Fonts Ufanes Springs, Mallorca
What Are the Fonts Ufanes?
After heavy rain, underground waters surge up through a holm oak forest on the Gabellí Petit estate near Campanet, forming sudden streams that flow toward the Torrent de Sant Miquel. It’s a short, mostly flat woodland walk with a big payoff when conditions are right—great for curious kids, photographers, and anyone who loves Mallorca’s quieter, inland magic.
Also the Fonts Ufanes is a part of the top 10 fun things to do as couples on Get Your Guide.
🧭 Location & Getting There (from Palma)
| From | Drive Time | Route (simple) | Parking | Notes |
| Palma | ~35–40 min | Ma-13 to Campanet → signs for Fonts Ufanes / Sant Miquel | Signposted parking near Ermita de Sant Miquel | Arrive early on surge days (weekends/holidays) |
Optional planning: compare car rentals for a day trip, find hotels around Campanet & Moscari.
🌿 What to Expect in the Forest
A well-marked path leads through evergreen holm oaks (alzinar) to several clearings where the springs appear. On “big” days you’ll hear the water before you see it—the forest floor turns into lively channels and rivulets. On dry spells you’ll still enjoy a peaceful woodland loop and the nearby 13th-century Sant Miquel Hermitage.
🗓️ Best Time to See the Springs
- Season: Most likely late autumn to early spring after sustained rainfall.
- Timing: Visit the day of or the day after heavy rain; flow can last hours to a few days.
- Weekends/holidays: Go early; the car park fills fast.
🥾 The Walk (Easy, Family-Friendly)
- Distance/Time: 20–40 minutes round trip depending on how much you explore.
- Terrain: Mostly flat dirt and leaf-litter paths; some mud and shallow crossings on surge days.
- Footwear: Trainers or light hikers you don’t mind getting wet.
- Kids: Lots to see at ground level; keep little ones close near faster channels.
🏛️ Sant Miquel Hermitage Stop
Steps from the trailhead, this simple romanesque-gothic hermitage anchors the landscape. It’s a good meeting point and a quiet spot for a post-walk snack on the benches.
📸 Tips for Photographers
- Light: Morning and late afternoon—soft beams through the oaks.
- Shutter: Bring a mini-tripod for silky water at 1/4–1s.
- Composition: Frame roots, mossy stones, and low angles at stream crossings.
- Respect: Stay on paths; don’t trample banks or block channels.
🧺 Practicalities
| Item | Note |
| Toilets | None on-site—plan ahead in Campanet village. |
| Food/Water | Bring snacks and water; cafés in Campanet after. |
| Footwear | Grippy shoes; expect mud on surge days. |
| Dogs | Keep under control and out of flowing channels. |
| Mobility | Paths are natural; roots and mud may challenge wheels on wet days. |
After the walk: browse stays in nearby rural hotels.
🧭 Map Pin
🛡️ Safety & Etiquette
- Keep a safe distance from stronger currents; stones can be slick.
- Don’t build dams or divert channels—this is a protected hydrological site.
- Pack out all rubbish; keep noise low—wildlife uses the forest year-round.
📝 History, Fun Facts & Did You Know?
- The springs are a classic karst phenomenon: rain filters through limestone and emerges under pressure after big storms.
- The flow feeds into the Torrent de Sant Miquel, historically important for agriculture on the plain.
- Local families have visited for generations; it’s a beloved island “first-rains” tradition.
❓ FAQ
When exactly do the Fonts Ufanes “turn on”?
Usually the same day or the day after significant rainfall in the Tramuntana foothills. If it’s been dry for weeks, flows are unlikely.
Is the trail suitable for buggies?
It’s mostly flat, but roots, mud, and puddles can make it tricky. A baby carrier is easier on wet days.
Can I swim or wade in the springs?
No—this is a protected natural site. Enjoy from the paths and clearings and avoid entering channels.
🔗 Related Guides from Palma Weekly
- Campanet – Village Guide
- Caves of Campanet
- Serra de Tramuntana – Easy Family Walks
- Sa Pobla & Albufera Natural Park
- Best Time to Visit Mallorca (Month by Month)
