Palma travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Palma, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Bellver Forest and Castell de Bellver Loop
Marked paths climb through pine woods to the circular 14th-century Bellver Castle at about 110 m above sea level, with wide views over the city, the cathedral and the bay. The castle is open Tuesday to Saturday (to 19:00 April to September, to 18:00 October to March) and Sundays to 15:00; closed Mondays. General entry is €4 (~$4.60) and Sundays are free (castelldebellver.palma.es; +34 971 735 065).
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2
Palma Seafront Walk: Cathedral to Portixol and Ciutat Jardí
A flat, fully paved walk along the Passeig Marítim past the marina and city beaches to Portixol and on to Ciutat Jardí, with cafes at the harbour front and EMT bus line 35 for the return.
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3
Sa Foradada from Son Marroig
A coastal walk across private farmland to the Sa Foradada promontory, named for its natural hole in the rock, with sea views along the Tramuntana coast. Sources describe about 3 km each way (around 2.5 hours return). Reports say the path can be closed on some days, such as for wind warnings, so check before travelling.
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4
Deià to Port de Sóller Coastal Walk (GR 221)
A long coastal stage of the GR 221 long-distance trail between Deià and Port de Sóller through olive terraces and above the sea, ending at the Port de Sóller promenade, from which the vintage tram and TIB bus run back.
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5
Castell d'Alaró
A steady climb of about 1 hour to the ruins of a Moorish-era hill fortress at around 800 m, with a hilltop restaurant (Es Verger) at the start and a mountain sanctuary near the summit.
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6
Puig de Maria, Pollença
A moderate path of about 1 hour up from Pollença town to a monastery on top of a 330 m hill, with views over the bay of Pollença and the Tramuntana. The walk can be linked with the 365 steps of El Calvari.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Flat or gently rising walks under 6 km on paved or good dirt paths, suitable for most visitors in trainers
Marked mountain paths of 4 to 12 km with 150 to 350 m of climbing on stony ground; boots and water required
Long stages of the GR 221 with several hundred metres of ascent and descent; best for experienced walkers
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Palma.
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Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Summer heat on exposed paths: start at first light, wear a hat and carry at least 2 L of water
Hazard: Strong wind or storm warnings can close coastal paths such as Sa Foradada; check locally before travelling
Hazard: Stony, slippery paths in the Tramuntana after rain; wear boots with grip
Hazard: Little shade and no shops on mountain paths; carry water and food
Hazard: Emergency number across Spain is 112