A complete hiking guide to Puig de Massanella, Mallorca’s second-highest peak — includes route tips, public vs. private access, and nearby summits.

Puig de Massanella is the second-highest peak in Mallorca — and easily one of my favorite hike on the island. It’s got a bit of everything: shady forest climbs, wide rocky ridgelines, a little hands-on scrambling, and big summit views that seriously deliver.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the loop route I took (which also hits Puig de Galileu and Puig de sa Mola), how to avoid the paid access route, and everything else you need to know to tackle this hike yourself.

Welcome to your next adventure!

Puig de Massanella Trail Details

Trail Overview

• Start/end: Coll de sa Batalla (near Lluc)
• Type: Loop
• Distance: ~13 km loop
• Elevation gain: ~1000 m
• Time: 5–7 hours, depending on breaks and pace
• Highest point: Puig de Massanella (1364 m)
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard – some scrambling near the summit
• Navigation: An offline map is an absolute must for this trail – I use Maps.me
• Terrain: Forest paths, stone staircases, rocky ridgelines, light scrambling
• Highlights: Epic summit views, quiet side trails, snow pit ruins
• Water sources: None – bring everything you need
• Parking: Limited roadside parking at Coll de sa Batalla

Puig de Massanella Hiking Trail Map

The route I took to climb Massanella, Galileu, and sa Mola was pretty freestyled. I wanted to avoid the paid route (more on that below), but I’ve sketched it roughly onto the map.

This map is a rough guideline to show you the route I went. It shouldn’t be taken as an exact GPS track, but more to give you a general idea.

For reference, you can check out this map from Alltrails that shows the general route.

Getting There

By car

• Drive to Coll de sa Batalla, via Ma-10 and Ma-2130
• From Palma: approx. 1 hour
• Free parking near the petrol station and restaurant at the top of the pass
• Spaces are limited – arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays
• Check the best deals for rental cars in Mallorca on DiscoverCars.

By bus

• From Palma:
  • Take bus 302 towards Can Picafort
  • Get off at Inca Llevant 2
  • Change to bus 312 towards Lluc
  • Get off at Coll de sa Batalla 2, right by the trailhead
• Check schedules, routes and fares on TIB’s website.

Free Route or Paid

The trail kicks off from Coll de sa Batalla, just across the road from a little café where you can grab a pre-hike espresso if you’re like me and believe caffeine counts as mountain fuel.

From here, you have two trailhead options:

1. Take the route that goes through private land, which means you’ll have to pay 6 euros per person at the toll hut. Or…
2. Go straight into the woods across from the café — the path isn’t totally clear, but trust me, it’s there. It’s a steep start, so be prepared to sweat from the get-go.

The map below shows the two starting points, as well as the toll hut.

What to Expect

The loop around Puig de Massanella starts in cool, shady pine forest. You’ll smell the fresh resin in the air and feel the soft ground beneath your feet. Before long, the trees thin out and you find yourself stepping over rough limestone rocks — cracked and worn like old puzzle pieces scattered across the trail.

After that, the trail leads you up to Puig de Galileu, a smaller peak with open views over the green valleys below. It’s usually quiet here, a good spot to catch your breath and take in the sky stretching wide above.

Next, you head onto the rocky terrain toward Puig de Massanella itself. Near the top, there’s a short scramble where you’ll use your hands to steady yourself on the rough limestone slabs. When you finally reach the summit, the view opens up in every direction — the deep blue sea on one side, the rugged peaks on the other, and tiny villages nestled in between.

On the way down, you’ll pass old snow pits — stone-lined holes where locals once stored winter snow to keep cool in the summer. If you want, you can take a gentle detour over Puig de sa Mola, a quiet ridge with soft slopes that’s perfect for a break or just to enjoy the peace.

The whole hike mixes shady forest paths, rocky ridges, and a few hands-on sections. It’s a good challenge, but nothing too crazy.

My Experience

This wasn’t my first time climbing Massanella. The first time, I barely made it to the top before I had to rush down — the wind had picked up, fog rolled in, and it started drizzling. Not exactly a dream hiking day. Near the summit, you rely on cairns to stay on route, but in the fog they were hard to spot, and my fingers felt like icicles whenever I tried to check the map on my phone.

Long story short: I made it down safely, but with the feeling I’d need to come back and do it properly.

So here we are — back again, this time with clear skies and plans to loop in Massanella, sa Mola, and Galileu.

Skipping the Toll

I knew there was a toll booth on one of the routes up Massanella — not a better trail, just a private one. And being a budget girly, I decided to go the free way.

The route starts right across from the café, behind a small parking area. It doesn’t ease you in — it’s steep straight away. The path isn’t super obvious at first, but once you’re a bit in, cairns start showing up to guide you. There are also a couple of spray-painted dots (I spotted one green and one red), but don’t count on them.

Rocky Ridges and Goats

Once the trees thin out, the landscape flips into something moon-like — rocky, open, and wide. The views start to stretch out in all directions: green valleys, grey limestone, a strip of sea-blue on the horizon. The trail toward Galileu weaves through patches of grass and boulders, with a kind of quiet rhythm to it.

Just before the peak, we passed a herd of goats — and the skeleton of one, too. A little eerie, but also a reminder of how wild these mountains still feel. Not far from the summit, there’s a small memorial plaque for Toni Molet, a local mountain guide who passed away here. It’s a simple metal plate tucked into the rock, easy to miss, but moving if you notice it. One of those small things that stays with you.

Snack Breaks and Shortcuts

At the top of Galileu, we had a snack break and checked the map. My boyfriend wasn’t keen on dropping all the way into the valley only to climb back up again, so we took a detour over Puig de sa Mola instead. It’s a quiet little ridge, and we rejoined the main trail just before Coll de Prat.

From there, the trail led us through a wide valley toward Massanella. We started catching glimpses of Embassament de Cúber — that brilliant turquoise lake tucked between peaks. One of those spots that feels unreal even when you’re looking right at it.

Layer On, Layer Off

This was one of those hikes where you’re constantly adding and shedding layers. Top off, top back on. Windbreaker, then beanie. The higher we climbed, the colder it got — but I was ready this time. Lessons from the first trip paid off.

At the summit, we took our time. More snacks, some wind-blown summit photos, and a bit of a rest before heading down.

The Last Stretch

We made our way back down the same route over sa Mola, then linked up with a proper trail — I think part of the GR221 — with wide stone steps and that “walking-through-history” feeling. We even said hi to another goat on the way.

We’d planned to complete the loop by taking the forest trail past the road and back up to Coll de sa Batalla, but by then we were both tired, and my boyfriend’s knee was acting up. So we took the road instead. Not the most scenic option — no shoulder and a bit of traffic — but it got us back to the car. And snacks. Always snacks.

I’m so glad I came back to Massanella — this time with sunshine, time, and the full experience.

Other Amazing Hikes in Mallorca

If you’re anything like me and already planning your next hike while finishing the last one, here are a few of my favorite trails around the island:

🏔️ Puig de Tomir

This one totally surprised me. It’s a steady out-and-back trail with proper mountain views, a peaceful forest start, and one of those summits where you just want to sit for a while and soak it all in.

🐐 Puig de Galatzó

Galatzó has that wild Tramuntana energy — rocky, remote, and with enough scrambles to keep things fun. I met more goats than people on this one, and the views down to the coast are unreal.

🌊 Cala Estreta & s’Arenalet

This hike feels like you’re sneaking your way to a secret beach. It’s remote, unspoiled, and the turquoise water at the end? Absolute magic. Pack a picnic and your swimsuit.

⛰️ The Three Thousands

If you’re up for a challenge, this is the big one: a full-day adventure linking Mallorca’s three highest peaks. It’s long, tough, and absolutely worth every step — type-two fun at its finest.

FAQ: Visiting Mallorca

Is Mallorca good for hiking?

Yes! Mallorca is honestly one of the best places I’ve ever hiked. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range runs along the island’s northwest coast, and it’s packed with trails — from breezy coastal walks to all-day summit adventures. Plus, the weather’s generally great most of the year.

When’s the best time to go hiking in Mallorca?

I’d say spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November) are ideal. The weather’s cooler, the trails aren’t too busy, and the landscape is still green. Summer can be brutally hot — especially for longer hikes — unless you start at sunrise and stick to shaded routes.

Do I need a car?

Not strictly — but if you want to hike some of the more remote trails, it definitely helps. Public buses are pretty good (especially to places like Sóller, Lluc, or Pollença), but service can be limited on weekends or in the off-season. I’ve used both, but when I want flexibility, I rent a car from DiscoverCars.

What should I pack for hiking?

My go-tos:

• Trail runners or hiking shoes with grip (lots of rocky terrain)
• Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses)
• Layers — mornings can be chilly, especially up high
• Plenty of water + snacks (most trails have zero facilities)
• A downloaded map (I use Maps.Me)

Is it safe to hike alone in Mallorca?

Generally, yes — I often hike solo here. Just make sure you’ve downloaded a map, told someone your route, and packed enough water. Some of the high mountain areas have no phone signal, so keep that in mind.

Can I take public transport to the trailheads?

Most of them, yes! I believe it is possible to reach every trail by public transport, but you will perhaps have to do some walking to reach the exact trail head. But generally the island is well-connected. Still, for more flexibility or early starts, driving is easier.

Where should I stay if I want to hike a lot?

A few great base towns:

• Sóller: Charming mountain town with tons of nearby trails
• Pollença: Perfect for northern hikes like Tomir or the beach trails
• Valldemossa or Deià: Super picturesque and right on the GR221
• Palma: If you want city vibes and don’t mind a little drive each day

Can I swim after hikes?

In many cases — yes! Some hikes end at beaches (like Cala Estreta and Coll Baix), and even mountain towns like Sóller or Deià have beaches nearby. In summer, a post-hike dip is so worth it.

Is the GR221 worth it?

If you’re up for a multi-day trek, absolutely. It’s Mallorca’s long-distance trail that runs through the Tramuntana, and it’s gorgeous. You don’t have to do the whole thing — even a section or two is worth it.