The 10 best hiking trails in Mallorca

Mallorca is so much more than sun and sand. The largest of the Balearic Islands offers endless possibilities for those willing to lace up their hiking boots and explore the thousands of trails that weave across the island from coast to countryside.

If you love the outdoors, enjoy discovering extraordinary places, and have been dreaming of visiting Mallorca, this guide to the 10 best hiking trails in Mallorca is the perfect place to start.

You'll find routes for every type of traveler, from easy walks and circular trails to family-friendly hikes, scenic routes through the Serra de Tramuntana, and paths leading to some of the island’s most spectacular coves.

Along the way, you’ll discover remarkable places that leave a lasting impression: ancient watchtowers once built to guard against pirate attacks, prehistoric necropolises more than 3,000 years old, untouched beaches and turquoise-water coves, mountain-ringed reservoirs, and forests that feel almost enchanted.

Yet what truly makes these routes unforgettable are the breathtaking views. From several vantage points along the trails, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas of Mallorca and, on clear days, even catch sight of neighboring Menorca on the horizon.

So pack your backpack, lace up your boots, and get ready to discover some of the most rewarding hiking experiences Mallorca has to offer.

The Best Loop Hikes in Mallorca

Among the many types of hiking routes found across the island, loop trails are especially popular with hiking enthusiasts visiting Mallorca.

The chance to experience new scenery with every step and the feeling of constantly exploring unfamiliar terrain are just two of the reasons these routes are so appealing.

Of the many loop hikes available in Mallorca, Comuna de Bunyola and Camí de s’Arxiduc stand out as two of the most highly recommended.

Part of their appeal lies in their accessibility, as both routes are suitable for a wide range of hikers and fitness levels. They are also renowned for their spectacular scenery, offering 360-degree views that stretch across much of the island.

Don’t worry, the rest of the route is mostly flat and easy to follow, with clear signage and well-maintained forest paths throughout.

Among the highlights of this loop hike are its peaceful holm oak forests, which accompany you for much of the journey; the old charcoal kilns and snow pits, reminders of traditional trades that have disappeared from the island; and the reconstructed shelters that offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once worked here.

The true highlight of the trail, however, is its highest point: Penyal d’Honor. To reach it, simply follow a short, signposted detour uphill that takes no more than five minutes.

The effort is more than rewarded. From the summit, you’ll enjoy 360-degree panoramic views stretching across much of Mallorca, from the Bay of Palma and the Bay of Alcúdia to the central plains of Es Pla and the mountains of the Llevant range in the distance.

Loop Hike Along Camí de s’Arxiduc

This is undoubtedly one of Mallorca’s most iconic and celebrated hiking routes, beloved by both locals and visitors alike.

The historic trail was created by Archduke Ludwig Salvator in the late 19th century as a scenic route where he could enjoy long walks during his time on the island.

It begins in the beautiful village of Valldemossa, where the Archduke spent extended periods of his life, and offers several route options. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you may need to request a free permit here.

Whichever route you select, the main challenge is the ascent itself. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in Mallorca.

To the south, sweeping vistas unfold across the Bay of Palma, the central plains of Mallorca, and the surrounding villages.

To the north, the scenery is equally extraordinary: the dramatic peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana, rugged cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean, and the picturesque village of Deià, whose beauty has inspired countless artists, including Robert Graves and Jimi Hendrix.

On one side, you'll find small coves washed by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. On the other, the dramatic peaks of the Artà mountain range rise above the landscape. In the distance, the Serra de Tramuntana and the Bay of Alcúdia complete the panorama.

The views are so extraordinary that you may find yourself wishing you could pause time and simply take it all in.

And this is only the journey to the cove itself.

At the end of the trail, your destination awaits: Es Caló de Betlem, framed by a small and peaceful pine grove.

If you continue beyond the pines, you'll discover several tiny rocky coves. The most rewarding is the last one along the route. Because it is the most secluded, it is rare to encounter other visitors there, giving you the feeling of having this beautiful corner of Mallorca all to yourself.

Thanks to its exceptional natural richness, this area is especially appealing to hiking enthusiasts, with several trails that allow you to explore the landscape from different perspectives.

Its treasures, however, are not limited to the land. Beneath the surface, the coastline hides remarkable underwater scenery, making it well worth bringing snorkeling gear to explore the marine life and crystal-clear waters.

Hiking Through Llevant Nature Park to S’Arenalet d’Aubarca, Sa Font Salada, or Cala Matzoc

This route returns to the same region as the previous hike, in northeastern Mallorca. Still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, the area offers the opportunity to experience nature without large crowds.

Like the Dry Stone Route, this is not a single trail but a network of paths that cross Llevant Nature Park, a protected area since 2001. These routes lead to several unspoiled coves of outstanding beauty, including S’Arenalet d’Aubarca and Sa Font Salada.

Your itinerary should also include Cala Matzoc, located a little farther along the coast and ideal if you have extra time and energy. The effort is rewarded with a spectacular coastal walk past hidden coves, rugged cliffs, and the mouths of seasonal streams.

Along the way, you'll come across a restored historic watchtower that was once used to spot approaching pirate ships. Today, it serves as a magnificent viewpoint overlooking Llevant Nature Park, the Mediterranean Sea, and, on particularly clear days, even the neighboring island of Menorca.

Another highlight of this route is the wildlife you may encounter along the way. From wild goats roaming the mountainsides to farm animals such as cows and sheep, there is plenty to keep younger hikers entertained.

The best time to enjoy this trail is between fall and spring. Much of the route offers very little shade, which can make hiking here less comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

Route Through the Son Real Estate

This is one of the most distinctive family-friendly hiking routes in Mallorca, combining nature and history in a single experience.

Along the way, you’ll encounter everything from dunes and prehistoric remains to ancient necropolises, centuries-old quarries, medieval buildings, and untouched beaches, creating a route unlike any other on the island.

Located in the municipality of Santa Margalida, in northeastern Mallorca, the Son Real Public Estate is free to visit and offers four different routes, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace and at any time of year.

Most of the trails follow flat, well-marked paths, making them especially suitable for families with children.

All four routes can also be explored by bicycle, an option that younger visitors often enjoy even more. Bicycle rentals are available at the estate’s visitor center.

Of the four itineraries, whether you choose to explore on foot or by bike, the route leading to the beach is the most highly recommended. To reach it, you’ll pass through pine forests interspersed with low vegetation, sand dunes, and blocks of marés, the distinctive sandstone traditionally used throughout Mallorca.

Once you arrive at the coast, you can relax on the beach, cool off after the journey, and visit the nearby Punta dels Fenicis necropolis, one of the island’s best-preserved archaeological sites.

With these 10 outstanding hiking routes, you now have plenty of reasons to explore Mallorca on your next vacation. All that remains is to experience them for yourself.

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