A Tramuntana classic that starts gently and then earns its views: a long valley of old olive terraces, a steep pull through the holm oaks, and the Archduke's beautifully restored bridleway winding along the mountainside.
Best if you walk regularly and are steady on rough ground — it is steep and long. Not the one if heights make you uneasy.
The day opens the easy way — a wide, level track through a quiet valley lined with ancient olive trees, a warm-up that lets the group settle into a rhythm before the ground tips upward. From there the path climbs in earnest through holm-oak woods, shaded and stony, gaining most of the day's height in one sustained effort.
Near the top you have a choice: strong walkers take the side path to the summit of Puig des Teix (1,064 m); anyone happy to save their legs skirts round it on the Archduke's bridleway. The two lines rejoin for the best stretch of the walk — an impressively engineered path zig-zagging across the flank of the range, past stone miradors, with Deià far below and Puig Major on the skyline. The descent is a rough, cobbled old mule track back down through the woods to Valldemossa.
Guide’s tipDo the valley track slowly to warm the legs before the holm-oak climb, and save time at the top for the Archduke’s miradors — that’s the view people remember.
Before you go Valldemossa or Sóller: which base suits your week
Starts at Valldemossa village and comes back round to the same spot. It's in the North West of the Serra de Tramuntana.
Approximate start area. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. We send exact directions and the meeting time when you book, and can arrange a transfer or point you to the bus.
We usually meet mid-morning at the start point. Plan on about 4 hours of walking plus stops for photos, a breather and something to eat — so, back by mid-afternoon, depending on the group. Your guide confirms the exact meeting time and place when you book.
A private guide booked exclusively for your party, plus civil liability and accident insurance. Transport, food and drinks are not included — your guide will suggest where to stop.
Sturdy walking boots with ankle support, a 25–30 L daypack, at least 1.5 L of water, snacks, sun protection and a light waterproof. Walking poles help on the steeper, stonier sections. See the full what to bring list for a day's walking.
The walk starts at Valldemossa village, in the North West of the Serra de Tramuntana. There is parking near the start if you drive; otherwise we can arrange a private transfer or point you to the nearest bus. We send exact directions and the meeting time once you have booked.
It is graded Challenging — steep, 550 m of climbing, and demanding underfoot. It suits people who walk regularly and are steady on rough ground, and it is not the one if you are wary of heights. Tell us about your recent walking and we will say honestly whether it fits, or suggest an easier route in the same area.
For this one we would usually steer families with younger children to a gentler route — ask us and we will suggest a good alternative nearby.
Good most of the year. From late spring the open climbs get hot, so we start earlier in the day — or point you to a shadier route. Just ask when you book.
Tell us your date and group size and we'll confirm a private guide for your party.
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