We’ve been visiting Mallorca for decades. In the early days it was Santa Ponca in the South West but over the last few years we have fallen in love with the peace, quiet and beauty that can be found in the North of the island, particularly the pretty town of Pollenca and surrounding area.
There is plenty to interest the hillwalker on Mallorca. The Serra de Tramuntana, a World heritage site are an impressive mountain range that form a spine along the North West of the island. There are lots of options for day walks and there is also a fairly new long distance trail, the GR221 if you like multi day hiking.
Whenever I’m in Pollenca I always make sure I walk up Puig de Maria as often as I can. If I lived here (maybe one day!) I think it would be my daily exercise. Almost exactly a thousand feet of ascent on a good path takes you to the top and the medieval monastery where you can enjoy expansive views and a ‘cafe con leche’ with almond cake. What’s not to like about that.
The walk up the Puig starts from the main Ma2200 road just outside of Pollenca, just a short walk from the town centre itself. There is only one way up so route finding is not a problem.
The main road is soon left behind and a gentle incline takes you away from the traffic and up to the first bend. Some of the houses that line the lower slopes of the Puig are rather large and also have some colourful gardens to admire as the road bends around the houses and winds its way up the hill.
Height is quickly gained and Pollenca starts to take on a new perspective as you begin to look down on it as it is glimpsed through the trees.
About a third of the way up the road starts to get rougher and the houses are left behind as you now enter into woodland. Being Mallorca, it is probably hot and sunny and the trees will provide you with some welcome shade from the sun. As always it’s important to stay hydrated so make sure to take some water with you.
The woodland section of the walk is a delight. The sun dappling through the leaves of the trees, the birds singing in their branches and the stillness of the woods is peaceful and a real contrast to the hustle a bustle of the town that you have not long left behind.
Don’t rush this section. Take your time, slow down, relax. Enjoy the birdsong, the different colours of the trees and the peace and quiet of walking through the woods.
About two thirds of the way up the road becomes more of a track, the woods start to thin out and the views start to open up in the clearings.
Before the summit a cobblestone path is reached and this marks the final section of the ascent. Walking up the cobbles, the views across the north west of the island start to appear. The path initially zig zags to ease the incline but just before the summit it levels off. Care is needed here, more so on the descent as the cobbles have been worn smooth by centuries of feet.
And at the end of the cobbled path, after forty five minutes or so of walking and a thousand feet of ascent you will find yourself at the top of Puig de Maria and in the grounds of the monastery that sits at the top of the hill.
There is plenty to see at the top but the stunning views are the first thing to impress. Puig de Maria rises up a thousand feet from the flat land around it so the views are commanding on all sides. To the north, Pollenca can be seen, looking like a model village far below in the valley. Beyond Pollenca the Serra de Tramuntana mountains rise up. To the south and east the whole of the Formentor peninsula, Port de Pollenca and the coastline stretching all the way to Alcudia and beyond can be made out.
After admiring the views it is well worth taking the time to explore the monastery and it’s grounds.
The monastery or ‘Santuari de Puig de Maria’ as it is known has been providing a place of sanctuary, spirituality and refreshment for body and soul since the thirteenth century. The monastery and chapel are made out of traditional sandstone blocks and they retain the original decor of dark wood, small windows and and tiled flooring providing a cool environment in the heat of summer. The monastery has long since ceased to be a working monastery, the nuns left in 1576 but it is now run as a spiritual hostel and has overnight accommodation. There is also a dining room with self catering facilities for residents and a lovely cafe where you can purchase refreshments and sit on the terrace.
Here you can relax to the sound of the birdsong, smell the scent of the flowers and enjoy your coffee and cake. All whilst admiring the stunning views of the gorgeous island of Mallorca, basking in the summer sun.
For map and route of this walk click ‘learn more’ below
