Es Putxet: Hiking Mallorca’s Quiet Eastern Peak

Why Es Putxet Stands Out

Es Putxet rises gently above the agricultural plains east of Artà, offering hikers a compact yet rewarding summit with 360-degree panoramas that stretch from the Mediterranean to the distant Serra de Tramuntana. Unlike busier peaks, this modest mountain rewards visitors with solitude and an authentic sense of rural Mallorca.

Getting There

Most travelers reach Es Putxet by car from Palma, a roughly 75-minute drive via the MA-15 highway toward Artà. From the town, follow local roads toward the Coll de sa Font or nearby farm tracks that lead to the trailhead. Public transport is limited, so renting a vehicle or joining a guided hike from Artà or Capdepera is the most practical option. Once parked, the ascent follows clear paths through pine woodland and open scrub.

Trails and Summit Experience

The main route is a steady climb of about 400 vertical meters on well-marked paths. Along the way you pass traditional dry-stone walls, almond groves, and occasional viewpoints over the Bay of Alcúdia. At the top, a small trig point and stone windbreak mark the summit, where the sea appears to the north and east while the flat farmlands of the Pla de Mallorca stretch westward. The round-trip typically takes three to four hours at a relaxed pace.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring comfortable temperatures and wildflowers or golden light. Summer hikes are possible but start early to avoid midday heat; winter days are often clear but can be windy at the exposed summit.

Nearby Attractions

Combine the hike with a visit to the medieval hilltop village of Artà, the prehistoric settlement of Ses Païsses, or the coastal paths around Capdepera and Cala Ratjada. The Coves d’Artà and the lighthouse at Cap de Capdepera lie within a short drive, making Es Putxet an easy half-day addition to an eastern Mallorca itinerary.

Practical Considerations

• Carry at least two liters of water per person; there are no springs on the route.
• Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves—thorny scrub lines parts of the trail.
• Check the weather forecast, as strong tramuntana winds can make the ridge uncomfortable.