Mallorca Spain | Hiking the Serra de Tramuntana
A journey through Mallorca’s mountains, villages, and Mediterranean coastlines.
Trip Highlights:
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Trek along timeworn stone trails through olive groves, citrus orchards, and mountain villages.
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Experience Mallorca’s cultural gems—monastery ruins, cobblestoned Valldemossa, and bohemian Deià—at leisure.
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Walk spectacular coastal trails to Sant Elm and Sa Dragonera, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.
Hiking in the Balearic Islands reaches its peak on Mallorca, where rugged limestone mountains rise from the sea, and ancient footpaths wind through citrus groves, pine forests, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Often called the crown jewel of Spain’s island chain, Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana range offers a striking blend of Mediterranean beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-class trails—many still used by shepherds and farmers today.
Ryder-Walker’s trek through this Mediterranean paradise explores the Serra de Tramuntana mountains—Mallorca’s dramatic spine—offering a varied mix of trails— some showcasing panoramic views while others explore the charm of the island’s lesser-known interior.
Our adventure begins in Sóller, a quiet town surrounded by citrus orchards and connected to Palma by a century-old tram. From here, we journey into the heart of the Tramuntana. Our hikes lead us to the Cúber Reservoir and descend through the hidden gorge of Biniaraix, a lush ravine steeped in Mallorcan agricultural history. Then we return to Cúber Reservoir to trace rugged trails around Tossals Verds and visit one of the original Spanish refugis, Refugi Tossals Verds.
Starting in Deià—a bohemian enclave overlooking the Mediterranean Sea we climb through olive groves and pine forests reaching limestone cliffs making the ascent from Deià to Valdemossa one of the most scenic on the island. We drop into the storybook village of Valldemossa. With cobblestone streets and charming cafés, it’s an ideal base for the next day’s lloop hike to Puig Gros and through the dramatic Cairats Valley.
We celebrate our last two nights near the sea in Port d’Andratx on the southwest coast of Mallorca. Our first adventure starts in the quiet portside Sant Elm along a stunning coastal trail to La Trapa monastery ruins overlooking the sea. As we take the final stage of the trek, we take a ferry from Sant Elm to the tiny uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera, a natural park where we hike to the 19th century Tramuntana lighthouse overlooking the sea.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Ryder-Walker will arrange a private taxi transfer from Palma International Airport to Sóller, a charming town nestled in the “Valley of the Oranges” (also known as the “Valley of Gold”)— named for its abundant citrus groves and golden afternoon light. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening dining out at one of Sóller’s inviting local restaurants.
Today begins with a scenic taxi ride to the Cúber Reservoir, a peaceful mountain lake nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana and a haven for birdlife including ospreys, red kites, and griffon vultures. From the reservoir, set off on foot through rugged highland terrain, passing traditional Mallorcan fincas (farmsteads) and winding down into the dramatic Biniaraix Gorge—a narrow ravine lined with ancient stone steps and lush vegetation. As the landscape transitions, hike through a mosaic of micro-climates, from pine forests to terraced hillsides brimming with olive trees, citrus groves, and charming backyard gardens. Your route concludes back in the valley town of Sóller. Dine out and explore the town’s vibrant culinary scene.
Distance: 7.9 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 650/2900 ft
Today’s adventure features a rewarding loop hike through the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana—a rugged mountain range known for its dramatic rock formations, deep canyons, and scenic variety. Your route leads to the beautifully preserved Refugi Tossals Verds,nestled among terraced olive groves and surrounded by a small botanical garden. On the return, follow an impressive water channel offering sweeping views across the valley toward Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest peak. The loop concludes at your starting point, where a taxi will return you to Sóller. Enjoy dinner out this evening.
Distance: 7.2 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 1800/1867 ft.
Today begins with a taxi transfer to the artist village of Deià. As you ascend the valley above Deià, you will gain incredible sea-meets-the mountains views by climbing a rather steep and rocky trail to a spectacular viewpoint of Deià below and where the Serra de Tramuntana extends to Sóller. From here, follow a historic bridle path—originally built for horseback travel and later used by Archduke Ludwig Salvator, a 19th-century explorer and early conservationist of the island. Your hike finishes with a descent into the picturesque town of Valldemossa, where you can enjoy a well-earned late lunch or traditional tapas in one of its charming cafés.
Distance: 5.9 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 2621/1814 ft.
Start the day right from your hotel, picking up the trail where you left off yesterday. Today’s hike takes you from Valldemossa to the summit of Puig Gros, then down through the scenic Cairats Valley and back into town. Much of the route follows the historic bridle path once used by Archduke Ludwig Salvator with views of the Tramuntana range along the way. Near the end of the hike, pass by remnants of Mallorca’s rural past, including old lime kilns and the ruins of charcoal burners’ huts. Return to Valldemossa and explore another of the town’s inviting cafés or restaurants for dinner.
Distance: 7.3 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 2005/1982 ft.
Begin the day with a taxi to the quiet port town of Sant Elm, where a scenic coastal trail leads to the La Trapa Monastery ruins, now a protected nature reserve overlooking the sea
on the southside of the Tramuntana Mountains. Along the way pass an old pirate lookout and descend to the bay of Cala Basset before touring the once abandoned Trappist Monastery, where volunteers are restoring the gardens
and orchards. Enjoy the views from here of Sa Dragonera, an uninhabited islet just off the west coast of Mallorca. Climb up to the Coll de ses Ànimes with more impressive views of the surrounding mountains and Sant Elm before retuning to Sant Elm where you meet your taxi transfer back to Port d’Andratx.
Distance: 5.7 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 1322/1318 ft.
Today begins with a taxi transfer and ferry from Sant Elm to the uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera, a protected natural park. Hike to the 19th-century Tramuntana Lighthouse on Na Pòpia, overlooking the sea. Legend has it that pirates, including the infamous Red Beard, stayed here. The island is now home to Eleonora’s falcons during nesting season before their migration to Madagascar, as well as the endemic Mallorcan lizard, sargantana. After your hike, enjoy a late lunch or spend time at the beach before returning by taxi to Port d’Andratx for your final night.
Distance: 5.4 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 1200 ft.
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from Port d’Andratxt to Palma International Airport.
