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A relaxed circular walk through Alcúdia offers a good introduction to one of the best-preserved historic towns on Mallorca. Located in the northeast of the island, between the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença, the town has a compact old center that is almost entirely enclosed by medieval walls, giving it a distinct and clearly defined structure. The walk begins along the Muralla d'Alcúdia, which are among the most notable features of the town. Large parts of these walls are accessible, allowing you to walk along the top and get a slightly elevated view over the rooftops, narrow streets, and surrounding countryside. The fortifications date back to the 14th century and are reinforced by towers and gates, reflecting the town’s strategic importance in the past. From there, the route continues into the center toward the Església de Sant Jaume d'Alcúdia, the main church of the town. It is integrated into the defensive system, with its structure forming part of the city wall, which underlines how closely everyday life and defense were connected. The surrounding streets are narrow and mostly pedestrian, lined with traditional houses, small shops, and cafés. The walk then leads to the Porta de Xara, one of the original gates in the wall. Passing through it gives a good sense of how the town was accessed and controlled in earlier times. From here, the route loops back toward the starting point, again following sections of the walls and the outer perimeter. Overall, the walk is short and easy, but it highlights the character of Alcúdia as a historic, enclosed town with well-preserved fortifications. The possibility to walk along the city walls adds a different perspective and is one of the main reasons this small circuit is particularly worthwhile.

Cap de Formentor is the northernmost point of Mallorca and one of the island’s most striking coastal landscapes. Located at the end of a long, narrow peninsula, it is known for its steep cliffs, rugged rock formations, and wide views over the open sea. The area feels exposed and wild, especially compared to the more sheltered parts of the island, and the vegetation becomes sparse as you approach the tip of the peninsula. Reaching Cap de Formentor by car is part of the experience. The road from Port de Pollença winds its way along the peninsula in a series of tight curves and narrow sections, often with steep drops and very little protection. Along the way, there are several viewpoints where it is worth stopping, as the views over the coastline and the sea are already impressive long before reaching the end. During peak season, access may be restricted, but outside these times the drive is straightforward, if a bit slow and demanding. At the end of the road, near the lighthouse, the landscape opens up into a dramatic mix of cliffs and sea. The views are extensive, often stretching far along the coastline and out into the Mediterranean. It is also a starting point for short walks and longer hikes along the cliffs. When we visited, however, the conditions were very different. Strong winds swept across the peninsula, making it difficult even to stand steadily in exposed areas. The originally planned hike along the coast had to be abandoned, as it would have been too dangerous under those conditions. The combination of narrow paths, steep drops, and powerful gusts made it clear that continuing would not have been safe. Even without the hike, the visit was still memorable. The raw, windy conditions emphasized the exposed nature of Cap de Formentor and gave a strong impression of the forces shaping this landscape. It remains a place defined as much by its weather and atmosphere as by its scenery.

The small coastal settlement of Sa Calobra lies at the end of one of Mallorca’s most famous mountain roads, surrounded by steep cliffs of the Serra de Tramuntana. Despite its popularity, it has a striking setting, with the sea framed by high rock walls and a narrow opening that marks the exit of the Torrent de Pareis. From the village, a short walk through a pedestrian tunnel carved into the rock leads to a small pebble beach, where the canyon meets the Mediterranean. The Torrent de Pareis itself is one of the most impressive natural landscapes on the island—a deep limestone gorge with towering vertical walls, shaped over time by water erosion. The terrain inside is rugged and constantly changing, with large boulders, polished rock surfaces, and narrow passages that require scrambling rather than simple walking. In dry conditions, it is a challenging but manageable route for experienced hikers, but after rainfall it can quickly become much more difficult or even impassable due to flowing water and flooded sections. On this particular day, we first attempted to enter the gorge from above, descending into the upper section. However, after heavy rain in the previous nights, there was too much water in the canyon, and progress became impossible after a certain point. We had to turn back and abandon the idea of completing the full descent. Later, starting from Sa Calobra, we explored the lower section of the Torrent de Pareis instead. Walking in from the sea, the scale of the canyon becomes immediately apparent, with steep walls rising on both sides and the light narrowing as you move inward. Even this lower part involves scrambling over boulders and navigating uneven ground. Eventually, we reached a point where continuing would have required swimming through a deeper pool. Given the colder conditions and the late hour, we decided to turn around again. As a result, we missed a central section of the gorge, but even the parts we were able to explore made a strong impression. The Torrent de Pareis stands out for its scale, raw terrain, and the sense of being enclosed within a dramatic natural formation—it remains one of the most striking hiking environments on Mallorca.

A demanding hike in Escorca leads through remote terrain in the Serra de Tramuntana and offers impressive views as well as a challenging descent into one of the island’s most famous gorges. The original plan was ambitious: to descend from above into the Torrent de Pareis, follow it all the way down to Sa Calobra, and then even return the same way. From the starting point, the route leads steeply downhill to the Pas des Boverons, past the Avenc de sa Miranda, a deep vertical cave opening that adds an interesting geological feature along the way. From the Pas de Boverons, the character of the hike changes, and the route continues into the rugged landscape of the gorge. The descent into the gorge requires careful footing, but it is rewarded with impressive views down into the canyon. The scale of the landscape becomes particularly clear from this perspective. However, upon reaching the Pas de Boverons, it quickly became apparent that there was still water in the gorge due to heavy rainfall in the previous days. While the first sections could still be managed by bypassing smaller pools, the situation changed further on. At a point where a fixed rope is normally used to descend a short step, the water level was already high enough to require getting wet. While this alone would not have been a major issue, it was impossible to judge how conditions would develop deeper in the canyon. For safety reasons, we decided to turn around at this point. The return ascent out of the Torrent de Pareis was strenuous, as the same steep terrain had to be climbed back up, but it proved to be the right decision. Later, when approaching the gorge from Sa Calobra, we met two hikers who had continued further and reported having to swim through several sections due to the high water level. A few days later, there were even reports of several people needing to be rescued by helicopter after becoming trapped in the canyon. This experience highlights that the Torrent de Pareis is highly dependent on conditions. After rainfall, water levels can rise quickly, making the route dangerous or impassable. In contrast, during hot summer periods, the difficulty shifts toward heat and physical strain. Overall, the hike is impressive and varied, but it requires careful planning and constant attention to current conditions.

A varied circular walk through Palma de Mallorca offers a good overview of the city, combining historic streets, waterfront views, and a detour into the surrounding hills. Palma is known for its mix of medieval architecture, lively urban spaces, and its position directly on the Mediterranean, which shapes both its layout and atmosphere. Starting in the city, the route passes Can Barceló and continues into the old town toward the Iglesia de Santa Eulalia, one of the city’s oldest churches and a good example of Gothic architecture. The walk then leads to the Catedral de Palma, the most prominent landmark of Palma. Its massive sandstone structure dominates the skyline, standing directly above the sea and reflecting the city’s historical importance as a maritime center. Just below the cathedral lies the Parc de la Mar, a wide open space along the waterfront that offers clear views of the cathedral and the bay. From here, the route gradually leaves the dense urban center and heads toward higher ground. The ascent to the Castell de Bellver is one of the key sections of the walk. Located on a wooded hill to the west of the city, this 14th-century castle is unusual for its perfectly circular design, which is rare in European fortifications. Originally built as a royal residence and later used as a prison, it now serves as a museum. Its elevated position provides wide panoramic views over Palma, the harbor, and the surrounding coastline, making it one of the best viewpoints in the area. The combination of historical architecture and its strategic location makes it a central highlight of the route. After visiting the castle, the path descends back toward the city, passing the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción and continuing through the Parque Sa Feixina, a green space that contrasts with the dense urban fabric nearby. The walk then returns toward the historic center, reaching Sa Llotja, a former merchants’ exchange that reflects Palma’s importance in Mediterranean trade. Further along, the route passes the Fuente de las Tortugas, a well-known meeting point, before continuing to La Sang and the Iglesia de Sant Miquel, both located within the lively streets of the old town. Overall, this circular walk highlights Palma’s diversity: from narrow historic alleys and major monuments to open coastal spaces and elevated viewpoints. The inclusion of the Castell de Bellver adds a distinct contrast to the otherwise urban route, offering both historical insight and a broader perspective over the city and its surroundings.

Cala Tuent is a small, remote cove on the northwest coast of Mallorca, set within the dramatic landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana. Surrounded by steep, forested slopes and far from major tourist centers, it has a quiet and unspoiled atmosphere. The beach itself is made up of coarse pebbles and stones rather than sand, and the water is typically very clear, with a deep blue color. Because of its more exposed location, the sea can be rough at times, but on calm days it is well suited for swimming. Facilities are minimal, which helps preserve the natural character of the place. Cala Tuent is often visited in combination with nearby Sa Calobra, but it is noticeably less crowded and feels more secluded. It’s a good option for those looking for a quieter coastal stop, especially after a hike in the surrounding mountains or as part of a scenic drive through the Tramuntana.

A rewarding circular hike in the Serra de Tramuntana starts at the Parking Lluc and offers a varied combination of historical features, high mountain terrain, and wide views. From the start, the route ascends steadily through forested slopes until reaching the first notable landmarks, the Cases de neu—old stone structures once used to store snow and ice. Among them, the Casa de neu de Galileu stands out as one of the best-preserved examples. This large, circular stone construction gives a clear impression of how snow was compacted and stored for later use, and it adds an interesting historical dimension to the early part of the hike. The trail continues upward toward Puig de sa Mola, where the terrain becomes more open and rocky. From here, the path leads across to the Coll des Prat, a broad and important junction in the massif. The landscape is now clearly alpine in character, with limestone formations, sparse vegetation, and wide views. Continuing along the route, you pass the Coll de n'Argentó and approach the more rugged section known as the Espolón Norte. From here, the ascent to Puig de Massanella (1,365 m) becomes more pronounced. This is the second-highest accessible peak on Mallorca and a central highlight of the route. The summit offers extensive views over the Tramuntana range and, in clear conditions, across much of the island. The terrain is rocky and requires sure footing, though it remains a non-technical hike. After the summit, the descent leads toward the Font Avenc, a natural water source set in a quieter, more sheltered part of the mountain. The route then continues via the Coll de sa Línea and down toward the Font des Guix, where vegetation becomes denser again and the path more defined. The final section of the loop passes the Coll de sa Batalla before returning to the starting point at Parking Lluc. Overall, the hike is a long and moderately demanding circuit, combining steady ascents, rocky high-mountain sections, and historical elements, with the ascent of Puig de Massanella as its main highlight.

A pleasant and varied hiking route in Marbella begins near the Colegio Xarblanca, where you can usually find a convenient place to park. From here, the path quickly leads toward the Río Guadalpín, which you cross early on—depending on the season either via stepping stones or a simple crossing. Once on the other side, the route follows the riverbed and its surroundings uphill. This section feels quiet and slightly wild, with Mediterranean vegetation, scattered rocks, and the occasional sound of flowing water. The ascent is steady but not too demanding, making it a comfortable walk rather than a strenuous climb. Gradually, the views begin to open up as you gain height above the valley. Continuing along the path, you eventually reach the Ermita de los Monjes, a small and somewhat hidden hermitage set in a peaceful natural environment. It’s a good place for a short break before carrying on. From here, the trail continues upward and becomes more open, leading toward the area known as Cañada de la Rana. This is one of the highlights of the route: from this elevated position, you get wide views over Marbella, the coastline, and the Mediterranean Sea. On clear days, the contrast between the mountains behind you and the sea below is especially striking. After the Cañada de la Rana, the character of the walk changes briefly as the route passes through a residential area. This section is short and easy to follow, and soon you reach a gate that leads back into the forest. From there, the path returns to a more natural setting and gradually descends until you arrive back at the parking area near Colegio Xarblanca. Overall, it’s a well-rounded walk with a mix of river scenery, gentle ascent, and rewarding views—ideal for a relaxed half-day hike close to the coast.

A relaxed coastal walk starts at El Tintero in El Palo and follows the shoreline west toward the Baños del Carmen. The route is flat and easy, mostly along a promenade, but you can switch to the sand whenever you like and walk with your feet in the water. The sea is usually calm here, and the beaches are broken up by stone groynes that create small, sheltered sections. This part of the coast feels local rather than polished. You pass fishing boats on the sand, simple beach bars, and people going about their day. The sand is darker and a bit coarse, but the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. As you get closer to the Baños del Carmen, the setting becomes slightly more elevated, with open views along the coast. It’s a good natural turnaround point before heading back the same way. After returning, lunch at El Tintero is a highlight. The place is a Málaga classic with a simple, lively concept: waiters walk around calling out dishes, and you pick what you want on the spot. The focus is on fried fish and seafood, served quickly and without fuss. It’s informal, a bit noisy, and very typical for the area—an easy and fitting end to a straightforward seaside walk.

The via ferrata La Araña in Güéjar Sierra, located just above the village of Güéjar Sierra, about 30 minutes from Granada in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, is a modern and highly playful route that feels more like a vertical adventure park than a classic ferrata. Set at an altitude of around 1,200–1,300 meters, it offers wide, open views toward the surrounding mountains and valleys, giving the entire experience a spectacular and airy atmosphere. With a total length of roughly 850–900 meters, it is one of the longest via ferratas in Andalusia and is typically graded K3+ to K4 (medium to difficult), depending on the chosen variant. What makes it particularly interesting is the modular structure: there are two different entry options, one slightly easier and one more demanding (including a physical DNA-style spiral ladder), which later merge into a common route. In our case, we chose the easier entry, which provided a more gradual start but still led quickly into the more varied and exposed sections of the route. Unlike more traditional ferratas that focus on vertical climbing, La Araña stands out for its variety of “game-like” elements. Throughout the route, you encounter an impressive sequence of obstacles: Tibetan bridges, single cable bridges, wooden balance elements, a pendulum jump, and sections that require coordination and balance rather than pure strength. This creates a very dynamic and entertaining progression along the wall. One of the defining features of the ferrata are the two very long zip lines (around 130 meters each), which allow you to traverse large sections of the terrain in a fast and exhilarating way. However, due to time constraints, we decided to skip the zip lines and continued along the standard climbing route instead. Even without them, the ferrata remains extremely varied and engaging. There are also several overhanging passages and more sustained sections that require endurance, especially over the full length of the route. While individual moves are not overly technical, the combination of exposure, length, and continuous obstacles makes it feel progressively more demanding. Overall, La Araña is less about pure climbing difficulty and more about continuous movement, creativity, and fun, offering a highly varied experience in a stunning mountain setting. Compared to shorter ferratas like Quéntar, it feels more like a full adventure course—longer, more diverse, and slightly more demanding in terms of endurance—making it an excellent choice for those looking for a playful yet challenging via ferrata with plenty of highlights and variety, even if you opt for the easier start and skip some of the optional elements.