On Mallorca you can go hiking almost all year round. Even on a hot summer’s day you’ll find a shady path in the Tramuntana. Spring though is the best time to explore the coastline. When colorful blossoms line the rocky but mainly flat trails. Many of them run between beautiful, often secluded bays with white sandy beaches. Here’s a pick of my favorite coastal hikes on Mallorca.  

The hike to Cala Figuera is an easy one. I like to start at Portals Vells right by the popular caves. And then just follow the narrow trail meandering along the carstified 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.

If you are looking for a shaded hiking trail along the sea, you will love La Volta des General. The narrow path leads from Banyalbufar to lovely Port des Canonge, a sleepy fishing village with natural harbor and pebble beach. The walk only takes slightly more than an hour but has some awesome vista points. All along, the aromatic scent of pine trees mingles with the salty air, for me the very essence of the Mediterranean.

The breathtaking vistas on the walk from Deià to Llucalcari inspired many local painters. Walk down to scenic Cala Deià and along the cliffs to the iconic Còdols Blancs, the three white rocks. Further on, the route holds some beautiful picnic places inviting you to take a break before you get to Llucalcari. The tiny village is one of the most enchanted places on the island.

The Cova des Pont is a fabulous rocky arch washed by the waves in thousands of years. The entrance to the trail is somewhat hidden at the southern side of the beach at Cala Romantica. Once you have managed the short but steep climb a rocky, often sharp-edged path leads through mostly untouched coastal nature. And past a couple of picturesque bays in Carribean colors.

Cala Marmols is the picture postcard bay everybody is dreaming of. You can take the trail from Cala S’Almunia but the more scenic route starts by the lighthouse at Cap de Ses Salines. The path to the precious marble bay leads along rocky cliffs and through windblown shrubland. But what’s most fascinating is the deep mesmerizing blue of the sea.

The hike from Cala Pi to Cap Blanc begins right behind the boat house. Heading towards the white cliffs in the distance that gave name to the cape. Across the garrigue with its crooked bushes, small blossoming flowers and trees bent by the wind. Maybe you spot one of the shy turtles in their natural habitat. At Cap Blanc make sure to enjoy a break in the lee of the ancient watch tower by the lighthouse.

And then there’s a rather urban seafront hike that I love to do every once in a while. Starting in Palma you can walk along the sea for hours. Via the bay of Portixol, the beach of Ciutat de Jardí and the boardwalk of Es Carnatge with its many strollers, skaters, runners, and cyclists. Past the busy hotels of the Playa de Palma. Until you finally get to the quieter residential area of Son Verí Nou. From the mirador you have a unique view over the whole bay of Palma.