Gentle family-friendly hike to a hilltop hermitage with panoramic views across the Mallorcan plain. The trail winds through pine forest with views extending to the Tramuntana and Alcúdia bay.
Puig de Santa Magdalena is a 304-metre hill rising above the town of Inca in central Mallorca, topped by a fourteenth-century hermitage and offering panoramic views across the island's agricultural interior. The hill is one of the most accessible and family-friendly hikes on Mallorca, combining a gentle forested trail with historical interest and exceptional island-wide views on a short outing.
The trailhead is located on the outskirts of Inca, signposted from the main road between Inca and Selva. Inca is on the Palma–Manacor railway line, making this one of the few Mallorcan hillwalks conveniently reached by public transport; the station is approximately 2 kilometres from the hill base. Drivers will find a small car park at the foot of the hill. The summit is also accessible by a narrow tarmac road used by vehicles visiting the hermitage restaurant — an option for those with limited mobility.
The footpath ascends 1.5 kilometres to the summit (3 kilometres round trip) through pine forest and holm oak on a well-maintained rocky and earthen track. The 300-metre elevation gain is spread evenly with no steep or technical sections, and the gradient is manageable for children, older walkers, and those new to hiking. The trail is well-shaded by pine and oak canopy, providing welcome relief even in moderate summer heat. At the summit, the Santuari de Santa Magdalena encompasses a fourteenth-century hermitage chapel and a functioning traditional restaurant serving Mallorcan cuisine — grilled meats, sobrassada, and local wines. The restaurant typically opens for lunch on weekends and public holidays; advance reservations are recommended.
From the summit terrace, views extend west to the Serra de Tramuntana, north to the Bay of Alcúdia, east towards Artà, and south across the Mallorcan interior — one of the best panoramas available on such a short walk anywhere on the island. Spring brings wildflowers to the lower hillside below the pine belt. The combination of easy terrain, shaded trail, summit cuisine, and exceptional views makes Puig de Santa Magdalena one of the most rewarding short hikes in central Mallorca.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Near Inca, Central Mallorca
- Best season
- Year-round; March to May for wildflowers, October to February for clearest views
Highlights
- Hermitage restaurant at summit
- Views of Alcúdia bay
- Wildflowers in spring
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning to have the summit path almost to yourself — weekends attract local families heading to the hermitage restaurant for lunch.
- The hermitage restaurant opens primarily on weekends and public holidays — call ahead to confirm if planning to eat at the summit.
- Spring (March–May) is the best season for wildflowers on the lower slopes; clear winter days offer the greatest visible range across the island.
- The shaded pine canopy makes this trail comfortable even in summer — one of the more heat-manageable hikes in Mallorca for a midday visit.
- Combine with a visit to Inca town for its weekly Thursday market and leather goods shops, one of the largest markets in Mallorca.
When to visit
The trail is pleasant year-round. March to May brings wildflowers to the lower slopes, and clear winter mornings offer the best island-wide panoramas. Midday summer visits are manageable thanks to the shaded pine canopy.
Accessibility
The hiking trail itself is not accessible to wheelchair users. However, the tarmac summit road allows wheelchair users and visitors with strollers to reach the hermitage, restaurant, and panoramic summit terrace by vehicle, making the views and hermitage accessible without hiking.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the hike to Puig de Santa Magdalena?
The trail is rated easy and suitable for most fitness levels, including older walkers and children from approximately age four. The 300-metre elevation gain is evenly distributed, with no steep or technical sections. Good walking shoes are sufficient; full hiking boots are not required.
Can I drive to the summit instead of hiking?
A narrow tarmac road runs to the summit and is used by visitors to the hermitage restaurant. Those with limited mobility can drive to the top and enjoy the panoramic views and restaurant without completing the walking trail.
Is there food or water available at the summit?
The Santuari de Santa Magdalena has a traditional restaurant serving Mallorcan cuisine including grilled meats and local wine, typically open on weekends and public holidays. There is no vending machine or shop on the trail — bring water for the ascent.
Is the trail open all year?
The trail is open year-round. Winter days (December to February) often deliver the clearest island-wide views, with the Tramuntana peaks occasionally snow-capped in the distance. Summer mornings before 10am are comfortable thanks to the pine canopy shade.