to get to the top of the hill, you are rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the Formentor peninsula and the bay of Pollença. The small museum in the former monastery on Puig de Maria is also worth a visit. And the cafeteria serves drinks and traditional snacks on the terrace.
Castell d’Alaró
The way up to the ancient fortress is pure joy, already. Numerous legends entwine around the castle. Even though there is not much left of it, today, the ruins of Castell d’Alaró surely spark the imagination of younger hikers in particular. Just a few steps further up, the panorama terrace of the refugi is the perfect place for a picnic.
Cala Agulla to Cala Mesquida
A hike from one paradise beach to another but with a rewarding detour. The climb from Cala Agulla to the top of Puig d’es Telègraf is a bit sweaty. But from the remnants of the watchtower you enjoy a fabulous vista of the surrounding coastline and the endless Mediterranean. Don’t forget to bring a towel for a swim at the end of the hike.
Parc Natural de Llevant
When it comes to hiking on the island, you instantly think of the Tramuntana mountains. The great unknown, though, is the Wild East of Mallorca. There’s a dozen hiking trails of stunning beauty in the Parc Natural de Llevant. The mountains here may be less rough but nature is abundant and the views are just amazing.
Penya de Migdia
This tour on the Victoria peninsula is one of the shorter, yet pretty exciting excursions on Mallorca. The hike to Penya de Migdia begins as a walk across nicely scented pine forest but eventually becomes a challenging path. Watch your step, it runs right along the edge of the hill. And leads you through an ancient watchtower sticking to the rocks like a bird’s nest.
Puig de L’Ofre
The mountain top already in view, the hike starts with an easy stroll along the Cúber water reservoir. On the last few meters to the top though, you may want to use your hands. And if you’re not already out of breath by then, the 360-degree panorama of the Tramuntana from the summit plateau of Puig de L’Ofre will surely take your breath away.
Puig de Galatzó
Whether approaching from Puigpunyent or Es Capdellà, the signature mountain magically attracts hikers. The unmistakable shape reminds of the famous Matterhorn. Even though the Galatzó measures just a little more than one thousand meters, it is the highest peak in the southwest Tramuntana. And it needs a bit of climbing to get to the top. But that’s part of the fun.
Read more about Mallorca with kids, right here.