Fall is the perfect season for hiking on the island. Not only the heat recedes from the Mediterranean. With the end of the summer holidays things seem to slow down. But the air is still warm, and so is the sea. Perfect conditions for a bit of exercise. Cyclists and hikers are taking over from sun bathers and beach lovers. And enjoy a spontaneous dip into the deep blue during a break or at the end of their tour. Even if you are not yet an avid hiker, these twelve easy hikes on Mallorca will inspire you.
1. Ermita de la Trinitat
The path through the surrounding holm oak forest near Valldemossa offers welcome shade on a sunny day. Walking past charcoal burners’ long abandoned huts and fireplaces you’ll soon reach the Ermita de la Trinitat. Secluded but close to both heaven and sky. The moment you enter the small patio with the cistern you find yourself in a different time and space.
2. The Painters’ Path
The coastal hike from Deià to Llucalcari is called Camí dels Pintors. And that’s for a reason. Many local painters were inspired by the breathtaking vistas along the way. The route starts with a walk down to scenic Cala Deià. Further on the route leads you past the iconic three white rocks Còdols Blancs and a couple of beautiful picnic places to one of the most idyllic hamlets on the island.
3. Cami des Correu
The Camí des Correu, literally the postman’s route, is an easy hike from Esporles to Banyalbufar through light holm oak forest. Every now and then, the path opens up to magnificent views of the Tramuntana mountains, the sea and the nearby villages with their perfectly terraced slopes. At this time of year you can also pick the small red fruits of the Mallorcan strawberry tree Madroño which grows along the path.
4. Port des Canonge
The hike from Banyalbufar to Port des Canonge takes slightly more than an hour, but it’s a beautiful shady walk. At its feet the turquoise, crystal clear water constantly lures you to jump in. So don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel. All along the way, the aromatic scent of pine trees mingles with the salty air. A small bay forms the natural harbor of the popular but still rather secluded fishing village.
5. Sa Muleta
The loop trail from Port de Sóller to the Refugi de Muleta and the lighthouse Es Far del Cap Gros is one of the shorter Tramuntana hikes. Except for a steeper passage in the beginning, it’s mostly relaxed walk of little more than two hours. Leading you across ancient cultivated land, past centuries-old olive groves, idle donkeys and quietly grazing sheep.
6. Puig de Maria
Although Pollença’s local mountain Puig de Maria is an easy hike up of less than an hour you are rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the Formentor peninsula and the bay of Pollença. While the medieval monastery Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig has long been left by the nuns it is definitely worth a visit and a great place for a picnic.
7. Castell de sa Punta de n’Amer
Castell de sa Punta de n’Amer on the east coast is located in a natural reserve between Cala Millor and Sa Coma. The fortified watch tower is a popular excursion from Sant Llorenç. A narrow path through pine forest and dune landscape leads you to the castle by the sea. To enter the tower and climb the roof you have to cross the drawbridge over the moat.
8. Cala Marmols
Imagine the picture postcard bay that everyone dreams of. Cala Marmols can only be reached on foot, and it takes a while to get there. Nevertheless, you rarely have the paradise beach all to yourself. From the lighthouse of Cap de Ses Salines a picturesque path along the sea will take you to the precious marble bay.
9. Castell d’Alaró
One of the most magical places on the island is the Castell d’Alaró. Situated on the ridge of a flat mountain top with steep rock walls to all sides, it was long considered impregnable. Today it is a great hiking destination for the whole family. The terrace of the refugi, just a few steps further up the hill, is a marvelous place for an extended picnic.
10. Finca Galatzó
Finca Galatzó is a huge public area at the foot of the namesake one-thousander in the southern Tramuntana. The noble old mansion and farmhouse were carefully renovated and tell a lot about Tramuntana life in former times. You can rest right here at one of the wooden tables or follow the path further on through the valley. Passing wide orchards of almond trees and chalk burner‘s places along the way.
11. Cap de Cala Figuera
From sleepy Portals Vells to the lighthouse of Cala Figuera a narrow path meanders along a karstified plateau, over rugged cliffs and through waist-high macchia. Bushes and trees have taken on bizarre forms from the steady winds. A couple of hidden bays invite you to go for a swim. All along the lighthouse beckons in the distance. Once arrived, you’re rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the entire bay of Palma.
12. Cap Fabioler
The hike to Cap Fabioler starts at Coll de sa Gramola and offers broad views of the surrounding hills, with single trees here and there for orientation. While you‘re slowly ascending the limestone cliffs you’ll soon gain sight of the sea. Finally you reach the Cap with its spectacular Mirador d‘en Josep Sastre. The old brick-built platform sits right on the edge of the rocks, a couple of hundred meters above the sea.
Read more about coastal hikes and about easy hikes on Mallorca with kids.