Towering above the coast at 4,740 feet (1,445 meters), Serra de Tramontana’s principal peak, Puig Major, is the tallest in the Balearic Islands. Surrounding it is an impressive range of limestone mountains that seem a world away from Mallorca’s sun-soaked beaches. The area is a haven for island visitors craving an outdoor adventure—from hiking and horseback riding to more extreme sports like mountain biking, rock climbing, and even cliff-jumping. Historic villages such as Deia, Soller, Banyabulfar, and Valdemosa make excellent pit stops to recharge with a Mallorcan meal and soak up local mountain culture.
If touring on your own, cars can be hired from Mallorca’s major towns. Public TIB buses and a historic train run from Palma de Mallorca to the town of Soller. ATV tours are a popular way to explore the rugged terrain, and most organized tours include transportation from the island’s major tourist hubs.
The best weather for hiking in Mallorca is in the spring and fall months (from February–May or September–October), when wildflowers are also in bloom. The highest peaks of Serra de Tramontana receive snow in the winter, and summertime brings spikes in heat and crowds.
Situated among orange groves between the mountains and sea, the lovely village of Soller is a popular day trip destination for Mallorcans and the perfect place to stop for lunch or even the night while exploring the Serra de Tramontana. Cafés and tapas bars line the central Plaça Constitució square, while a botanical garden and modern art museum provide cultural diversions. A vintage tram connects the town to the beaches and sleepy resorts of Port de Soller, just a few miles away.
