Why Puig de sa Creu Rewards Visitors
At just under 300 metres, Puig de sa Creu offers an accessible yet satisfying half-day outing in northern Mallorca. Its open summit provides unobstructed sightlines across the Bay of Alcúdia to the Cap de Formentor peninsula and, on clear days, the distant Serra de Tramuntana. Because the route stays below the main tourist radar, hikers often have the ridge to themselves outside peak summer weekends.
Reaching the Trailhead
The most straightforward approach begins from a small parking area off the Ma-3432 between Santa Margalida and Muro. From Palma, take the Ma-13 motorway north and exit at Sa Pobla, then follow signs toward Muro. The final kilometre is a narrow lane that ends at a signed dirt pull-off. No public transport reaches the start, so a rental car or taxi is required. The walk itself is a 4 km out-and-back with 220 m of ascent on a well-marked path of packed earth and occasional limestone steps.
Trail Highlights
- Lower slopes pass through almond and carob groves that bloom white in February.
- Mid-section offers shaded stretches under Aleppo pines before the ridge opens up.
- Summit trig point and stone windbreak provide a natural picnic spot with 360-degree views.
Best Time to Visit
October through May delivers comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. Winter mornings can be crisp, so start early to catch the light on the bay. Summer hiking is possible only at first light or late afternoon; midday heat on the exposed ridge is intense. After heavy rain the path can become slippery on the limestone sections, so check local weather before setting out.
Nearby Places Worth Combining
Combine the hike with a visit to the wetlands of S’Albufera Natural Park, only ten minutes by car, or the Roman ruins and medieval walls of Alcúdia old town. For a longer day, continue north to the beaches of Platja de Muro or the hilltop village of Pollença.