Hiking in Mallorca: 7 routes around the island

The Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, includes a large number of uniquely beautiful routes worth discovering.

From the Hotel Colonial you will be able to quicly access all these routes. We recommend a rental car if you want to cover the most remote ones in the Sierra de Tramuntana. The starting points of many of these trails are not always accessible by public transport, so one must have an alternative form of access.

Thanks to the fact that the Island of Mallorca is not too large, all the routes that we propose in this post will be within your reach. What you must take into account is your physical condition, as well as that of your fellow hikers, so as to avoid options that are too challenging.

In Mallorca there are many trails to choose from, with their duration and difficulty levels being the main factors to keep in mind.

In the selection we have made for this post we include all kinds of alternatives, from family-oriented trails to ones for seasoned hikers.

Preparing for your excursion in Mallorca

Para la planificación de tu ruta de senderismo en la Isla de Mallorca, deberás tener en cuenta las consideraciones habituales que tendrías en mente en tu zona local de excursionismo.

Vamos a repasar las principales precauciones y cosas que te conviene tener en cuenta para disfrutar de esta práctica en nuestra Isla.

Cold weather clothing and gear

As on any excursion or outing in the mountains, it is important to have footwear appropriate for the route chosen, as well as warm enough clothing, according to the season.

For easier routes, low-cut, breathable hiking bots are usually sufficient. However, on somewhat more demanding hikes it is advisable to wear high boots, as they help protect the ankle.

As for warm clothing, the mild temperatures in Mallorca make it unnecessary to take extreme precautions. However, a garment for the rain, and against unexpected cold, can always come in handy.

Safety elements for hikers

Along with some protection against the cold, there are other things that you should always take with you when heading into the mountains.

For example: a light source, such as a flashlight or a head lamp. Even if you don't plan to be out on the mountain at night, unforeseen events could force you to.

Other items also worth taking on your outing are a knife, plenty of water or drinks, to keep you hydrated, and some food.

Keep in mind that, regardless of your plans, a mishap could mean that your Mallorca hike takes longer than planned.

Travel insurance to cover any unforeseen event

If you plan to do mountain hikes or other similar activities during your visit to Mallorca, we strongly recommended that you take out comprehensive travel insurance covering a potential incident.

If it were necessary to request help, or even an emergency rescue, this insurance would cover all the related expenses, which can be very high.

Hiking trails near the Hotel Colonial

Hiking-oriented travel is becoming more and more common, with excursions in Mallorca attracting many visitors to our accommodations.

In addition, hikes in the Ses Salines and Colonia de Sant Jordi areas boast the advantage that you can choose ones culminating at coves and beaches of stunning natural beauty.

Below we give you tips to reach coves like es Carbó, es Dolç and es Cargol.

Platja des Carbó

The most common route from our hotel is the one that reaches the Platja des Carbó; you will find all the details on it in this previous entry on our Blog: Es Carbó Mallorca, Excursion to a Virgin Beach.

This hiking route starts from the Colonia de Sant Jordi, with the path running along the coast and passing through the Playa des Dolç. Thus, if you don't want to go that far, or have small children, a good option may be to stop at this intermediate point.

Es Cargol

To get to the Playa des Cargol you will start your route from the Ses Salines lighthouse, located very close to our establishment.

From there you will follow a path along the sea and, in approximately 20 minutes, reach a beautiful virgin beach (there are no buildings, so its allure is much greater than that of other coves in the area)

Other Hiking Trails in Mallorca

A little further from the Colonia de Sant Jordi, there are many other hiking trails and excursions that you can enjoy in Mallorca

Before undertaking any of them, you should know a thing or two about them. So, don't hesitate to ask our Reception staff if you have any questions.

Castillo de Alaró - Castell d’Alarò

Our first hike is a simple one apt for families, children included (ages 8 and up, approximately; not apt for strollers)

Upon reaching the "Cases d'el Verger" (with an interesting traditional restaurant), the path narrows and is very easy to distinguish, until reaching the top, where the castle for which the mountain and excursion are named is perched. If you prefer, you can start the hike at this point, thereby making it shorter and easier.

The first part of the hike is a winding path climbing the first part of the mountain of the same name: “Castell d'Alaro”

Upon reaching the "Cases d'el Verger" (with an interesting traditional restaurant), the path narrows and is very easy to distinguish, until reaching the top, where the castle for which the mountain and excursion are named is perched. If you prefer, you can start the hike at this point, thereby making it shorter and easier.

At the top of the mountain there is a chapel and a refuge/inn that can be booked for the night. If you're not staying there you will have to descend the same day, as there are no other accommodations available.

Route by the Cúber Reservoir

In the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana are the two reservoirs supplying the city of Palma de Mallorca with water.

This hike is very easy and only lasts about one hour. You start from a parking area next to the Carretera de Lluc. The whole area is well signposted.

The initial part is even stroller-friendly, but the second is more problematic in this regard. However, you can do this short hike/excursion with children or older people who are not up for the challenge of more technical or difficult ones.

Barranc de Biniaraix

This route through the mountains is a little harder than the previous ones. However, it is doable by anyone with a certain amount of experience in this sport.

To get to the start of the trail, head from the Colonial Hotel to the north of Mallorca. More specifically, your main destination will be the town of Sóller; again, in the Serra de Tramuntana (mountain range). After passing through Sóller, follow the signs to the town of Biniamar. In its upper part there is a traditional washing area marking the start of the hike.

The entire way is a mountain route traditionally used to access local land and crops. Thus, the tail is cobbled and has some small bridges your hike isn't spoiled when the streambeds in the area carry water (which is quite frequent throughout the year, except in the summer).

The trail is steep in parts, but not too long, so it is not necessary to be a very experienced hiker.

This route offers the hiker a few different options, as he can return to the starting point, finishing there; or head for the opposite side of the mountain, by the aforementioned reservoir area, from the previous hike.

Es Salt des Freu

This route starts from the Carretera de Orient, in the center of Mallorca. It is a simple hike that is especially popular after a few days of intense rain, as one reaches, after about 20 minutes,

To get to the start of the trail, head from the Colonial Hotel to the north of Mallorca. More specifically, your main destination will be the town of Sóller; again, in the Serra de Tramuntana (mountain range). After passing through Sóller, follow the signs to the town of Biniamar. In its upper part there is a traditional washing area marking the start of the hike.

Sa Costera

We continue our look at Mallorca's hiking trails with one that is much more difficult.

The "Sa Costera" hike takes about 4 hours, and features the added difficulty of a significant elevation gain.

It starts from the “Mirador de Ses Barques” next to the Carretera de Sóller, on the road towards Lluc (Km. 44.8)

From the Mirador de Ses Barques one sets off towards the Bàlitx d'Amunt country estate. The path is somewhat more complicated than others, so it is a good idea to be accompanied by someone who is familiar with it.

Mallorca and Hiking

The hikes that we have just shown you are just some of the many options that you will find in Mallorca. Their unique terrain, which includes the Sierra de Tramuntana, overlooking the sea, means that you can enjoy stunning blue views from the mountains.

Many of these mountain hikes end in a cove or beach, so they are perfect for the spring or summer when temperatures are beginning to rise.