Hiking in Mallorca from Palma: Best Trails, Maps & How to Plan

Guide

Palma as Your Trailhead

From the heart of Palma to the soul of Mallorca. Base in the city and you’re 20–70 minutes from most headline routes in the Serra de Tramuntana and along the coast. We pair early starts with coffee at Plaça d’Espanya, then use Ma-11 for the northwest (Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller), Ma-13 for Lluc/Massanella, or Ma-19 for southeast coastal walks.

🥾 Best Hikes Near Palma

Trail	From Palma (drive)	Time	Grade	Why it’s special
Camí de s’Arxiduc (Valldemossa)	~25–35 min (Ma-1110)	3–4 h	Moderate	Historic ridge path with huge sea/mountain views
Cala Deià ↔ Llucalcari ↔ Sóller (section)	~35–45 min (Ma-11)	3–4 h	Moderate	Coastal stone paths, coves, olive terraces
Castell d’Alaró	~30–40 min (Ma-13)	2.5–3 h	Moderate	Castle ruins, panorama, easy to combine with lunch
Torrent de Pareis (Sa Calobra)	~70–90 min (Ma-10)	5–6 h	Hard	Mallorca’s canyon epic; dry conditions only
Puig de Massanella	~60–70 min (Ma-13)	4–6 h	Hard	High-peak day with island-wide views
Cap de Formentor coastal section	~70–80 min (Ma-13)	2–3 h	Easy-Mod	Dramatic cliffs and lighthouse vistas
Mondragó Park coast path	~55–65 min (Ma-19)	2–3 h	Easy	Pine shade, beaches and protected coves

Grades consider good footwear, water and summer heat management.

🧭 Getting There from Palma

Drive:

Northwest (Valldemossa/Deià/Sóller): Ma-11, 25–45 min.
Lluc/Massanella/Torrent: Ma-13 → Ma-2130/Ma-10, 60–90 min.
Southeast (Mondragó): Ma-19 → Santanyí, 55–65 min.

Public transport:

Train + vintage tram options to Sóller; TIB buses to Valldemossa/Deià/Sóller/Lluc vary by season and time of day. See Public Transport in Mallorca and Palma to Sóller Train for step-by-step planning.

Parking tips: arrive before 09:30 in peak months; carry coins/apps for blue-zone villages.

🗺️ Interactive Map Pins (start points)

Save these to your phone and tap “Directions” in Google Maps on the day. Drive times are from Palma Cathedral in normal traffic; arrive before 09:30 in peak months for easier parking.

Valldemossa – Camí de s’Arxiduc Trailhead

Classic ridge loop with instant Tramuntana drama. Anti-clockwise is kinder on the legs; pack a wind layer for the crest.

Feature	Info
From Palma	~25–35 min (Ma-1110)
Parking	Signed village car parks (paid/blue-zone)
Notes	Cobbled starts; shade early, exposed on top

Alaró – Castell d’Alaró Start

Steady climb through pines to panoramic castle ruins. Great shoulder-season hike, easy to pair with a late lunch in town.

Feature	Info
From Palma	~30–40 min (Ma-13 → Alaró)
Parking	Village lots/streets; respect access signs
Notes	Final section rocky; bring grip and water

Sa Calobra – Torrent de Pareis Entry

Mallorca’s canyon epic. Attempt only in dry, settled conditions; expect boulders, easy scrambles and variable footing.

Feature	Info
From Palma	~70–90 min (Ma-10 via Sóller/Lluc)
Parking	Paid areas near Sa Calobra (fills fast)
Notes	No shade; 2–3 L water/person; plan exit/transport

Mondragó Natural Park – Coastal Loops

Pine-shaded family paths linking Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador with benches and viewpoints—perfect for a swim-and-stroll day.

Feature	Info
From Palma	~55–65 min (Ma-19 → Santanyí)
Parking	Signed park car parks (paid in season)
Notes	Waymarked; bring reef-safe sunscreen, water

🌄 Featured Routes (Short Notes You Can Scan)

Camí de s’Arxiduc – Valldemossa Ridge Views

Stone-set balcony paths built by Archduke Ludwig Salvator. Choose an anti-clockwise loop for gentler climbing, and pack a wind layer for the exposed crest.

Cala Deià ↔ Llucalcari ↔ Port de Sóller (section)

Olive terraces, cobbled steps and turquoise coves; the coastal variant has summer shade and swim options. Watch for polished stones after dew.

Castell d’Alaró – Ruins & Views

Farm tracks, pines and a final rocky pull to the castle and Es Verger area (roasted lamb fans take note). Great shoulder-season hike.

Torrent de Pareis – The Canyon Epic

Only in settled, dry conditions. Expect boulder hopping, some easy scrambles and a long day. Stage a two-car plan or check seasonal Sa Calobra buses.

Puig de Massanella – High Ground

Mallorca’s second-highest summit day. Respect heat and carry 2–3 L water; weather can turn quickly at altitude.

Mondragó Natural Park – Easy Coastal Loops

Family-friendly trails linking Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador with benches and viewpoints. Great plan after a Palma morning.

🧳 What to Pack (Keep It Light but Smart)

Footwear: trail shoes or light boots with grip
Water & electrolytes: 1.5–3 L depending on route/heat
Sun/heat: hat, reef-safe sunscreen, light long sleeves
Nav: downloaded offline maps (phone) and a paper back-up on big days
Safety: small kit (blister care), headtorch outside midsummer, whistle

About GPX: a GPX file is a simple track you can load into phone apps/watches for turn-by-turn breadcrumbs offline. We like it for long or poorly waymarked routes.

📅 When to Hike (Weather & Crowds)

Season	Daytime highs	What to expect	Our take
Mar–May	16–24 °C	Green hills, mild temps	Prime for long days
Jun–Aug	27–33 °C	Hot; early starts essential	Aim for shade/shorter routes
Sep–Oct	23–28 °C	Warm sea, fewer crowds	Sweet spot for coast + peaks
Nov–Feb	14–19 °C	Crisp ridges; short days	Great for castles & ridge loops

Start before 08:30 in July–August; carry extra water.

🦺 Safety, Access & Respect for the Tramuntana

Mallorca’s trails cross private fincas, heritage walls and posidonia-fed watersheds. Stay on waymarked paths, close gates, and take litter home. Summer brings heat stress; turn around if you or anyone in your group stops sweating or feels dizzy.

Key reminders