Car-Free Hikes from Palma: Best Trails by Train & Bus

Guide

How These No-Car Hikes Work

You can reach several headline routes straight from Palma using the city’s rail and island bus network. We’ve picked itineraries with reliable connections, short walk-ins, and clear waymarking — perfect if you’re staying in town and want to keep things simple. For wider planning and GPX basics, start with Hiking in Mallorca from Palma and our ranked list Best Hiking Trails in Mallorca.

🧭 Getting Out of Palma

Short rides put you on trail fast. Aim for early departures in summer and shoulder season weekends.

Destination Base	From Palma (typical)	Why start here
Valldemossa	~25–40 min	Ridge views on Camí de s’Arxiduc; quick village amenities.
Sóller (train or bus)	~60–70 min	Orange-valley paths, coast sections to Port de Sóller. See Palma to Sóller Train.
Deià	~50–70 min	Stone paths and coves; classic GR-221 section options.
Alaró	~40–55 min	Castell d’Alaró ruins & panoramas; great shoulder-season hike.
Santanyí / Mondragó	~90–110 min	Mondragó Natural Park easy loops + beach swim.

Helpful reads: Public Transport in Mallorca, Serra de Tramuntana.

🚶 Top Car-Free Hikes

Below: short descriptions plus quick stats you can scan on the bus. Use our detailed guides where listed for turn-by-turns and extras.

Valldemossa – Camí de s’Arxiduc (Ridge Balcony Views)

Historic crest paths built by the Archduke, with sweeping sea-and-mountain panoramas. Anti-clockwise loops give gentler climbing and shade early.

Mini table

Distance	Ascent	Time	Grade	Start/Finish
9–12 km	500–700 m	3–4 h	Moderate	Valldemossa village

Sóller Valley Paths to Port de Sóller (Train-and-Trail Day)

Ride old-world rail, then follow citrus-grove lanes and cobbles to the sea. Swim, tram, or bus back.

Mini table

Distance	Ascent	Time	Grade	Start/Finish
8–12 km	200–350 m	2.5–4 h	Easy–Mod	Sóller → Port de Sóller

Deià Coastal Section (Coves, Terraces & Turquoise)

A photogenic slice of the GR-221 between Deià and neighboring hamlets/coves. Polished stone in places — grippy shoes help.

Mini table

Distance	Ascent	Time	Grade	Start/Finish
6–9 km	250–400 m	2–3.5 h	Moderate	Deià ↔ coastal path options

Castell d’Alaró (Ruins & Views)

Farm tracks, pines and a rocky pull to an eagle-nest castle. Pair with a village lunch on cool days.

Mini table

Distance	Ascent	Time	Grade	Start/Finish
8–10 km	450–550 m	2.5–3 h	Moderate	Alaró village / trailheads

Mondragó Natural Park Loops (Family-Easy + Swim)

Boardwalks and sandy paths linking Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador. Ideal for mixed groups and gentle days.

Mini table

Distance	Ascent	Time	Grade	Start/Finish
3–5 km	<150 m	1–1.5 h	Easy	Santanyí → park entrances

Sóller ↔ Deià (Classic GR-221 Day Section)

Olive terraces, cliff views and a café finish either end. Factor tram/bus timing if you end at the port.

Mini table

Distance	Ascent	Time	Grade	Start/Finish
10–12 km	450–600 m	3.5–4.5 h	Moderate	Sóller ↔ Deià

🗺️ Map Pins You Can Save

Use “Directions” in your maps app to route from where you are.

Valldemossa – central trail access

Sóller – train station area (start lanes)

Deià – coastal path access

Alaró – Castell route access

Mondragó – S’Amarador car/bus access

🎒 What to Pack for Car-Free Days

Light trail shoes with grip; reef-safe sunscreen, hat, long sleeves
1.5–2.5 L water depending on route/heat; salty snacks or a simple picnic
Phone with offline maps/GPX breadcrumbs; battery pack
Small first-aid & blister care; cash/card for cafés and return tickets

📅 When to Go (Weather & Crowds)

Season	What to expect	Our take
Mar–May	Mild, green hills, frequent buses	Prime for ridge days (Valldemossa/Alaró)
Jun–Aug	Hot; buses busy with beach traffic	Start early; pick shaded/coastal routes
Sep–Oct	Warm sea, fewer crowds	Superb for Deià/Sóller combos
Nov–Feb	Crisp air, short days	Great for castles and valley paths

🦺 Safety & Good Style

Stay on waymarked trails; close gates; don’t shortcut terraces.
Heat builds fast in summer — aim for pre-08:30 starts on bigger routes.
Polished stones = careful footwork (especially around Deià and Sóller).
Pack out all litter; respect village quiet hours.

🗓️ Sample Weekend Without a Car

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Sat	Bus to Valldemossa → Camí de s’Arxiduc ridge loop	Late coffee in village	Back to Palma for dinner
Sun	Train/bus to Sóller → lanes to Port de Sóller	Swim & tram/bus return	Palma old town stroll