Discover the Archduke’s Trail near Valldemossa, one of Mallorca’s best hikes with sweeping sea views, historic paths, and Tramuntana mountain scenery.

Since moving to Mallorca over six months ago, I’ve spent every weekend hiking — endlessly scrolling through AllTrails, hunting for the island’s most breathtaking trails. So I was shocked to discover that one of Mallorca’s best hikes, The Archduck’s Trail, locally known as Camí de S’Arxiduc, isn’t even listed there.

Tucked into the rugged Tramuntana mountains above Valldemossa, this scenic loop hike offers sweeping views of the coastline, quiet pine forests, and a touch of history along the way. After hiking the trail myself, I’ve put together everything you need to know to experience this must-do hike in Mallorca.

Welcome to your next adventure!

The Archduke’s Trail Details

Trail Overview

• Type: Loop
• Location: Starts and ends in Valldemossa, Mallorca
• Distance: ~12 km (can be shorter or longer depending on your chosen loop)
• Duration: 3–4.5 hours, depending on pace and stops
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Direction: Preferably clockwise — start with the shaded forest trail and end with the gravel road descent
• Elevation Gain: ~640 meters
• Route Highlights: Panoramic coastal views, pine forests, historic stone paths, Archduke’s viewpoint
• Trail Marking: Not consistently marked, but generally easy to follow. Look for cairns or use an offline map like Maps.Me to stay on the right path.
• Best Time to Hike: October to May (avoid mid-summer heat)

The Archduke’s Trail Hiking Map

Here’s the approximate route I followed when hiking The Archduke’s Trail (Camí de S’Arxiduc).

Getting There

By Car

Driving is the most convenient way to get to Valldemossa, especially if you want to start your hike early.

• From Palma de Mallorca:
  Valldemossa is about a 30-minute drive north of Palma via the Ma-1110. The road is scenic and well-paved, though winding in places.
• Parking:
  • You can find free street parking near Carrer de Ses Oliveres, which is right by the trailhead, or use the nearby streets, but they might fill up early, especially on the weekend.
  • There’s also paid public parking in the center of Valldemossa, especially useful on weekends when streets fill up early.

By Public Transport (Bus)

If you don’t have a car, you can still reach Valldemossa by bus from Palma:

• Bus Line: EMT Line 203 (Palma ↔ Valldemossa ↔ Deià ↔ Sóller)
• Departure Point: From Estació Intermodal (Palma’s central bus/train station)
• Duration: About 35–40 minutes
• Schedule: Runs several times a day, but less frequently on weekends — check TIB’s website for up-to-date timetables, route, and fares.

Other Options

• Taxi or Rideshare (like Bolt/Uber):
  Taxis are available from Palma, but ride-share apps are limited on the island. Expect to pay around €25–€35 one-way.
  
• Bike:
  Mallorca is popping with hobby cyclists in lycra, so if you’re an enthusiastic rider, sure — you could cycle to Valldemossa. But honestly, it’s a lot. The road climbs steeply into the mountains, and the curves are no joke. It’s not recommended unless you’re super confident on hills and tight mountain roads.

What You Need To Know

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes (and no) — if you plan to access The Archduke’s Trail via the Muntanya del Voltor area, which makes the loop slightly longer and includes some private land, you do need a permit.

But — I didn’t know this on my first hike, so I ended up using the alternative ascent via the Camí de ses Basses — and it worked out totally fine. You can do the hike with or without the permit, depending on your route.

• Permit Details
  • Why it’s needed: The trail passes through private land managed by the Muntanya del Voltor association, which aims to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
  • Cost: Free
  • Daily Limit: 50 permits are issued per day to minimize environmental impact.
  • How to Request:
    • Email: info@muntanyadelvoltor.com
    • WhatsApp: +34 619 59 19 85
  • More Info: Check the official Muntanya del Voltor website

The red area of this map shown below is the area that you need a permit to access.

Trailhead

The Archduke’s Trail starts just outside Valldemossa from Carrer De Ses Oliveres, 14. Simply follow the streets toward the end, and it will take you into the forest. You will exit on Ma-10, where it’s just a short walk back to your car through the town.

Weather

Avoid hiking in the peak summer months (July–August). There’s little to no shade on the exposed ridgelines, and temperatures can soar. Check the latest weather forecast for Valldemossa before heading out.

Water & Food

There are no water sources on the trail. Bring at least 1.5–2L of water, snacks, and possibly lunch if you plan to take your time.

Timing

Plan for at least 3–4 hours, and more if you like to stop for photos or a picnic. Start early to avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day.

A Brief History of The Archduke’s Trail

The trail is called Camí de S’Arxiduc, which translates to “Path of the Archduke” — and yes, there was an actual archduke involved.

Back in the late 1800s, Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, a Habsburg royal with a deep love for nature (and apparently a lot of free time), came to Mallorca, fell head over heels for the landscape, and decided to buy up big chunks of land in the Tramuntana mountains — mostly to protect it from development.

Instead of building palaces or vineyards, he had this scenic path constructed along the ridgeline, purely for the views. He walked it often himself, sometimes with guests, and made sure it passed all the best lookout points. That includes spots like Mirador de Ses Puntes, where the views are still absolutely wild today.

So when you’re hiking up here, you’re not just following a trail — you’re literally walking the same route designed by an Austrian royal over 100 years ago, purely because he thought it was beautiful. Hard to argue with that.

My Experience

It was pure chance that I stumbled across Cami de S’Arxiduc, or as we say in english The Archduke’s Trail. I was scrolling through a Spanish hiking group on Facebook when I saw a stranger’s post about this trail. The photos looked unreal — ridgelines, cliffs, wide open sky — and something in me said: I need to go there.

That weekend, my boyfriend, two friends, and I set out on what would become a 12-kilometer walk through forest, stone, and surreal mountaintop views that felt more like another planet than Mallorca.

The Beginning

Not long after starting, we reached the Muntanya del Voltor information point. This is where the trail splits — if you have a permit, you can go straight into the private land. I didn’t. I had no idea permits were even a thing. So we took the alternative route: Camí de ses Basses, following the blue path. And honestly, it worked out just fine.

The Ascent

Soon enough, the trail started to climb — steep and steady. We were sweating, our thighs burning, but every step opened up a little more of that incredible view over Valldemossa. The path was mostly clear, though in places we had to improvise, doubling back or guessing which goat trail was the real one. Out there, everything blends — stone, sky, shrubs. You lose the line between map and mountain.

We stopped for a bite at a viewpoint that honestly deserved a longer break. The kind of spot that makes you sit in silence without needing to say wow out loud, because it’s already written across your face.

The Rocky Ridgeline

When we left the forest, the landscape shifted — suddenly we were in a rocky, moonlike world, with jagged peaks all around us. I felt light, like the sun had recharged me. The air was crisp, and the silence was deep. We hiked along the ridge, listening to the crunch of gravel underfoot, the occasional bird, and the low hum of waves far below.

It’s strange and beautiful to think that this path has been walked by monks, royals, peasants — people from another time, tracing these same stones. I couldn’t help wondering if they stopped where I did, if they felt the same kind of awe standing here, staring out to sea.

The Descent

As with most hikes, the way down felt longer than expected. Once we turned back, it was like the trail stretched out in front of us. The final stretch winds through a gravel road that’s not as magical, but we passed old refugis, dry-stone walls, and moss-covered wells — reminders that people lived and worked out here once, not just wandered.

At one point, I paused — the sun dipping, the mountains glowing — and just took it all in. That quiet moment was worth every sore muscle.

Eventually, the trail spit us out onto Ma-10, and just like that, we were back. One last glance at Valldemossa, a few tired photos, and back to the car. Dirty shoes, full hearts, and that warm, satisfied silence of a day well spent.

What to Do in Valldemossa (Before or After Your Hike)

Valldemossa isn’t just a starting point — it’s one of the prettiest villages on the island, and absolutely worth a wander. If you’ve got time before or after your hike, here are a few things to check out:

Grab a Coffee (and a Coca de Patata)

After a few hours of hiking, you’ve earned something sweet. Valldemossa is famous for coca de patata — a soft, slightly sweet potato bun that’s much better than it sounds. Locals pair it with a hot chocolate or almond milk.

• Try it at: Ca’n Molinas, the most iconic bakery in town (bonus: cute courtyard).

Visit the Charterhouse (La Cartoixa)

This old Carthusian monastery is Valldemossa’s historic centerpiece — best known for housing Frédéric Chopin and George Sand during one dramatic winter in 1838. Even if you’re not into classical music, the old stone cloisters and gardens are lovely to walk through. If you’re a culture/history type, it’s worth the few euros to go inside.

Browse Local Shops

Valldemossa is full of ceramic stores, small art galleries, and shops selling local olive oil, woven baskets, or linen clothing. Great if you’re after a non-tacky souvenir.

Stay for Lunch or Tapas

There are plenty of places to eat in town. For something casual but good, try:

• Es Taller – creative tapas in a former mechanic’s garage
• QuitaPenas – great local wine bar with sharing plates
• Troya – a classic, low-key local spot with good pa amb oli

Just Wander

Honestly, half the charm of Valldemossa is just strolling around. Cobbled lanes, old stone houses with flower pots everywhere — it’s postcard-pretty in the most effortless way.

FAQ: Visiting Mallorca

What’s the best way to get to Mallorca?

Mallorca’s main airport is Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). It’s well-connected with direct flights from most major European cities. From the airport, you can rent a car, hop on a bus to Palma, or grab a taxi. It’s about a 25-minute drive from the airport to the capital, Palma.

Should I rent a car?

If you want to explore beyond Palma (and especially if you’re planning hikes like this one), then yes — renting a car is highly recommended. A car gives you way more freedom to chase views and quieter beaches. Be aware though-Mallorca’s mountain roads are scenic but narrow and winding — drive slow and confidently, especially around cyclists (there are many).

Can I get around by public transport?

Yes, you can. But in my experience, the buses fill up quickly, and you might be left on the street with a “full capacity” sign on. That being said, the TIB bus network connects Palma to most towns, including Valldemossa, Sóller, and Deià, but buses don’t run super often — often just once an hour.

When is the best time to visit Mallorca?

• Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal — warm, sunny, and way less crowded than summer.
• July–August is peak season: hot, expensive, and packed. Great for beaches, not great for hiking.
• Winter (Nov–Feb) is quiet and cool — lovely for mountain walks and village exploring, but too cold for swimming.

Is Mallorca expensive?

It can be, but it depends on how you travel. Palma and popular beach areas can get pricey in summer, but you can still find affordable guesthouses, bakeries, and local menus’ del día (€12–18). Renting a car, cooking your own meals, or staying inland can also help you save.

Can you drink the tap water?

Technically yes, but most locals drink bottled water. The tap water is safe but high in minerals and doesn’t taste great. Bring a reusable bottle and refill from filtered sources if you can.

What’s the weather like?

• Summer: 30–35°C (hot and dry)
• Spring/Fall: 18–28°C (mild, perfect hiking weather)
• Winter: 10–18°C (can be rainy in the mountains)
• Always check the weather forecast before hiking — storms roll in quickly in the Tramuntana.

What should I pack?

• For hiking: sturdy shoes, sun protection, layers, reusable water bottle, offline maps
• For beach days: swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sandals
• For everything else: light clothing, one warmer layer, and maybe something slightly less sweaty for dinner

Do I need a SIM card?

If you’re coming from the EU, your regular phone plan should work fine. If not, grab a local SIM or eSIM for data — service is good across most of the island, but spotty in remote mountain areas.

Is Mallorca touristy?

Yes — in some places. Palma, Port de Sóller, and the big beach resorts can get very touristy, especially in high season. But it’s also incredibly easy to escape the crowds — go inland, head north, explore the Tramuntana mountains, or hike just 30 minutes outside of town and you’ll often have the place to yourself.