Mallorca Spain | Hiking the Serra de Tramuntana
Mountain trails, coastal hikes, and timeless island charm
Trip Highlights:
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Hike the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana, from mountain ridges to hidden coastal coves.
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Explore Mallorca’s most charming villages — Sóller, Deià, and Valldemossa — each with its own distinct character.
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Savor the island’s rich culture and cuisine, blending Moorish, Catalan, and Mediterranean traditions.
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 Guided trek through this Mediterranean paradise follows the Serra de Tramuntana mountains—Mallorca’s dramatic spine—on a varied mix of trails. Some routes showcase sweeping coastal panoramas, while others wind through the island’s quieter interior.
Our journey begins in Sóller, a quiet town surrounded by citrus orchards and connected to Palma by a century-old tram. From here, the route heads into the heart of the Tramuntana, leading to the Cúber Reservoir before descending through the hidden gorge of Biniaraix, a lush ravine rich in agricultural history. Trails then circle back toward the Cúber Reservoir, following rugged paths around Tossals Verds and visiting one of Mallorca’s original Spanish refugis, Refugi Tossals Verds.
From the bohemian enclave of Deià, perched above the Mediterranean, the path climbs through olive groves and pine forests to reach limestone cliffs on the ascent to Valldemossa— one of the island’s most scenic routes. Valldemossa, with its cobblestone streets and welcoming cafés, makes an ideal base for our loop hike to Puig Gros and through the dramatic Cairats Valley.
Our final nights are spent near the sea in Port d’Andratx on Mallorca’s southwest coast. The first coastal stage begins in the quiet port of Sant Elm, following a spectacular shoreline trail to the ruins of La Trapa Monastery. On the last day, a short ferry ride from Sant Elm reaches the uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera, a protected natural park with a trail to the 19th-century Tramuntana lighthouse overlooking the sea.
Trip Itinerary
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 at 7pm meet your guides and group for cocktails, orientation and dinner.
Today we begin 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, we 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, we hike through a mosaic of micro- climates, from pine forests to terraced hillsides brimming with olive trees, citrus groves, and charming backyard gardens. Our route concludes back at our hotel in Sóller.
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. Our route leads to the beautifully preserved Refugi Tossals Verds, nestled among terraced olive groves and surrounded by a small botanical garden. On the return, we follow an impressive water channel offering sweeping views across the valley toward Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest peak. The loop concludes at our starting point, where a transfer will return us to Sóller.
Distance: 7.2 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 1800/1867 ft.
Today begins with a taxi transfer to the artist village of Deià. As we ascend the valley above Deià, we 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, we 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. Our hike finishes with a descent into the picturesque town of Valldemossa, where we 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.
We start the day right from our hotel, picking up the trail where we left off yesterday. Today’s hike takes us 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, we pass by remnants of Mallorca’s rural past, including old lime kilns and the ruins of charcoal burners’ huts. We 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.
The day begins 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 we 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. Next, we climb up to the Coll de ses Ànimes to enjoy more impressive views of the surrounding mountains and Sant Elm before heading back to Sant Elm for a 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. Our hike takes us 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. The day concludes with a taxi transfer back Port d’Andratx for our 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.
