Hiking Trails Top Ten for 2026: Routes That Will Surprise Mallorcan Enthusiasts

If you think you've hiked every path Mallorca has to offer, it might be time to look a little closer. Beyond the well-trodden sections of the GR221 and the popular routes to coastal watchtowers, a network of lesser-known trails awaits. These paths offer new challenges, secluded landscapes, and a fresh perspective on the island's wild beauty. For 2026, we’ve curated a list of ten surprising routes designed for the true Mallorcan hiking enthusiast—the adventurer ready to step off the beaten track.

This isn't your standard list. We're digging deeper to uncover trails that showcase the incredible diversity of the island, from dramatic coastal cliffs and forgotten pilgrim paths to the rugged heart of the Tramuntana. Get ready to rediscover Mallorca on foot with these top ten surprising hikes for the upcoming year.

1. Puig de l'Ofre via Barranc de Biniaraix

While many hikers know the classic Barranc de Biniaraix gorge walk, far fewer continue to the summit of Puig de l'Ofre. This extension transforms a popular route into a challenging and rewarding mountain adventure. The pyramid-shaped peak, often called the "Matterhorn of Mallorca," offers one of the most spectacular 360-degree panoramas on the island.

The trail begins with the iconic cobbled path of the gorge, a masterpiece of traditional engineering. After ascending through the canyon, you'll break off onto a less-defined path that winds steeply towards the summit. The final scramble requires confidence and a head for heights, but the payoff is immense. From the top, you can see the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs, Puig Major, and the entire sweep of the central Tramuntana range.

2. Camí de s'Arxiduc (The Archduke's Trail) - The Northern Loop

Most hikers experience the Camí de s'Arxiduc from Valldemossa. For a different perspective, tackle the wilder northern section starting from Deià. This challenging loop offers dramatic coastal views and a greater sense of solitude. The path, built by Archduke Ludwig Salvator in the 19th century, is a stunning testament to his love for the island's landscapes.

This route takes you up from Deià towards the Es Caragolí viewpoint before joining the main Archduke's trail. The path clings to the cliff edges, with the turquoise sea stretching out far below. You'll traverse exposed ridges and navigate rocky sections, making it a thrilling experience for seasoned walkers. The combination of high-mountain terrain and expansive sea views makes this one of the most breathtaking hikes in Mallorca.

3. La Trapa Monastery from Sant Elm

The ruins of the Trappist monastery at La Trapa are a poignant destination, but the hike there from the sleepy fishing village of Sant Elm is the real highlight. This coastal route delivers some of the most dramatic scenery on the entire island, with views across to the mysterious island of Sa Dragonera.

The path climbs steeply from Sant Elm, quickly revealing incredible vistas. You will navigate narrow, rocky sections with sheer drops to the sea, so this trail is not for the faint of heart. As you approach La Trapa, the path winds through terraces built by the monks, a testament to their efforts to cultivate this rugged land. The sense of history, combined with the raw, untamed beauty of the coastline, makes this an unforgettable journey.

4. The Smuggler's Route to Cala Bóquer

The walk to Cala Bóquer from Port de Pollença is relatively well-known, but few explore the old "smuggler's path" that offers a more adventurous alternative. This rougher, less-defined track climbs higher into the cliffs of the Cavall Bernat ridge, providing a bird's-eye view of the valley and the stunning cove below.

Historically used to move contraband, the trail feels secretive and wild. You'll need good navigation skills as the path can be faint in places. The reward is a thrilling sense of discovery and a perspective that few visitors ever see. After your descent, the secluded pebble beach of Cala Bóquer is the perfect place for a well-earned rest and a refreshing swim.

5. Talaia d'Alcúdia via Pas des Pescadors

Talaia d'Alcúdia is a popular objective, but this route adds a thrilling twist. The Pas des Pescadors, or "Fisherman's Pass," is a secured scramble up a steep rock face on the peninsula's northern side. It requires using a chain to ascend, adding an element of via ferrata to an otherwise straightforward hike.

Starting from the Ermita de la Victòria, the trail leads you along a stunning coastal path before reaching the pass. Once you've conquered the chain, the route continues to the summit of Talaia d'Alcúdia, where you're rewarded with panoramic views over the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia. This route combines history, adventure, and some of the best coastal scenery in the north.

6. Mortitx Gorge and Torrent Fondo

For a true wild canyoning experience without the technical demands of Sa Calobra, the Mortitx gorge is an unbeatable choice. Located in a remote valley in the northeast, this route involves scrambling, wading, and even some optional short swims through a stunningly beautiful canyon.

The circular trail begins at the Mortitx winery and descends into the Torrent Fondo. You'll follow the watercourse as it carves its way through limestone, creating beautiful pools and sculpted rock formations. The endpoint is a dramatic "cathedral" of rock where the stream disappears underground before emerging at the sea. This is a challenging, off-the-beaten-path adventure for hikers comfortable with rough terrain and route-finding.

7. Puig Tomir via Pas del Diable

Puig Tomir is one of the great mountains of the Tramuntana, and this route via the Pas del Diable ("Devil's Pass") is the most exciting way to the top. This is a serious mountain day involving scrambling and exposure, suitable only for experienced and confident hikers.

The route ascends from the Lluc road and tackles a steep, rocky gully. The Pas del Diable itself is a narrow ledge that requires careful footwork and a steady nerve. After the pass, the route continues up scree slopes and across limestone pavement to the summit. The views are, without question, some of the finest in Mallorca, encompassing Lluc monastery and the highest peaks of the Serra.

8. Ermita de Betlem from Colònia de Sant Pere

The Llevant Peninsula in the northeast offers a different kind of hiking experience—more arid, rugged, and remote than the Tramuntana. The walk to the Ermita de Betlem (Betlem Hermitage) is a journey into silence and solitude.

Starting from near Colònia de Sant Pere, the path climbs steadily into the hills, offering spectacular views back over the Bay of Alcúdia. The landscape is dominated by low scrub, dwarf palms, and windswept rock formations. Reaching the tranquil hermitage, nestled in a protected valley, feels like stepping back in time. It’s a peaceful and meditative hike, far from the island's busier trails.

9. Castell d'Alaró Loop via Pas de s'Escaleta

While many walk to Castell d'Alaró from the restaurant Es Verger, this longer and more interesting loop provides a fuller experience. The route includes the Pas de s'Escaleta, a small, hidden pass that adds a touch of adventure to the ascent.

The trail takes you through ancient olive groves and holm oak forests before tackling the rocky pass. After exploring the dramatic castle ruins perched on their rocky outcrop, the descent offers a different perspective, completing a satisfying circuit of this iconic Mallorcan landmark. It’s a hike that beautifully combines nature, history, and a bit of scrambling.

10. The Waterfall of Salt des Freu

This hike is best saved for the day after a heavy rainstorm in winter or spring when this magical spot truly comes to life. Located near Orient, Salt des Freu is Mallorca's most impressive waterfall. When in full flow, water cascades over a series of moss-covered tiers, creating a scene that feels more like a tropical jungle than a Mediterranean island.

The walk to the falls is a relatively easy one, following a stream through a beautiful, wooded valley. The area can be explored further by scrambling alongside the watercourse to find more hidden pools and smaller cascades. It's a surprising and enchanting side of Mallorca that proves the island's natural wonders extend far beyond its beaches.