Hiking Mallorca's Highest Accessible Peak
Puig de Massanella - the only way is up!
It is common knowledge that in order to find the best views of anything, one needs to go up! I am certainly a firm believer in this theory and it was with this goal that I set out one Sunday afternoon to reach the top of the island!
At an altitude of 1364m above sea level, the Puig de Massanella is Mallorca’s second tallest mountain behind the Puig Major which stands at 1445m. Due to the peak of the Puig Major being closed off for military use, the Massanella is the highest point on the island which is accessible to civilians. It is located in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range not far from the town of Lluc in the north of the island.
Jump to
Directions
There are many different ways to attack the climb; you could start in the town of Mancor, at Soller on the north coast or even take on the Massanella as part of a longer trail across the island. The route I chose is that which best isolates the climb itself, providing the shortest distance up and down - the ascent is around 11km. This route is not too difficult to follow thanks to markers, though it is certainly advisable to carry a map and to familiarise yourself with the paths as much as possible in advance.
The walk begins opposite the Repsol petrol station and Coll de Sa Bataia restaurant which can be found just off the Ma-10 to the south of Lluc. There is plenty of room here to park and also a very convenient bar for the end of the walk! From here, you cross the bridge and after 100m turn off the road to the right onto a footpath. Follow this footpath for roughly 1km, you then double back on yourself where the path will lead round to the warden’s lodge.
The Puig, as with the majority of the island, is located within privately owned ground. The owner does allow walkers, cyclists and horse riders access but at a small charge. For walkers wishing to conquer the Massanella, the fee is €6 (€4 for island residents).
Having gone on from the warden, the path winds its way through the holm oaks of the lower slopes. These provide welcome shade for both you and the ever-present goats who chime their way across the mountain side. When you arrive at a first stone offering you directions to Mancor, Lluc or Puig, follow the route for Puig. Upon arriving at the second stone offering the options ‘Font-Puig’ or ‘Puig-Font’, you have the option to take either route, though it is advised to take the former going up and the latter coming down. For the rest of the way, the path is marked at regular intervals by red spots on the ground and by small piles of rocks, the rocks being particularly useful closer to the summit when the lack of trees makes the path less obvious.
But it is also at this point that one is really able to soak up the views! Gaps in branches offer glimpses of what is to come as you creep up the beginning of the climb before you emerge from the treeline and enjoy views to the horizon across vast areas of the island. The range and quality of these sights only improves as you push higher, making the struggle of the climb all that more bearable. There is a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top, justly rewarded by the spectacle on offer. The afternoon that I went up was slightly cloudy, certainly not enough to detract from the experience, but on a clear day it is possible to see across as far as Menorca!
The climb up the Massanella is certainly a challenge; I would definitely call it a climb rather than a hike. It requires a certain amount of forethought and willing. Though if I were to give one piece of advice to climbers, it would be not to focus too much on the climb but more on the opportunity it offers to take in the beautiful island of Mallorca in all its glory.
What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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Lluc Sanctuary, Lluc
Mallorca's most sacred site - a former monastery in a spectacular setting in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to the north west of Mallorca.
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Coves de Campanet
The Caves of Campanet are situated in the north of Mallorca in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. The caves cover a surface area of approximately 3,200 square metres at a depth of 50 metres
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Sa Calobra & the Torrent de Pareis, West Mallorca
Do not believe anyone who tells you that they have discovered the perfect unspoilt cove on the west coast - unless of course the name is Sa Calobra. This is indeed a beautiful spot, which is why tour buses pour in by the dozen every day, even in winter.
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Can Planes Contemporary Art Museum, sa Pobla
Can Planes Museum of Contemporary Art is located in sa Pobla in the north of Mallorca. It occupies the ground floor of the old manor house Can Planes that was refurbished and modified in 1998. It's permanent collection is composed of over a hundred works by artists living in Mallorca.
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Castell del Rei
The hike to this remote mountain castle, 7 km north of Pollenca, is one of the loveliest in Mallorca.
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Santuary de la Mare de Deu del Puig
Nuns settled on Puig de Maria ('Mary's mountain') in 1371 and remained for several hundred years, refusing to leave even when the Bishop of Palma ordered them down for their own safety.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Mallorca
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La Bodega Restaurant
This traditional Spanish restaurant is situated within the heart of Cala d'Or and has a phenomenal reputation for providing fantastic food, service and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
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Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is home to an abundance of delicious fresh and local food such as a selection of fruit and vegetables, fish, red shrimp, lamb and Iberico pork. The chef at Ca's Xorc interprets this local, Mediterranean cuisine in a modern and creative manner.
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La Pappa Restaurant
Enjoy the taste of Italy at La Pappa. They serve delicious homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with care and tradition. Their Italian desserts and ice creams are also made in-house, offering a true taste of Italy.
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Sa Magrana Restaurant
This award-winning restaurant offers creative, fresh-from-the-market cuisine.
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Noir Mallorca Café
Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. Open from 09:00 to 23:00, they offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
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Diferent Restaurant
Restaurant Diferent truly stands out. Beyond its eccentric and fun decor, it offers a vast international menu, a wide selection of wines, cocktails and fantastic, friendly service.
What to do
Things To Do in Mallorca
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Private boat trip
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
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Via Ferrata
Climb coastal cliffs with expert guides for a thrilling yet accessible via ferrata adventure with sea views.
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Miramar & Soller Valley Tour
This is a different way to enjoy a quality guided tour with your own car, and discover little-known hidden places hand in hand with a local guide using portable radios whilst you drive.
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Motor Yacht Trip (Sunseeker Superhawk 55)
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this breathtaking Sunseeker Superhawk 55 motor yacht.
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Motor boat trip
Enjoy four hours on a private motor boat in Palma Bay, perfect for small groups or those on a budget.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Mallorca
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Son Julia Country House Hotel
27 September 20257 NightsIf you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
Price: €3,054
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El Encinar de Arta Hotel
Restored with love in every detail, the 18th century country house lies on a hill approximately 5 km from the picturesque village Artà. Beautiful landscape, close to 4 golf courses, lovely beaches and nature reserves.
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Segles Hotel, Campos
27 September 20257 NightsAn old Mallorcan stately house (completely restored) mixed with different styles and decorated with all kind of antiquities, photographs, paintings and books, thus preserving much of its original charm while adhering to modern trends.
Price: €1,008
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Castell Son Claret
First mentioned in 1450, this site consists of various properties united in the 18th century to form a 132-acres estate. The current buildings, reformed in the 19th century, have been lovingly restored in 2013 to open as a luxury hotel that includes beautiful gardens.
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Ca'n Moragues Hotel, Arta
The Ca´n Moragues hotel is located in an stately old house from the eighteenth century which has been restored and transformed into an exclusive small hotel with eight rooms.
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Son Palou Hotel, Orient
This hotel lies in the middle of a private estate of 150 hectares with large plantations of apple and cherry trees, cultivated fields and mountains. It is an ideal base for hiking, riding mountain-bikes or simply strolling around to watch the farmers pick cherries and apples.
