Puig Major: Hiking Mallorca’s Highest Peak in the Serra de Tramuntana

Overview

Puig Major rises 1,445 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. Located in the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, the mountain offers hikers and drivers unmatched panoramas of jagged limestone peaks, terraced valleys, and the Mediterranean Sea on clear days. A military radar station occupies the true summit, so visitors cannot reach the absolute top; instead, they enjoy excellent viewpoints and ridge walks on the surrounding slopes.

Getting There

The mountain sits between the villages of Sóller and Pollença. Most visitors arrive by car along the Ma-10 coastal road, which threads through the Tramuntana and passes several trailheads. From Palma, allow about 45 minutes via the Túnel de Sóller. Public buses run to nearby Coll de sa Batalla and Fornalutx, though they require careful timing and additional walking. Parking is limited at popular trailheads; arrive early in peak season.

Trails and Views

The most popular route begins at Coll de sa Batalla (approximately 700 m elevation) and follows a well-marked path through pine forest and rocky scree toward the subsidiary summit of Puig de sa Font. From there, hikers gain close-up views of Puig Major’s steep north face and the radar domes. The full out-and-back typically takes three to four hours. Stronger walkers can continue along sections of the GR-221 dry-stone route toward Tossals Verds or the Puig de Massanella. Bring sturdy boots; limestone terrain is loose in places and exposed to wind.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) deliver mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings intense heat and occasional thunderstorms; winter can close higher paths with snow or ice. Always check the mountain weather forecast before setting out, as conditions change rapidly above 1,000 metres.

Nearby Attractions

Combine a Puig Major visit with the charming town of Sóller, reached by the vintage tram from the port, or the historic village of Deià with its coastal coves. The famous viewpoints at Mirador de Ses Barques and Cap de Formentor lie within a short drive, offering further perspectives on the Tramuntana coastline.