Puig des Coll des Jou: Hiking Mallorca’s Quiet Tramuntana Summit

Why Puig des Coll des Jou Stands Out

At 745 metres, Puig des Coll des Jou rises gently above the western valleys of Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana. Unlike busier coastal peaks, it offers a quiet limestone ridge walk through ancient olive groves and dry-stone terraces that still produce oil today. The summit itself is a broad, grassy platform ringed by low walls, giving uninterrupted sightlines from the Puig Major massif to the sea near Sóller.

Recommended Hiking Route

The classic ascent begins at the Coll de sa Batalla pass on the Ma-10 road. A well-marked path climbs steadily through holm-oak woodland and open terraces for roughly two hours. Near the top, the trail joins a section of the long-distance GR-221 dry-stone route before reaching the summit cairn. The round trip is about 8 km with 350 m of elevation gain; most fit walkers complete it in four to five hours including stops.

Extensions and Variations

• Continue north along the ridge to Puig de sa Rateta for an extra hour of easy walking.
• Descend via the Biniaraix valley for a longer loop ending near the famous cobbled “Camí de s’Arxiduc”.

Getting There and Away

Regular buses run from Palma and Sóller to the Coll de sa Batalla stop. If driving, small lay-bys exist at the pass; arrive early as spaces fill quickly on weekends. No facilities exist on the mountain, so carry all supplies.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) brings wildflowers and mild temperatures. Autumn (September–November) offers clear air and fewer visitors. Summer hiking is possible but start at dawn to avoid midday heat; winter days can be crisp with occasional snow on higher ridges.

Nearby Places Worth Exploring

Combine the hike with a visit to the terraced village of Fornalutx, the Jardins d’Alfàbia estate, or the coastal path from Port de Sóller. The UNESCO-listed Tramuntana landscape rewards slow travel between these sites.