Hiking in Mallorca

From Puerto de Andratx to Sant Elm

The tour from the fashionable marina Puerto de Andratx with its chic real estate to the quaint fishing village of Sant Elm offers spectacular sea views all the way across to Ibiza in good weather. You can return by speedtour (in summer), bus or on foot along the same route.

The entrance is at the Hotel Mont Port where an asphalt road leads up in serpentines. Then the forest path starts and it goes steadily uphill, with the radio tower in the distance as the destination. A few meters after the radio tower, stone pyramids point the trail to the right, which leads to a pass. The highest point of the tour is now reached and Sant Elm and the island of Dragonera lie at the hiker's feet.

The sleeping dragon, as the uninhabited nature reserve island Sa Dragonera with its numerous lizards and three lighthouses is called. The descent is initially along a narrow path that leads to a wider path, which you follow to the left. Now, at major turnings, the path always goes to the right, stone pyramids point the way downhill to Sant Elm, with its fine sandy beach and restaurants right by the sea.

• Distance: 9 km
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: medium

Tip: The restaurant Vistamar serves excellent paella - the perfect ending.

The monasteries of Randa

Between Llucmajor and Algaida lies the monastery mountain "Puig de Randa", next to the monastery of Lluc the second most important pilgrimage site on Mallorca. Two monasteries cling to the slopes of the mountain, which is just over 500 meters high, like swallows' nests; the third is located directly on the summit and offers probably the most spectacular panoramic view of the entire island.

The six-kilometer-long serpentine road from the tranquil mountain village of Randa to the summit is very popular with cyclists. But the "ascent" of the monastery mountain is also fun on foot, has something spiritual and requires only a basic level of fitness.

Parking is in Randa, opposite the church. Only a few meters after leaving the village, a trail leads right into the bushes and parallel to the road along a dry river always upwards.

A first detour leads to the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Gracía. It nestles, like a swallow's nest, against the steep face. The sanctuary can be visited. A restaurant provides refreshment.

Back on the main road, the trail on the right leads up to the second monastery, a hermitage that is not completely open to the public. Only the small church can be visited. Outside is a picnic area and plenty of shade with views of the south coast. Continue back to the main road and always follow the stone pyramids marking trails next to the road. The shortcut is worth it, you save turns. The third monastery, Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Cura, is the lookout magnet with museum, hostel and restaurant. Mallorca lies at your feet, the view sweeps from the peaks of the Tramuntana over Palma, Es Trenc and Alcudia. The way back is the same.

• Distance: 6,7 Km (up / down)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy, basic condition required

Tip: for a stop after the hike in Randa: Celler Bar Randa, right next to the church. Here you can get real Mallorcan home cooking at fair prices.