Top easy summer hikes in Mallorca

Presently in ruins, it formerly occupied practically all of the top mountain, (Puig d'Alaró, 822m high), and is surrounded by extremely high cliffs. The Castle has existed from before the conquest of Mallorca and its most important historical event was the heroic resistance of two King Jaumes II knights, Cabrit and Bassa (popular legend considers them martyrs) against the troops of King Alfonso III of Aragón.

But what is truly impressive is the view from the top of the Puig d'Alaro of the valley of Orient and the central portion of the Serra de Tramuntana, with the Puig Major as the backdrop. 

Head west along the coast. There are many beaches in this area, but the best known, and the only one of its size in Majorca that has not as yet been urbanised, is the beach of Es Trenc. It's a unique spot, with kilometres of powder-fine sand, where you can still find a spot on the beach that is all to yourself. Continue on to Sa Rapita, where there is a nice marina for lunch or some refreshments.

Es Trenc beach is famous for its turquoise Caribbean-like waters, its 2.5km stretch of sand and the fact that it's the only beach of this size that has not as yet been urbanised in Mallorca. 

Park at Bar Esperanza in Ses Covetes and head east along the white sand towards Colonia de Sant Jordi whilst soaking up the summer sun. This is a clothing optional beach, so don’t be alarmed if you come across some nudists along the way. 

Walking routes in Pollenca tend to be overshadowed by the route to the Puig de Maria, the historic sanctuary atop the small mountain that overlooks Pollenca, although a beautiful walk with stunning views this is not the only hiking option available to you in the Pollenca area. A hike up the nearby, lesser known Puig de Santuiri is a gentler option which still affords great views from the summit and is a much quieter, more rural family hike.

Protected and named a Natural Area of Special Interest due to it’s ecological importance, the Puig de Santuiri is an easy hike for nature lovers that will take you through an area rich with indigenous plant life including a dense forest of protected holm oak trees and dwarf palms. Animal life is abundant in this area also and walkers may spot rabbits, hedgehogs, lizards, geckos and the imposing black vulture, which can often be spotted circling the skies here above its home.

This conical little mountain situated north of the iconic Puig de Maria, is green and unpopulated and the walking trail will take you on a circular route through the trees around the base of the hill, you’ll walk along dry stone walls and ruined dwellings then up to its peak via a weaving zigzag path through brush and stunted trees.

The route is rocky and covered in loose stones and pebbles and sections of it are made up of rough-hewn rock stairs making this path unsuitable for cyclists, but a nicely varied path for hikers. The trails are marked clearly when walking to the summit of the hill but on the walk around the base the route is much more free form allowing for the wanderer to pick their own route through the trees and woods, perfect for young explorers. At the base of the trail you will find a clearing where picnic tables and barbecue pits have been constructed making this a great area for the whole family to spend some time, walking, exploring and picnicking.

The trail takes roughly 40 minutes to walk and ascends 141m to it’s summit, in the peak of the summer heat you may wish to skip the ascent and stick to the circular path which is cool and shady being mostly in amongst the trees, once you begin the ascent there is very little shade on offer. The view from the top of the mountain is worth the climb on a cool day however as you can look out on beautiful views in all directions; south to the Puig de Maria, the town of Pollenca is spread out below you to the west, north the imposing mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana and out to east you can see all the way to the cool blue coastline of Pollenca Bay.

You can find the start to this trail easily by following the MA-2202 out of Pollenca for a short distance, you will soon find the signposted area off the road to your left. There is parking available at the base of the trail but it is also easy walking distance from the centre of Pollenca if you’d rather.

You can pick up a map of this and other walking trails in the area from the tourism information office. The map contains 10 trails called Biodiversity Routes for their natural and cultural interest, they will lead you through historical sights, bird filled wetlands, waterfalls, and areas rich in flora and fauna. The map gives you all the information you need regarding where to find the start of each trail, length, time and gradient of the route as well as points of interest along the way and all routes begin from a spot easily accessible via public transport.

But you don’t need to head off on any long day trips or take a massive hike to commune with nature in Mallorca. If you’re looking to get your nature fix, but can't or don’t want to wander too far from civilisation, then La Gola natural park is the place for you. Situated in the centre of Puerto Pollenca only one street back from the beach, you can take a wander through a nature park, get your fill of wildlife and be back on the beach within the hour.

La Gola natural park is a small wetland centrally located in Puerto Pollenca town, small though it is, it’s a lush and beautiful spot to see and to walk around and is an area of ecological and ornithological importance being home to over 60 species of birds. Formed where the mouths of the two rivers the Siller and the Gommar meet this small wetland runs down to the sea which also flows back into the park making the water a mixture of salt and fresh and making for an area rich in bio diversity. Like the larger wetland areas Albufereta and S’Albufera, La Gola is an important feeding and resting for migrating birds and is also an oasis spot for birds during the hot and dry summer months in Mallorca.

A walk around the whole of La Gola will take you no more than 30 minutes as this small trail is only 1km long but there is no need to rush through the area, there are benches and look out points stationed along the trail which make for great spots to sit and to watch the birds or to come for a picnic lunch if you tire of the beach. If it's information you’re after then head to the Ornithological centre inside the park for displays and information about which birds you can expect to see in North Mallorca and keep an eye out for the information boards dotted around the park with pictures and information about the birds you are likely to see. This park is home to a plethora of ducks and sea gulls but you may also see Ospreys, Hoopoes, Herons and Crossbills and it’s not just birds you need to be looking out the river is packer full of fish and other river life and keep an eye on the ground for quick moving lizards as well as camouflaged grasshoppers and praying mantis’.

La Gola natural park is a great spot to take the family for a break from the everyday business of being on holiday, soak up some nature in this peaceful little spot with its over grown trails and back ground noise of babbling water and ducks quacking. The trails are easy to find, well marked and well maintained, and there are wooden bridges where needed to cross the streams. In some areas the path runs out and you are free to wander alongside the edge of the river bank. The park is easy to find, if you walk along the main beach front road of Puerto Pollenca you’ll come to a bridge that crosses the wetland stream, follow the road one street back and you’ll find the entrance to the park.

Unfortunately, in places this nature park has taken on a somewhat urban jungle vibe, with graffiti and abandoned bikes and rubbish marring the scenery - but for the most part it’s a beautiful place to spend an hour or two. Hopefully the powers that be in Puerto Pollenca will get on the case soon to see that this park returns to its unspoilt state.

Considered a hydrological phenomenon, these springs are unique in Mallorca and were classified as a protected in 2001. The Balearic government later bought the handsome property, Finca Gabelli Petit, situated on the land to better care for it. The vauclusian springs are fed from aquifers that fill to bursting after heavy rain, causing water to pour out of the ground and create natural waterfalls. Thanks to a very rainy January, I was able to appreciate how the water bubbles up from underground. The flow can change from barely a trickle to one to three metres cubic per second.

Although it's best to go in the wet season, the reserve itself is beautiful at any time. The walk is well signposted and circular. You can either continue walking straight up, towards the rustic farmhouse or follow the first signpost and head right along a flatter path. Either way, you won't get lost. It's an easy walk, which can take just twenty minutes. Go for a slow-paced amble to stretch the legs and to enjoy the view of the rocky Puig Tomir mountain which overlooks it.

Suitable for families with little children, I saw a number of buggies on the way. Both little ones and adults were cheered by the donkeys and sheep. Dogs are welcome, and I even saw a pet goat. The path takes you through the forest and beneath the pines, where you can breathe in the smell of earth and moss and reconnect with nature. I noticed a woman meditating on the bank, evidently refreshed by the purifying sound of water. A great place for a picnic, I ate my sandwich as I contemplated the pretty vista.

I found out about the walk thanks to a friend from Galicia, who says Ses Fonts Ufanes reminds her of home. I was also brought up playing in rivers rather than at the beach, and I immediately felt a connection there. Instead of following the path, I had fun stepping along the rocks of a riverbed which was currently dry. Meanwhile, my friend walked along the mossy bank beneath the trees. Somehow, we managed to spend a good hour walking although the official walk is just twenty minutes.

The park is open from 10:00 to 17:00 every day. There are toilets and rubbish bins. Although there is no official car park, everyone leaves their vehicles along the road by the chapel, Ermita de Sant Miquel. Avoid going on the weekend if you can, as it can get very busy, especially if it has rained the previous days. I went on a Thursday at lunch time and it was very peaceful. If you only have the weekend, a local friend suggests either going first thing in the morning or just before 16:00, although be warned the gates close at 17:00.

As we left the park, a car pulled up beside us, and a couple asked us if there was water. They were delighted to hear there was, a sign perhaps of just how precious this place is to people living on the island.

Read more from Emily

Once again, using my trusted hiking book ‘Mallorca, the finest coastal and Mountain walks’ by Rolf Goetz, I found a wonderful coastal hike from Portals Vells to Cala Figuera Lighthouse. In the summertime, Cala Portals Vells is one of the most beautiful coves in the south west. In an isolated location, it brings in a whole host of sun worshippers ‘in the know’ who travel by car or yacht to spend the day soaking up the stunning surroundings. It takes about half an hour to get here from Palma, just hop on the Ma-1 road and take exit 14 towards Magaluf/El Toro, then follow the Cami Cala Figuera road via T-Golf and Country Club Poniente, and then follow the sign posts along the windy road all the way towards Portals Vells.