Mountains, stone paths, villages and spectacular routes. With Palma as your base.
Mallorca is known around the world for its beaches.
But drive just a short distance from Palma and you will discover another island.
A vertical island.
Made of stone.
Olive trees.
Ravines.
Holm oak forests.
Ancient paths.
Villages built between mountains.
Mountain refuges.
Peaks.
And trails crossing some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Mediterranean.
Welcome to the Serra de Tramuntana.
And this is our first recommendation:
You do not need to choose between Palma and the mountains.
You can have both.
Sleep in Palma.
Have breakfast overlooking the bay.
Head towards the Serra.
Walk for hours.
Discover Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Lluc, Cúber or Alaró.
Then return to the city in the afternoon.
To a shower.
A massage.
A cold beer.
Dinner.
And Palma by night.
For us, this combination is one of the best ways to experience Mallorca.
Your base is Palma.
The mountains begin every morning.
Palma: Gateway to the Serra de Tramuntana
Palma is not only Mallorca's capital.
It is also an excellent starting point for exploring the island's mountain range.
From Palma you can organise day trips to:
Valldemossa
Deià
Sóller
Port de Sóller
Bunyola
Esporles
Banyalbufar
Estellencs
Alaró
Cúber
Lluc
Pollença
And return afterwards.
That is a major advantage.
You do not have to change hotels every night.
You do not need to pack and unpack repeatedly.
You do not have to choose between mountains, gastronomy, culture and city life.
Palma can be your hiking base camp.
Hotel Amic Horizonte: Mountains by Day, Palma by Night
Hotel Amic Horizonte is located in La Bonanova, above Palma Bay.
That means you can start the morning looking at the Mediterranean and, only a few hours later, be walking between forests, dry-stone walls and mountain peaks.
For a hiking holiday, the logic is simple:
Sleep in Palma.
Explore a different part of the Serra each day.
Return to the hotel.
Recover.
Go out for dinner or stay at Espacio Horizonte.
And repeat.
That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to use Palma as your base.
What Is the Serra de Tramuntana?
The Serra de Tramuntana runs along the north-western side of Mallorca for around 90 kilometres.
Its highest point reaches approximately 1,445 metres.
But its importance is not only about altitude.
The Tramuntana is a cultural landscape.
A territory shaped for centuries by the relationship between people and mountains:
agricultural terraces
dry-stone walls
old paths
irrigation systems
olive groves
traditional estates
snow houses
mountain villages
For this combination of nature and human history, the Serra de Tramuntana is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape.
Walking here is not simply exercise.
It is walking through the history of Mallorca.
GR 221: Mallorca's Great Hiking Route
If there is one backbone to hiking in Mallorca, it is the:
Ruta de Pedra en Sec · GR 221
The Dry Stone Route crosses the Serra using historic restored and marked trails.
It connects very different landscapes:
coast.
forest.
mountains.
villages.
refuges.
valleys.
peaks.
Along the way, you pass some of Mallorca's most iconic places:
Valldemossa.
Deià.
Sóller.
Cúber.
Lluc.
Pollença.
And many smaller historic paths.
You Do Not Need to Hike the Entire GR 221
This is important.
Many travellers hear about the GR 221 and imagine a multi-day expedition.
It does not have to be that way.
If you stay in Palma, you can explore individual sections as day hikes.
Every morning:
Palma → mountains.
Every afternoon:
mountains → Palma.
This allows you to adapt your trip according to:
fitness level
weather
transport
interests
available time
And sleep in the same hotel every night.
The Best Hiking Routes from Palma
There is no single “best route”.
It depends on the experience you want.
So we have divided them by type.
1. Esporles to Banyalbufar via Camí des Correu
One of the best first hikes in the Tramuntana
The Camí des Correu is an ancient route that historically connected Esporles and Banyalbufar.
It is a perfect introduction to the Serra because it combines:
old mountain paths
Mediterranean forest
dry-stone walls
villages
views
history
It is ideal for:
first-time hikers.
couples.
travellers who want both village and mountain scenery.
autumn and winter days.
And Esporles is relatively easy to reach from Palma.
2. Valldemossa and the Camí de s’Arxiduc
The romantic Tramuntana
Valldemossa is one of Mallorca's most famous mountain villages.
But it is also the starting point for some extraordinary hiking areas.
The surroundings include routes connected with Son Moragues, the Camí de sa Coma des Cairats and the Camí de s’Arxiduc.
The landscape combines:
forest.
ridges.
stone walls.
coastal views.
and the beautiful architecture of Valldemossa itself.
Our suggested day:
Leave Palma early.
Hike.
Have lunch in Valldemossa.
Walk through the village.
Return to Palma.
One full day without changing accommodation.
3. Deià: Mountains Meeting the Mediterranean
Deià represents one of the defining images of Mallorca:
mountains falling directly towards the sea.
Here, the attraction is not only hiking.
It is the combination:
village + mountain + sea + gastronomy.
Walk in the morning.
Have lunch.
Explore the village.
Head towards the coast.
Then return to Palma.
Deià works especially well for travellers who want scenery without making the whole day purely athletic.
4. Sóller and Port de Sóller
Hiking + valley + sea
Sóller is one of the natural hubs of the Tramuntana.
From the valley, routes lead towards:
Biniaraix
Fornalutx
Muleta
Deià
Cúber
Port de Sóller
Sóller is particularly attractive because it combines hiking with one of Mallorca's most beautiful valleys.
And after walking, you still have cafés, restaurants and the sea.
5. Barranc de Biniaraix
One of Mallorca's great dry-stone paths
The Barranc de Biniaraix is one of the most impressive historic landscapes in the Serra.
This is where the idea of a “cultural landscape” becomes obvious.
The mountain is literally built with:
steps.
walls.
paths.
channels.
terraces.
Stone upon stone.
Generation after generation.
The route is physically more demanding than a simple village walk, but the landscape makes it unforgettable.
6. Cúber Reservoir
Mallorca's Alpine Side
Cúber surprises anyone who knows Mallorca only for beaches.
It sits high in the Serra, surrounded by some of the island's tallest mountains.
It is one of the major starting points for hiking in central Tramuntana.
From here you can explore routes towards:
Tossals Verds
Biniaraix
L’Ofre
sections of the GR 221
It is a great full-day excursion from Palma.
7. Puig des Tossals Verds
For Experienced Hikers
This is already serious mountain territory.
More elevation.
More rock.
More effort.
And some of the most rewarding scenery in the central Tramuntana.
For this type of route, you should be physically prepared and check conditions carefully before leaving.
Suitable footwear, water and layers are essential.
8. Alaró Castle
Mountain + History + Views
Castell d'Alaró sits dramatically above the surrounding landscape.
The route combines:
hiking.
history.
views.
and one of the most impressive mountain arrivals in Mallorca.
This is one of those hikes where the destination is just as important as the path.
It is particularly good for travellers who enjoy combining nature with history.
9. Lluc
The Spiritual Heart of the Tramuntana
Lluc is much more than a sanctuary.
It is one of the main hiking hubs in Mallorca.
From this area, you can access many routes including:
Camí Vell de Lluc to Pollença
Sa Cometa des Morts
Es Pixarells
Sa Coma de Binifaldó
Camí Vell de Caimari to Lluc
Puig d’en Galileu
Lluc is ideal for a full mountain day.
And even here, the philosophy can remain the same:
head out from Palma in the morning.
return in the evening.
10. Puig d’en Galileu
A Challenging Historic Route
The route to Puig d’en Galileu is more demanding.
It follows historic mountain paths once used by people working in charcoal production, transport and snow collection.
From higher points, you can see some of the major peaks of the Tramuntana:
Puig de Massanella.
Puig Major.
Serra des Teixos.
Coll des Prat.
This is for hikers who are comfortable with mountain terrain.
11. Lluc to Pollença
If you want a longer day without necessarily looking for technical difficulty, the old route between Lluc and Pollença is an excellent option.
It connects two very different environments:
the mountain heart of Mallorca.
and the north of the island.
A long walking day.
But also a very rewarding cultural route.
12. Sa Moleta de Binifaldó
A more moderate mountain alternative.
A good option for travellers who want Tramuntana scenery without taking on a major ascent.
It is particularly suitable for those building confidence before trying more demanding routes.
What About Puig Major?
Puig Major is Mallorca's highest mountain.
But it should not be treated like a normal tourist summit.
Part of the upper area is connected with military installations and access restrictions apply.
That is why there are many other peaks and routes better suited to hikers.
You do not need to stand on the island's highest point to experience the best of the Tramuntana.
Routes by Difficulty
If You Are Just Starting
Camí des Correu.
Sa Cometa des Morts.
Binifaldó.
Around Lluc.
Valldemossa surroundings.
Cúber.
If You Hike Regularly
Biniaraix.
Alaró Castle.
Lluc to Pollença.
Deià.
Sections of the GR 221.
If You Want a Challenge
Tossals Verds.
Puig d’en Galileu.
High mountain routes in the central Tramuntana.
For these, always check weather and route conditions before setting out.
Mallorca Is Still Mountain Terrain
The Tramuntana can look gentle.
There is sunshine.
Sea.
Olive trees.
Mediterranean temperatures.
But it is still mountain terrain.
Trails can be:
rocky.
steep.
slippery.
uneven.
exposed.
Weather can also change quickly.
Winter can be cold.
Summer can be extremely hot.
After heavy rain, ravines and paths may change.
Never underestimate the mountains because you are on a Mediterranean island.
What to Bring Hiking in Mallorca
For easier routes:
suitable shoes
water
sunscreen
hat
charged phone
offline map or route track
food or snacks
For more demanding routes:
technical footwear
layered clothing
waterproof jacket
enough water
food
power bank
offline maps
headlamp if there is any chance of finishing late
In winter:
always bring warm clothing.
Even when Palma feels mild.
Summer: Be Careful with the Heat
Mallorca is associated with summer.
But July and August are not always the easiest months for hiking.
Heat.
Strong sun.
Limited shade.
Greater water needs.
Autumn, winter and spring can offer outstanding hiking conditions.
That fits perfectly with the idea of discovering Mallorca all year round.
What Is the Best Season for Hiking in Mallorca?
Autumn
Milder temperatures.
Quieter trails.
Excellent conditions for many routes.
Winter
Very good for hiking when conditions are stable.
Cooler days.
Clear views.
Palma remains active.
Spring
One of the most beautiful periods.
Green landscapes.
Wildflowers.
Comfortable temperatures.
Summer
Possible, but requires more planning.
Start early.
Avoid midday heat.
Carry plenty of water.
Choose routes carefully.
Hiking Without a Car from Palma
One of Palma's big advantages as a base is public transport.
Intercity buses connect Palma with important Tramuntana destinations such as:
Esporles.
Valldemossa.
Deià.
Sóller.
Port de Sóller.
Bunyola.
and other areas via connections.
This makes linear hikes much easier because you do not always need to return to the same parking place.
For hikers, that is a major advantage.
A Rental Car Gives You More Freedom
For places such as Cúber, Lluc, Tossals Verds and some central mountain routes, having a car can make logistics easier.
You can leave Palma early and return the same day.
But planning matters.
Mountain parking areas can be small.
Roads can be narrow.
Certain areas may have seasonal restrictions.
Always check current information before travelling.
Palma + Hiking = An Extraordinary Combination
This is the central idea of this guide.
Why stay exclusively in the mountains if you also want to experience Palma?
From Hotel Amic Horizonte, a day can look like this:
07:00
Breakfast.
08:00
Leave for the Tramuntana.
09:00
Start hiking.
14:00
Finish the route.
15:00
Lunch in a mountain village.
17:00
Return to Palma.
18:00
Shower.
18:30
Massage.
20:00
Dinner.
22:00
Palma.
And tomorrow:
another mountain.
another village.
another route.
without moving your suitcase.
Massage After Hiking
After several hours walking, your legs, back and feet may appreciate some recovery.
At Hotel Amic Horizonte, you can ask about our massage service.
That creates a very simple experience:
HIKE + MASSAGE
Mountains in the morning.
Recovery in the afternoon.
Then:
Espacio Horizonte.
Dinner.
Palma.
Gym, Running and Stairs
If you still have energy, the hotel also has a gym.
And if you want to keep the mountain spirit alive inside the building:
you can use the stairs from floor 0 to floor 9.
It does not replace the Tramuntana.
But your legs may notice.
Mountain Villages Are Part of the Hiking Experience
The Tramuntana is not only about trails.
It is also about villages.
Valldemossa
Stone, history and mountains.
Deià
Art, sea and dramatic slopes.
Sóller
A valley surrounded by mountains.
Fornalutx
Stone streets and agricultural landscapes.
Banyalbufar
Terraces falling towards the sea.
Esporles
One of the natural gateways from Palma.
Alaró
Castle, history and mountains.
Lluc
Spirituality and hiking.
Pollença
A natural end point for many routes.
The hike is only part of the journey.
Dry Stone: The Language of the Tramuntana
There is one thing you will see constantly:
stone.
Walls.
Steps.
Terraces.
Paths.
Channels.
Small shelters.
Dry-stone construction has shaped this landscape for centuries.
The GR 221 takes its identity directly from this heritage.
Walking here means walking through a landscape built carefully around slopes, water and agriculture.
That is one of the reasons the Serra de Tramuntana has such exceptional cultural value.
Mountain Refuges
The Serra also has a network of mountain refuges linked to hiking routes.
These make multi-day trekking possible.
But our proposal from Horizonte is different.
The refuges are there.
You can use them.
You can walk for several days.
But if you want to combine mountains with Palma:
hike during the day and return to the city.
There is no single correct way to discover the Tramuntana.
Hiking with Families
The Tramuntana is not only for experienced hikers.
There are shorter and more accessible routes suitable for families and less experienced walkers.
This is important:
There is a Tramuntana for everyone.
Families.
Active seniors.
Beginners.
Regular hikers.
Experienced mountaineers.
You simply need to choose the right route.
3 Days of Hiking from Palma
Day 1 — Esporles to Banyalbufar
A first introduction to the GR 221.
Return to Palma.
Dinner.
Day 2 — Valldemossa
Hike around the Son Moragues area and spend time exploring the village.
Return.
Optional massage.
Day 3 — Cúber
Higher mountains.
Wilder scenery.
A completely different day.
And once again:
Palma by night.
5 Days of Mountains with Palma as Your Base
Day 1
Esporles – Banyalbufar.
Day 2
Valldemossa.
Day 3
Sóller – Biniaraix.
Day 4
Cúber / Tossals Verds.
Day 5
Alaró Castle.
Five days.
Five landscapes.
One base.
Hiking + Gastronomy
A good hike deserves a good ending.
Mallorca offers:
pa amb oli.
Mallorcan soups.
lamb.
rice dishes.
local sausages.
olive oil.
almonds.
wine.
cocas.
ensaimada.
And after returning to Palma, you can finish the day at Espacio Horizonte.
Walking 15 kilometres also gives you permission to eat well.
Hiking + Culture
Another advantage of staying in Palma:
Not every day needs to be a mountain day.
You can alternate:
Serra de Tramuntana.
Palma Cathedral.
Fundació Miró.
Bellver Castle.
Museums.
Porto Pi.
Markets.
Paseo Marítimo.
Beach.
Mountains one day.
City the next.
That makes a hiking holiday much more complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Mallorca
Where are the mountains in Mallorca?
The main mountain range is the Serra de Tramuntana, located in the north-west of the island.
Is the Serra de Tramuntana close to Palma?
Yes.
Palma works very well as a base for day trips into the mountains.
Can I go hiking while staying in Palma?
Yes.
Many villages and trail areas can be reached by road or public transport from Palma.
Do I need a rental car?
Not always.
Places such as Esporles, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller and Port de Sóller have public transport connections from Palma.
For Cúber and more remote mountain routes, a car can make logistics easier.
What is the GR 221?
The GR 221, or Dry Stone Route, is the main long-distance hiking route through the Serra de Tramuntana.
Are there easy hiking routes?
Yes.
There are many lower-difficulty routes suitable for beginners and families.
Are there difficult routes?
Yes.
The central Tramuntana offers demanding mountain routes for experienced hikers.
What is the best season for hiking?
Autumn, winter and spring are particularly attractive.
Summer requires careful heat management.
Can I hike in winter?
Yes.
Many routes can be enjoyed in winter when weather conditions are good.
Do I need hiking boots?
It depends on the route.
For demanding mountain terrain, proper hiking footwear is recommended.
Is there water along the routes?
Do not assume there will be.
Always carry enough water.
Can I hike alone?
It is possible on many routes, but always tell someone where you are going, especially on longer or more difficult hikes.
Can I use public transport for linear hikes?
Yes.
This is one of the advantages of staying in Palma and using the regional transport network.
Can I combine hiking with a city break?
Absolutely.
That is exactly why we recommend Palma as a base.
Our Final Recommendation
Do not come to Mallorca thinking only about beaches.
Do not come thinking only about Palma.
And do not assume that to enjoy the mountains you need to sleep in a different village every night.
There is another way.
Palma can be your base.
Wake up beside the Mediterranean.
Walk through the Tramuntana.
Discover a village.
Have lunch in the mountains.
Return.
Book a massage.
Have a drink.
Eat.
Sleep.
And tomorrow, start again.
From Hotel Amic Horizonte, we like to think about Mallorca this way:
THE MOUNTAINS BY DAY.
PALMA BY NIGHT.
And that may be one of the best ways to discover the island.
HOTEL AMIC HORIZONTE
Your hiking base in Palma de Mallorca
Palma Bay · Serra de Tramuntana · GR 221 · Hiking · Recovery · Mediterranean
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