Mallorca: Hikes on the Balearic Island

1. Ascent to the Puig d’en Farineta

The tour starts at the parking lot in front of the S’Arraco cemetery. The three kilometer long path leads past the beautiful Finca Son Veri, dwarf palms and rock faces. Stone men and red colored dots pave the way for orientation. The rocky ridge flows into a masonry mirador on the summit of Puig d’en Farineta at an altitude of 337 meters.

A short mountain tour of one and a half hours allows a great panoramic view. The wide view over the mountains, valleys and bays rewards everyone who covers the 220 meters of altitude. The mountainous Dragon Island swims off the coast in the southwest.

2. Pilgrimage route in the Barranc de Biniaraix ravine

The tour on an old pilgrimage route starts in the village of Biniaraix in the west of the island. The hike to the Barranc de Biniaraix begins at the top of the village and covers a total of 370 meters in altitude. Right at the beginning of the five-kilometer hike, a view of the valley and the village of Biniaraix opens up. You walk into the valley through olive groves until you reach the gorge. Numerous waterfalls flow into small, natural pools here.

After crossing a forest, you have the option to ascend to a waterfall. The ascent ends at a rock tower and rewards you with a view of the impressive gorge. If you long for the sea, you only have to walk a few meters further. On the Coll d’en Se, the panorama over the blue sea is revealed. Another highlight awaits on the way back to Biniaraix: Take a short break in the cool stalactite cave before you start the descent and arrive after just under three hours.

3. Summit tour on the Puig de ses Vinyes

Even if the Puig de ses Vinyes is compared to the Matterhorn, there are significantly fewer people on the move. Some climbing experience and a sense of direction are required on the five-kilometer route; in addition, three hours are to be allowed for. On the demanding summit tour, it immediately goes uphill. After you have traversed a confusing area, you should not only enjoy the view of the Piug de ses Vinyes. Make a note of the path for the way back.

Surrounded by massive rock faces, you hike through the valley basin. A dense forest still leads you downhill before you continue towards the summit. Take a short rest before the last steep climb. Stone men mark the way across meadows and stone rubble.

A section of around ten meters requires climbing experience before you climb the last few meters to the summit on stepped rocks. Once at the top, your view extends far over the Gorg Blau reservoir, the Torrent Pareis gorge, over the peaks in the distance and, on a clear day, to the Formentor peninsula. Take a break before you cover the last of the 300 meters in altitude.

4. Along the coast to the Torre d’Albarca

Although the hike extends over ten kilometers, it is very easy to master. Flat paths meander along the coast. These repeatedly lead to bays that invite you to swim. After the bay of Cala Matzoc you will come across a wooded hill on which the watchtower Torre d’Albarca stands. From there you have a view of the mountainous peninsulas in the northeast of the island.

The tour doesn’t end here. A small path leads through a pine forest and finally ends in a rocky bay. Take your time and go swimming in the emerald green water – the planned three hours can turn into four or five. This is followed by other bays and picturesque coastal paths that invite you to take photo breaks.

5. Cala Mesquida and Talaia Son Jaumell

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is located in the northeast of Mallorca. A hiking trail makes it possible to experience Cala Mesquida beach both up close and from a bird’s eye view. A wooden walkway leads over the protected sand dunes and turns into a coastal path. Along a stone wall, the path takes you to the Coll de Marina hill.

The highest point of the tour is marked by the ruins of Talaia Son Jaumell. From here you can see the dream beach of Cala Mesquida and, if the visibility is good, the distant Formentor peninsula. The way back leads back to Cala Mesquida. You should definitely take a bath there after the hike.