Best hiking trails in Majorca for all levels

What are your top recommendations for hikes around the island that would be suitable for families with children?

There are a couple of tours that can easily be done with children of any age, and that will still be fun for the kids. A good region is around the Lluc Monastery, about an hour‘s drive from Palma.

Right at the official car park is a restaurant and bar which is especially convenient for families. The walk lasts about 1 1/2 hours and passes interesting rock formations where the little ones can explore.

It also goes through holm oaks woods of holm oaks, and since it’s mostly in the shade it’s an excellent choice to escape the heat of the Mediterranean. Before wandering around, take time to look around and make sure you are on the right path, since not all of them are ideally suited for children!

Although it’s not a circular hike, another option with nice ocean views is the tour to Talia (or Atalaya) Alcudia in the north of the island, starting at Sanctuary La Victoria close to Alcudia. It also only takes about 1 1/2 hours. More experienced families can add a detour to Plenja Rotja, which is a bit more demanding, though probably more interesting for older children.

Finally, there you could try the Cala Fornells region, close to Paguera, which has the added attraction of a swim in the sea en route.

From the car park of Cala Fornells, a short 15 minute hike will take you to a small natural beach, Caló d‘en Monjo, where you can enjoy a swim. Depending on how much hiking the kids are up to, you can explore the many paths fringed by pine trees that wind around that area on walks of up to 1 1/2 hours.

Which is the best season for hiking in Mallorca?

If you don’t mind if the landscape is already a bit dry, trips between October and mid-November will allow you to combine a hiking holiday with some ocean swims. My advice would definitely be to avoid the hot summer months, especially when travelling with children.

Which are the most scenic hikes on the island, in your opinion?

Passing across Puig Teix with more than 1000m of altitude, it is relatively demanding and will take you 4-5 hours; it’s definitely worth the trip though, and gives you plenty of opportunities to take pictures off the beaten track on the island.

Do you have a personal favorite mountain hike in Mallorca?

The path from Puigpunyent is hard to find, but once you’re on it it’s only a short hike of 1 1/2 hours up to the top. The track is easier to access from Estellencs but it will take about 3 hours from there.

Do you have any more ambitious recommendations for more experienced hikers?

The famous Torrent de Pareis is a wild and rocky canyon in the Tramuntana, which can be hiked either downwards or upwards, or indeed in both directions. There are some demanding sections in there and needs about 4-5 hours hiking each way through an impressive landscape.

An ideal itinerary would be arriving by public transport from Soller at the starting point Escorca, hiking down the 680m of difference.

Then enjoy a snack and drink at the bar down there in Sa Calobra and catch the boat back to Port Soller. It’s especially nice in the warmer months, as it is mainly in the shade and you can enjoy a swim after the hike.

The walk itself could be called “alpine”, since the path leads over rugged rocks and requires proper equipment and experience.