This Spanish Paradise Just Beat Portugal and Italy to Become Europe’s #1 Hiking Destination

A surprising Mediterranean destination has just been crowned Europe’s ultimate hiking paradise, dethroning famous rivals like Portugal’s Camino de Santiago and Italy’s Cinque Terre to claim the top spot in a comprehensive new study. The winner? A Spanish island that most travelers know only for its beaches, but which secretly harbors some of the continent’s most spectacular mountain trails and scenic coastal paths.

Island Hopping’s travel experts have officially named Mallorca as Europe’s premier hiking destination, shocking outdoor enthusiasts who typically associate the Balearic island with sun loungers and beach clubs rather than rugged mountain adventures and world-class trekking routes.

The Study That Changed Everything

The ranking wasn’t based on tourist hype or social media buzz, it was the result of rigorous analysis examining 20 European destinations across multiple criteria. Travel + Leisure reported that the comprehensive study evaluated trail distance, ease of access, security, weather conditions, lodging prices, and online engagement to create a definitive “Hiking Quality Index” score.

Mallorca didn’t just win, it excelled across every single category, proving that this 1,500-square-mile Mediterranean island packs an incredibly diverse range of hiking experiences into a surprisingly compact space.

What makes this victory even more remarkable is the competition Mallorca faced. The study compared it against legendary hiking destinations including Portugal’s scenic Camino routes, Italy’s iconic Cinque Terre coastal trails, and other renowned European walking destinations that have attracted hikers for generations.

From Beach Resort to Mountain Paradise

Most of the nearly one million visitors who flock to Mallorca annually come for the pristine beaches of Cala Mondragó and Cala Figuera, the dramatic coastal cliffs of Cap de Formentor, or the charming villages of Sineu, Fornalutx, and Valldemossa. But hidden behind this postcard-perfect facade lies a hiker’s dream: two magnificent mountain ranges and over 1,200 kilometers of marked trails.

The island’s hiking infrastructure is nothing short of impressive, featuring 15 mountain refuges, comprehensive trail markers, and official route information available through the Consell de Mallorca hiking app. This level of organization puts Mallorca ahead of many more famous European hiking destinations in terms of accessibility and safety.

The UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Range

The crown jewel of Mallorca’s hiking scene is the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, which earned UNESCO World Heritage status for their exceptional cultural and natural value. This rugged limestone range dominates the western side of the island and features more than 50 summits over 3,200 feet high.

The highest peak, Puig Major, towers at 4,921 feet and offers breathtaking panoramic views that extend across the Mediterranean Sea. With a NATO military installation on top, it serves as both a strategic location and an incredible vista point for advanced hikers willing to tackle the challenging ascent.

The Tramuntana isn’t just about peak bagging. The range offers hiking experiences for every skill level, from gentle valley walks through ancient olive groves to technical ridge scrambles that challenge even experienced mountaineers.

The Epic 87-Mile “Dry Stone Route”

Perhaps the most famous hiking experience in Mallorca is the GR221, known internationally as the “Dry Stone Route.” This approximately 87-mile trail crosses the entire Tramuntana range from Port d’Andratx in the southwest to Pollença in the north, taking hikers through some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

The trail typically requires 8-10 days to complete, though it can be tackled in shorter sections or as part of organized expeditions. Along the way, hikers pass through quaint mountain villages, ancient olive groves, and imposing cliffs that rise dramatically above the Mediterranean Sea.

What sets the GR221 apart from other long-distance European trails is its incredible diversity of landscapes compressed into a relatively short distance. Hikers experience everything from coastal Mediterranean ecosystems to alpine-like environments at higher elevations.

Beyond the Mountains: Coastal and Wetland Wonders

Mallorca’s hiking excellence extends far beyond its famous mountains. The island also features the Serra de Llevant range in the east, offering more modest but equally beautiful mountain experiences.

For those seeking gentler adventures, the 4,200-acre S’Albufera de Mallorca Nature Park near Alcúdia Bay provides excellent wetland hiking. This protected area offers easy trails perfect for families and beginners while showcasing the island’s remarkable biodiversity.

Even urban hiking has its charms in Mallorca. AllTrails’ popular 3-mile Palma de Mallorca Walking Tour starts and ends in the historic city center, taking hikers past iconic landmarks including the stunning Gothic Cathedral, the elegant Palacio March Museum with its lush gardens, and the legendary Drac de la Coca sculpture overlooking the harbor.

Perfect Weather for Year-Round Hiking

One crucial factor in Mallorca’s top ranking is its exceptional climate. The Mediterranean location provides ideal hiking conditions for more than 300 days annually, with professional guides reporting that the optimal season extends from October through May.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) offer the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures averaging 65-75°F and minimal rainfall. These periods also bring additional bonuses: spring features spectacular wildflower blooms, while autumn provides warm swimming opportunities for post-hike recovery.

Even winter hiking is viable in Mallorca, with mild temperatures and occasional dramatic storm systems that create stunning atmospheric conditions for photography and adventure.

Advanced Challenges for Serious Hikers

For experienced hikers seeking serious challenges, Mallorca delivers with routes like the Puig de Galatzó ascent, hailed as “one of the best natural viewpoints” on the island. The climb from the Estellencs Route involves 2,360 feet of elevation gain over 6.5 miles, taking about 4 hours round trip for fit hikers.

The Puig de Massanella ascent (1,365 meters) ranks as the island’s second-highest peak, offering 360-degree panoramic views that extend to neighboring Menorca on clear days. Meanwhile, the Torrent de Pareis canyon walk provides unique geological formations and seasonal waterfall displays, though it requires technical scrambling skills during certain sections.

Infrastructure That Actually Works

What truly sets Mallorca apart from other European hiking destinations is its professional-grade infrastructure. The island features 15 mountain refuges with beds priced from €25-35 per night, plus meal options featuring local Mallorcan specialties.

The comprehensive trail marking system includes GPS coordinates, difficulty ratings, and estimated completion times. The official Consell de Mallorca hiking app, updated for 2025, provides detailed route information, offline maps, and real-time weather updates.

This level of organization means hikers can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about navigation or safety concerns that plague other European mountain regions.

Access and Logistics

Getting to Mallorca’s hiking paradise is remarkably straightforward. Palma de Mallorca Airport serves as the island’s main gateway, with direct flights from major European cities year-round.

Car rental is recommended for accessing trailheads, though public transportation and organized hiking tours provide alternatives for those preferring not to drive. The island’s compact size means most trails are within a 30-60 minute drive from anywhere on the island.

What This Means for Hikers

Mallorca’s #1 ranking signals a fundamental shift in European hiking destinations. No longer can this Balearic island be dismissed as merely a beach resort, it has officially earned recognition as a serious hiking destination that rivals the continent’s most celebrated mountain regions.

For hikers seeking their next European adventure, Mallorca offers an unbeatable combination of trail variety, infrastructure quality, weather reliability, and accessibility. Whether you’re planning a challenging multi-day trek through UNESCO World Heritage mountains or seeking gentle coastal walks with Mediterranean views, this Spanish island delivers experiences that now rank among Europe’s absolute best.

The ranking also suggests that savvy hikers should look beyond obvious destinations to discover hidden gems. While millions focus on overcrowded trails in the Alps or Pyrenees, Mallorca offers world-class hiking with smaller crowds and better value.

The Bottom Line

Mallorca’s surprise victory as Europe’s #1 hiking destination proves that the best adventures often come from unexpected places. This Spanish island has quietly built one of the continent’s most impressive hiking infrastructures while maintaining the natural beauty and cultural authenticity that make mountain adventures truly memorable.

For travelers ready to experience Europe’s newly crowned hiking capital, Mallorca awaits with 1,200 kilometers of marked trails, 50+ mountain peaks, UNESCO World Heritage scenery, and the kind of Mediterranean magic that turns good hikes into unforgettable adventures.

The secret is officially out: Europe’s best hiking isn’t in the famous mountain ranges everyone talks about—it’s on a Spanish island where the trails are as spectacular as the beaches, and the mountains rise dramatically from crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.