If you’re looking to swap the beach towel for hiking boots for a few hours, the Puig de Maria walk from Pollensa is one of the best short hikes in Mallorca - and one of my personal favourites. Nestled just outside the charming old town of Pollensa, this peaceful uphill trail rewards you with panoramic views over the Tramuntana mountains, Pollensa Bay, and even out to Formentor on a clear day.
I’ve done this walk multiple times: sometimes for sunrise, sometimes just before dinner. Each time I've done it, I've been reminded why I love this island so much. Whether you're a casual walker or someone looking to squeeze a bit of adventure into your holiday, the Puig de Maria trail is an accessible and memorable escape into Mallorca’s natural beauty. The trail is shaded, quiet, and steep in places, but totally manageable with a moderate level of fitness. The 14th-century Santuari del Puig de Maria monastery at the summit is the cherry on top.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before you tackle the Puig de Maria hike: how to get there, what to pack, when to visit, and why it’s one of the best-kept secrets for anyone staying in the north of the island.
Let’s start walking…
Mallorca isn’t just about beaches and sunbeds. From the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range to lush inland valleys and coastal cliff paths that stretch for miles, this island is a dream for hikers. I’ve explored trails all over Mallorca, but what makes it really special is how accessible it all is. You don’t need to be a seasoned trekker to enjoy it. Plus, with mild winters and sun-drenched summers, it’s a year-round hiking destination.
But if you’re wondering where to find some of the best walking routes in Mallorca, my advice is simple: head north to Pollensa. It’s one of my favourite towns on the island. Pollensa is renowned for its honey-hued stone buildings, winding cobbled streets, local cafés, and a laid-back energy that’s hard to resist. And beyond its charming town centre, it’s surrounded by rolling hills and countryside just waiting to be explored.
One walk that stands out, and one I recommend time and time again, is the Puig de Maria hike. Just a short stroll from Pollensa, this hilltop trail is one of the best things to do in Pollensa. It leads to a centuries-old monastery with jaw-dropping views of the north coast and surrounding valleys. Whether it’s your first hike in Mallorca or your tenth, this one is always worth it.
So, to help you make the most of your walk, here’s everything you need to know about the Puig de Maria trail: how long it takes, the route, what to bring, and the best time to go. Let’s get into it.
The Puig de Maria hike isn’t a long one, but don’t underestimate it! The hill itself rises to about 330 metres, and the main walking route from Pollensa town is around 2.2km one way. On average, it takes about 40–45 minutes to reach the top at a steady pace.
But depending on the time of year and how hot it is, you might want to allow a little more time, especially in the sizzling summer. Trust me, I’ve done this in July, and even though it’s shaded in parts, that Mallorcan sun doesn’t mess around. In peak season, I’d recommend giving yourself around an hour or more, and definitely bring plenty of water, snacks, and maybe a hat to keep the sun off.
Avoid walking between midday and 3pm if you can, as this is when the heat really kicks in. Early morning (between 7–9am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) is your best bet for cooler, more comfortable conditions.
The route starts right from Pollensa town, which makes things super easy. You’ll follow the Cami des Puig (well signposted), then briefly walk along the Ma-2200 until you reach the base of the hill. From the centre of town, it takes about 20 minutes to get to this point.
Once you hit the base, cars are no longer allowed and the trail becomes more rugged. The path winds up through trees, past old stone walls and rural houses, and eventually becomes a steeper cobbled section as you get closer to the summit.
This final stretch is the toughest part of the hike. It’s a bit of a climb, and the surface is uneven in places. But in my experience, anyone with a basic level of fitness can do it. I’ve seen families, older hikers, and even casual strollers making their way up. Just take your time, bring proper footwear, and you’ll be fine.
Parking directly at the trailhead isn’t possible, so it’s best to park in Pollensa town. There are a few free and paid car parks available, and from there it’s an easy start to your hike.
Once you’ve reached the end of the Puig de Maria walk and you’re at its summit, there’s plenty to admire and keep you occupied.
Of course, the first thing that will catch your eye is the Santuari del Puig de Maria monastery itself. The building was originally constructed in 1348 as a sanctuary to plead the Virgin Maria for safety and protection from the Black Death, which was plaguing Mallorca at the time and killed roughly 20% of its population. This fortification is now a site of religious and tourist significance in the north of the island.
Today, the monastery is run as a hostel with accommodation offering self-catering facilities for its guests. It also features a lovely cafe for visitors to visit and vacate its outside terrace. Whilst here, you have to visit the gardens, and the Oratory, which was built in the 1300s.
Should you have worked up an appetite, you can also find a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving traditional Mallorcan dishes. Savour the splendid simplicity of some typical Mallorcan and Mediterranean cuisine to recharge your batteries before descending back to Pollensa.
And finally, simply soaking in the breathtaking views from the Puig de Maria stretching out to Pollensa, and even Puerto Pollensa and Alcúdia, is the best way to reward yourself for your hard efforts before heading back to town to enjoy the rest of your day.
Before you embark on your Puig de Maria walk, or any hike in Mallorca for that matter, you need to ensure that you’re appropriately dressed so that you’re comfortable for the duration of your journey ahead.
This means ensuring that you wear comfortable shoes. Either activewear trainers, walking boots, or hiking sandals will make for the ideal footwear for the duration of your trip. Particularly given the cobbled and unpaved terrain on certain stretches of the journey, you’ll want to make sure that whatever footwear you choose is sturdy and has sufficient grip.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re wearing breathable active wear or clothing in which your movement is not restricted. Active leggings and a t-shirt or shorts and a vest top would be sufficient in warmer weather, for example. However, dependent on the time of year you’ll be embarking on the hike, you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed for that season. So thicker items such as a fleece or rain jacket would be more appropriate for the winter or rainy season.
The best time to embark on the Puig de Maria walk is during spring to early summer or from late summer to early autumn. This means you still get to make the most of the better part of Mallorca’s blissful Mediterranean weather but avoid the stiflingly hot summer temperatures and the colder, wetter months of winter that are less favourable for outdoor activities.
For example, in the height of the summer season in Pollensa, from July to August, average daily temperatures hover at around 25ºC. For someone who is not used to the Mediterranean climate, this may be overwhelming, particularly when engaging in physical activity, which can make your hike much more strenuous.
On the other hand, in the wintertime, temperatures are at their coldest. And whilst this may be more tolerable than embarking on the hike during the height of summer, you may not see the Puig de Maria and its surrounding landscapes in their best light, particularly if it’s rainy and miserable.
This is why visiting during spring or autumn offers a prime opportunity to embark on the Puig de Maria walk with the best available weather conditions.
The Puig de Maria trail is one of the north of Mallorca’s best-kept natural wonders. It offers an oasis in the hilltops for those who seek to explore the wilderness that Mallorca is best known for and to relish some of its architectural and religious grandeur. And its easy access from Pollensa Old Town means you can easily combine the Puig de Maria hike with a few hours of exploring the Pollensa Old Town.
We hope you’ve found our above insight useful to help you decide when may be best for you to embark on the Puig de Maria walk, and how best you can prepare for hiking in Mallorca on this picturesque wilderness trail.
For those who seek adventure and are ready to pull up their hiking boots, why not find yourself a great base for your Puig de Maria hike? Vida Villas has a fantastic selection of accommodation to choose from. Browse our selection here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
