Summers on the Balearic Islands are dreamy thanks to their great climate and stunning coastlines but also their mountainous areas. This autonomous community is home to a variety of landscapes with a very marked Mediterranean feel.
The best time to travel to the Balearic Islands is from May to September, with many hours of sunshine a day and little rainfall. The islands, however, are not all about the sea: you have to discover their mountainous areas, which are much less crowded and invite you to discover their incredible landscapes with hiking trails on Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Explore 5 mountain destinations to visit in summer on the Balearic Islands that combine natural beauty with outdoor activities.
Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca
The Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best-known mountainous area on the islands. It stretches along the northern part of the island of Mallorca. This unique natural beauty offers hikes through olive groves and holm oak forests or more demanding treks that will take you to peaks overlooking the Mediterranean. In the heart of the Sierra is Puigmajor, the highest point in Mallorca at 1,445 metres.
If you're looking for hiking trails in Tramuntana, one of the best-known is the Ruta de Pedra, which runs along the entire mountain range from Andratx harbour to the Cape of Formentor, passing through villages and stunning natural surroundings. It passes through some villages that you cannot miss, such as Valldemossa, Deià and Sòller. You can also visit local wineries, enjoy the views from the Sa Foradada viewpoint or discover the Lluc Sanctuary. If you're thinking of living on Mallorca, Tramuntana's peaceful setting could be a great option.
Monte Toro, Menorca
Monte Toro, standing as the highest point on Menorca, is an exceptional viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the entire island and, on clear days, as far as neighbouring Mallorca. This peak is remarkable not only for its height but also for being home to the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Toro, a place deeply rooted in the region's cultural and spiritual heritage.
This sanctuary, located on the peak, is accessible by a road that winds through typical Menorcan landscapes. The setting also allows for all levels of hiking, bird-watching at panoramic points or picnics in designated areas while enjoying the views. At the foot of Monte Toro lies the picturesque village of Es Mercadal, which is also worth visiting.
Sa Talaia, Ibiza
Sa Talaia, Ibiza's highest peak, offers a route that culminates with a panoramic view of the Ibizan landscape. Here you can see the contrast between the mountains' serenity and the island's vibrant urban life. The ascent is relatively easy, making it accessible to hikers of all levels.
It's an ideal place for low-difficulty hiking and there are even many who choose to do meditation or yoga at the top, taking advantage of the tranquillity and the views. Sa Talaia is in the southwest of the island of Ibiza, very close to the popular island of Es Vedrà. The best way to get there is via San Josep village, an interesting destination to visit and even to live on Ibiza thanks to its tranquillity.
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Trails on Formentera
Although Formentera is famous for its idyllic beaches and is an relatively flat island, its hilly trails offer a different perspective, mixing stunning coastal and inland landscapes. They have well-waymarked and accessible paths allowing visitors of all levels to enjoy an adventurous day.
On Formentera, some 30 green routes run along trails and paths ideal for walking or cycling. Some of the most outstanding are the Camí Romà de Sa Pujada, which runs along an ancient Roman road showing you the north coast of the island, or the Pilar de la Mola route, ideal for cyclists which will take you to the lighthouse of the same name.
Sa Penya Rotja, Mallorca
In the eastern part of the island of Mallorca, Sa Penya Rotja is a less travelled but equally interesting destination given that it's close to the beach. This area offers peaceful hiking routes and panoramic views very close to Alcúdia's coastline. The trails are designed to integrate the mountainous landscape with the local flora and fauna.
Sa Penya Rotja is very close to Alcúdia harbour, at the end of the peninsula on which it is located. Puig de Sa Tudossa, which can be found just a few kilometres further south, at the so-called Cap Farrutx, is another mountain option in the area.
Where to go in the mountains with children in summer
Summer is the best time to explore the mountains with the little ones, and the Balearic Islands offer perfect destinations for children. The most recommended area is the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, which thanks to its size also has family-friendly trails such as Sa Comuna Lloret, with easy difficulty and safe paths.
A mountain weekend itinerary
To make the most of your visit to the Balearic Islands mountains, we propose a weekend itinerary full of activities and landscapes that you won't forget.
- Friday: Your adventure in the Sierra de Tramuntana begins. Spend the day walking along some of the more accessible trails and enjoy lunch in one of the picturesque villages such as Valldemossa or Deià.
- Saturday: Head to Menorca (you can arrive from Mallorca by plane or a one-hour ferry from Alcúdia to Ciutadella) and visit Monte Toro. Spend the morning climbing to the highest point and then relax in the designated picnic areas. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding area and visit the sanctuary.
- Sunday: End your trip on Ibiza (you can fly from Menorca) with a morning hike up to Sa Talaia. After enjoying the views, spend the afternoon on one of the nearby beaches and round off the day with dinner in an Ibizan restaurant.