As the autumn leaves begin to fall and temperatures become cooler, there’s no better time to lace up your trainers and hike up Pollensa’s own mini mountain, Puig de Maria. Loved by all and often thought of as a go-to spot for reflection, it is one of those places that have a special feel to them; a calming blend of nature, spirituality, and beauty.
Imposing because of its location right by the roadside along the Ma-2200 and proximity to town (the start of the hike is just a ten-minute stroll from the Plaza Mayor), it looms above the village, with the 14th-century chapel on top visible even from the Port.
Standing at some 330 meters high, some residents use it as a training ground, power walking up and down before work or during their lunch break in about an hour. Others choose to venture up to practice yoga or meditate, taking advantage of the natural environment and tranquility: a mini-break for the soul right on their doorstep.
To fully appreciate the surroundings, a good two hours is recommended for a more gentle stroll that allows for plenty of photo stops and time for exploration at the top. It is an enjoyable and manageable endeavour for younger (and many older) members of the family too.
The Hike:
The start of the hike begins along the Ma-2200 at Camí d’es Puig and is clearly marked with a wooden sign. It is best to park in town as there are only a handful of spots here on the roadside. The winding tarmac road at the start passes by a handful of beautiful properties and then through woodland, the canopy of trees providing soothing shade from the sun. For those who wish to pause, catch their breath, and soak in the tranquility, a few strategically placed benches along the upper, steeper curves offer a welcome respite.
About two-thirds of the way up, the woods give way to open skies, revealing a breathtaking panorama with views stretching as far as Alcúdia Bay and beyond, and across to the Tramuntana mountains. The final stretch to the top is marked by an uneven cobbled stone path, which can be deceptively slippery in parts, so it’s wise to tread carefully.
When the chapel buildings become visible, it is here where you will most likely be greeted by the welcome committee, usually made up of a couple of goats and two or three cats, all of which are rather friendly and will pose for photos free of charge. From here, head up the stairs to your left, onto the large terrace for a bird’s-eye view of Pollensa old town. See if you can spot the Calvario and the 365 steps amidst the terracotta rooftops. Take the path through the archway to further explore the grounds, for picnic tables, and views that stretch all the way down to Puerto Pollensa with the sea in the distance.
At the bottom of the terrace steps, on your way back, follow the path that leads to the right, around the side of the mountain. You will spot a ruin. You might have to scramble a little over the terrain as the path is not always clear, but once there, you will be rewarded with a magnificent clear panorama of Pollensa Bay.
Useful notes:
The Puig Maria hike is just over 4 kilometres long there and back, from the starting point at the road, and it takes about 40–45 minutes to reach the top. It’s accessible to hikers of various levels, but not suitable for pushchairs. Sensible footwear is recommended.
The bar and lodgings that once operated at the top are currently closed, and access to the chapel and the rest of the building is restricted, so do ensure you take refreshments with you and dispose of all rubbish thoughtfully.
POLLENSA LIFESTYLE 