Hiking on Mallorca in Winter

The days are shorter and the sun only just makes it over the mountains. Hiking on Mallorca in winter is different but there are still many attractive routes. Some of them particularly suitable for this time of year since you don’t need shelter from the sun. Quite the opposite, in fact, it’s the light and the warmth of the winter sun that you are looking for, now. Also, this is the season for late risers because north-facing slopes can be slippery in the morning. Whether you go for a coastal hike or climb the mountains, peaceful winter hikes on Mallorca reward you with fascinating views of unspoiled nature. These tours are among our all-time favorites.

Coastal Routes

1. Cala Figuera
The hike to Cala Figuera is a nice and easy one. You can start at Portals Vells right by the popular caves. And then just follow the narrow trail meandering along the plateau. Over rugged cliffs and through waist-high macchia. Bushes and trees have taken on bizarre forms from the steady winds. Overlooking the whole bay of Palma the lighthouse in the distance will be your guide.

2. 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 never have the paradise beach to yourself. Except perhaps on a winter’s day. From the Cap de Ses Salines lighthouse a scenic path leads along the sea to the precious marble bay.

3. Cova des Pont
The entrance to the hiking trail to Cova des Pont is somewhat hidden on the south side of Cala Romantica beach. Once you have made the short but steep ascent, a rocky, often sharp-edged path leads through largely untouched coastal nature. And past a few picturesque bays in Caribbean colors. After about an hour, you reach the fabulous rock bridge, washed by the waves in thousands of years.

4. Cap Fabioler
Still lesser known is the hike to Cap Fabioler. The trail offers amazing views of the west coast near Andratx. From the Mirador d’en Josep Sastre the cliffs break off more than 400 meters vertically into the sea, with a fascinating vista of the whole Dragonera island. An easy hike, yet you may feel like an explorer in this rough landscape that looks so different from the familiar picture postcard Mallorca.

Above the clouds

5. Castell d’Alaró
The way from Orient to Castell d’Alaró is pure joy. A narrow trail nicely meanders through a grove of ancient olive trees inhabited by friendly sheep. Later on a cobbled path leads you all the way up to the ruins of the ancient fortress. A few steps further, the terrace of the refugi is luring you to take a break and marvel at the breathtaking vista. The bar even serves coffee, cake and a few snacks.

6. Puig de Galatzó
The Matterhorn-shaped signature mountain magically attracts hikers. Even though the Puig de Galatzó measures just a little more than one thousand meters, it is the highest peak in the southwest Tramuntana. It needs a bit of climbing to get to the top. But you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular panorama of mountains and sea. Or, when the summit is above an overcast sky, a sea of clouds.

The Wild East

7. Parc Natural de Llevant
While the Tramuntana runs from the southwest to the north, the Parc Natural de Llevant covers the easternmost part of the island. About a dozen hiking trails lead through the rather secluded landscape of stunning beauty. The mountains may be less rough but nature is abundant and the views are just amazing, from Artà to the bay of Alcúdia to Menorca in the distance.

8. Puig de Ferrutx
North of Artà, the distinctive shape of Puig de Ferrutx is a landmark in the Serra de Llevant. While it looks rather challenging from below it’s not really difficult to conquer. Starting at the Ermita de Betlem the path is zigzagging across a couple of ridges all the way up. The rock drops straight down to Colónia de Sant Pere, with views of the entire bay of Alcúdia.

9. Cala Agulla to Cala Mesquida
A hike from one beach to another sounds like a piece of cake. And indeed there is an easy direct walk from Cala Agulla to Cala Mesquida. But that would be only half the adventure. An alternative route leads all the way up to the Puig d’es Telègraf and the ruins of an old watchtower. Rewarding you with a fabulous vista of the two bays, the surrounding coastline and the endless Mediterranean.

Winter Wonderland

10. Snow hikes
Those who associate Mallorca primarily with sun and beaches will hardly believe it. In some winters, the higher peaks of the Tramuntana allow for Alpine snow hikes. All the more reason to have the right equipment. And perhaps also a local guide, unless you really know your way around. Because orientation is not easy in Mallorca winter wonderland. But the experience is simply breathtaking.