Puig de la Bassa: Hiking Mallorca’s Quiet Eastern Peak

Why Puig de la Bassa Stands Out

Unlike the crowded coastal paths of Mallorca, Puig de la Bassa offers a genuine slice of the island’s rural interior. Rising above the flat farmlands east of Artà, the 300-metre summit delivers 360-degree panoramas that stretch from the Serra de Llevant to the Mediterranean. The trail passes through terraced almond and olive groves, ancient stone walls, and patches of wild rosemary and thyme that perfume the air after rain.

How to Reach the Trailhead

Drive from Palma via the Ma-15 to Artà, then follow the minor road toward Son Servera for 8 km before turning onto a signed track that ends at a small parking area beside a dry-stone wall. Public transport reaches Artà on the L401 bus; from there a 45-minute walk along quiet lanes leads to the same start point. The final approach is on foot only.

Route Description

The main path climbs steadily through two short switchbacks before settling into a gentle ridge walk. Loose gravel and occasional rocky steps require decent footwear, yet the route remains suitable for fit walkers of all ages. At the summit a simple trig point and a low stone shelter mark the high point; on clear days you can see the towers of Capdepera castle to the north and the curved bay of Cala Millor to the south.

Best Time to Visit

Early spring (March–May) brings almond blossom and mild temperatures, while October offers golden light and fewer insects. Summer hiking is possible only at dawn or dusk because the exposed slopes heat quickly. Winter days are often bright but can be windy on the ridge.

Nearby Places Worth Combining

• Artà’s Saturday market and hilltop sanctuary of Sant Salvador
• The prehistoric village of Ses Païsses, a 10-minute drive west
• Cala Ratjada’s fishing harbour and lighthouse walks, 15 km north

Allow half a day for the round-trip hike and another two hours to explore one of these sites before returning to the coast.