Hiking the Famous Archduke’s Trail in Valldemossa, Mallorca

The Archduke’s Trail (Camí de s’Arxiduc) is a mountain trail in the Tramuntana mountains between Valldemossa and Deià in Mallorca.

There are a few ways to access the path. However, the most straightforward ascent route starts in Valldemossa and traverses the Muntanya del Voltor natural area (permit needed). 

The path is named after Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Habsburg-Lorraine, an aristocrat and naturalist who mapped out this route among others in the 19th century. He spent years studying the local wildlife in Mallorca. His contributions have made him a historic figure in this region. 

Starting in Valldemossa, the circuit trail initially ascends a holm oak forest to the Mirador de Ses Puntes viewpoint overlooking the northwest coast. The path continues to the unmanaged Caseta de s’Arxiduc stone hut and down to the Coll de Son Gallard saddle.

From here, you’re just minutes away from joining the Archduke’s Trail. Once on the Camí de s’Arxiduc, you’ll continue ascending above the treeline to a panoramic ridge. Here, commences the best part of the hike. Atop the mountains dividing Valldemossa from Deià, the beautifully-engineered Archduke’s trail follows the ridge and crosses the Tramuntana mountains east. The sea views are wonderful and the trail is mostly flat. 

Ultimately, the trail loops south and you’ll descend to Es Cairats valley in Valldemossa. 

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Archduke’s Trail Hiking Map

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Muntanya del Voltor Permit Needed

Muntanya del Voltor is a natural area made up of several private estates. The Muntanya del Voltor association was founded in 2014 in an effort to preserve the area’s natural and cultural heritage. 

The ascent route described in this trail guide traverses the private lands of Muntanya del Voltor. 

In order to get access, you just have to request a free permit. 

They administer 50 free permits daily. You can call, email, or whatsapp Muntanya del Voltor with your desired hiking date and your name as well as the names of anyone in your hiking group. We recommend reaching out 4-6 days in advance.

Email: info@muntanyadelvoltor.com 

Call/Whatsapp: 0034 619 59 19 85

Note: Within Muntanya del Voltor, bicycles, pets, and camping are not allowed. 

If you are not able to secure a permit, you can also ascend to the Archduke’s Trail via ​​the Camí de ses Basses path. We opted out of this variation, because we were told the trail is harder to follow.

Read Next: Best Hikes in Mallorca

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Path of the Archduke Trail Description 

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Valldemossa to the Ses Puntes Viewpoint (1 hour)

The trail starts at the very end of Carrer de les Olivers street, which ends in a cul-de-sac. Next to residence #16, which sports a “Coto Privado de Caza” sign, there’s a chain gate. Just beyond the chain gate, there’s an inconspicuous pathway which runs along the fence. 

Follow this path. Soon you’ll see a large Muntanya del Voltor map. Continue for another 6 minutes and you’ll arrive at the gated entrance to the Muntanya del Voltor natural area. 

At the info shed, they regulate permits and answer questions. They also sell estate-produced olive oil. 

After passing the info shed/hut, continue straight and follow the sign to “Pla des Pouet.”

Follow the wide trail and ascend the shady oak forest along long switchbacks for about 20 minutes. 

When you reach a trail junction, bear left and then straight in the direction of “Coll de Son Gallard.”

The path flattens out and continues for a few more minutes to the Pla des Pouet plain, marked by an old stone well and other stone structures. 

At the signed intersection, turn left in the direction of the Ses Puntes viewpoint. 

It takes about 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint. As you progress, views open up to the northwest coast and the Mediterranean Sea. 

The Ses Puntes viewpoint is marked by a stone barrier, originally built by the Archduke of Austria. 

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Ses Puntes Viewpoint to Refugi de s’Arxiduc (20 minutes)

The trail leads to sa Talaia Vella, turning away from the coast at first.

After crossing over the unspectacular sa Talaia Vella peak, the rocky, semi-forested trail continues onwards to the unmanaged Caseta de s’Arxiduc (stone hut). 

From the stone refugi, there are wonderful views of the Tramuntana mountains, the coast, and Deià.

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Refugi de s’Arxiduc to Coll de Son Gallard (10  minutes)

Backtrack to the main trail and follow the descending path. 

In about 260 meters, keep your eyes out for an easy-to-miss footpath on the left side. This unmarked trail leads to Mirador des Garriguer. Use Maps.me to locate it. This is an optional detour. 

Again, back on the main trail, continue descending a few minutes to the Col de Son Gallard (766 m) saddle. 

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Col de Son Gallard – Camí de s’Arxiduc – Puig Gros (1 hour)

There are several signs at Col de Son Gallard, including another “Finca Privada” (authorized access only sign), Muntanya del Voltor map, and trail signs.

Follow signs to Camí de s’Arxiduc.

The trail brings you to a stone wall, where there’s a botador (stile) which aids you across the  wall. There’s also a vedat de caça (“no entry”) sign nailed to the tree. 

The “no entry” sign only applies to people who don’t have the Muntanya del Voltor permit. 

After crossing the wall, hike straight uphill for a few minutes. You’re now in the “public area” (where no permit is needed). This forest footpath intersects with the well-established Camí de s’Arxiduc.

Turn left onto the Camí de s’Arxiduc trail. 

A series of long switchbacks steer you above the tree line up to a rocky ridge with far-reaching views. This is the start of the most spectacular section of the Path of the Archduke.

The Camí de s’Arxiduc trail hugs the ridgeline at first. 

At the wooden post trail marker, bear right and stay atop the plateau. The descending trail is leads to Deià. 

With great ease, the path continues east across the high plateau. 

When you get the Camí de s’Arxiduc (#1) / Camí de Ses Basses (#2) trail junction, continue straight on Camí de s’Arxiduc.

The trail then continues along the ridge to Puig Gros (938 m), marked by a cairn.

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Puig Gros – Refugi de Son Moragues – Valldemossa (1:20 minutes)

The trail gently descends, with sweeping mountain and sea views.

Whe path will turn south and you’ll descend towards the Torrent d’Avail stream/valley.

Now, below the treeline the trail continues to the unmanaged Refugi de Son Moragues (774 m). 

The best part of the hike is behind you. You’ll now follow a wide gravel track down to the Font des Polls (697 m) recreation area, marked by a sign and several picnic tables. 

Continue zigzagging all the way down the valley.

After passing an info board and gate, the trail continues to descend for another 10 minutes.

When the trail divides, you can choose between the left trail, or the faster right trail. The right trail is initially gated, but you can go through. 

Either way, both Es Cairats valley trails run parallel to an enclosed terraced grove of olive trees. There are some sheep that roam about the grove as well. 

If you take the right trail, the path reaches the Carrer Xesc Forteza road in 10 minutes. 

If you take the left path, you’ll pass the Sa Coma estate, just before reaching the Cami de sa Coma, which leads to the main Carretera de Valldemossa road.There are seven barking dogs, enclosed in the estate, that like to make their presence known. 

From here, use Google Maps or Maps.me to return to your car at the trailhead, or the bus stop in Valldemossa. 

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Where to Stay in Valldemossa

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Village Center

Most accommodations in the village center do not have on-site parking. However, they typically supply guests with free parking passes. Reach out to your accommodation in advance for parking instructions.

Budget | Residencial Suites Valldemossa – Turismo de Interior are top-rated apartments in the center of Valldemossa, a stone’s throw from Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas (our favorite bakery). The host provides guests with a free parking pass. 

Midrange| Ca’s Papà is a darling B&B in the heart of Valldemossa, just around the corner from Es Roquissar, La Posada Valldemossa, and many other restaurants. Stay here for the unbeatable central location, breakfast, and dreamy views of the village and mountains. Ca’s Papà provides guests with a free parking pass. 

Luxury | Hotel Valldemossa is a stately hotel and gourmet restaurant in Valldemossa, with driving access and on-site parking. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the village and mountains from the hotel terrace, an outdoor swimming pool, and spa. It’s only a short walk to the village center from the hotel. 

More accommodations in the village center: Allotjaments Serra de Tramuntana (budget) and Es Petit Hotel de Valldemossa (midrange).

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Outside the Village

These accommodations are located outside of the village center and provide on-site parking. 

Midrange | Bordoy Continental Valldemossa is located between Valldemossa and Deià, along the scenic Ma-10 road. The hotel’s coastal location overlooking the sea is the main draw. Guests also enjoy access to a swimming pool, on-site café-bar and restaurant, and free on-site parking. Breakfast is 15 EUR. For dinner, you can eat on-site. However, it’s worth venturing to Can Costa Valldemossa and Es Taller (reservation needed). 

Luxury | Agroturismo Son Viscos is located off the Ma-1110 road, just outside the village center. This private, countryside hotel features tasteful interiors, spacious rooms, fresh and healthy breakfasts, and a relaxing terrace and garden.

Luxury | Mirabó de Valldemossa is located up in the hills overlooking Valldemossa. This dreamy rural hotel is the ultimate retreat for those looking to unwind in a peaceful countryside location. The hotel features 2 swimming pools and an on-site restaurant and bar. It’s worth noting that the hotel is located at the end of a 900-meter-long serpentine driveway, so a car is essential. Additionally, the long driveway may serve as a deterrent for going out at night, etc… 

Look for accommodation in Valldemossa.

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More Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides

Hiking in Mallorca: For a round-up of all our favorite trails, read Best Hikes in Mallorca. We’ve also written detailed trail guides:

• Tossals Verds Circuit Trail
• Puig de l’Ofre Peak Hike
• Talaia d’Alcúdia and Platja des Coll Baix Circuit Trail
• La Trapa Viewpoint Hike
• Castell d’Alaró Rock Castle Hike
• Cornador Gran Day Hike

Mallorca Trip Planning: Read Where to Stay in Mallorca for a summary of the best regions, villages, and accommodations in Mallorca. We’ve tied together these top destinations in our 1 Week Mallorca Itinerary. To access all our Mallorca content, head to our Mallorca blog archive.

Mallorca Towns: One of the most memorable things to do in Mallorca is to stay in a mountain village like Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller.

Mallorca Beaches: Find out how to get to the picture-perfect Caló des Moro & Cala S’Almunia coves in southeast Mallorca.

When to Visit Mallorca: The tourist season runs from April through October. Read Mallorca in April to learn about spring travel.

Tenerife: Plan a trip to Tenerife in the Canary Islands using this Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary and Best Hikes in Tenerife.  

Gran Canaria: Plan a winter (December – March) hiking trip to Gran Canaria with Best Hikes in Gran Canaria.

Spain: Read all our guides about Spain in our Spain Travel Guide and Spain blog archive.

Europe Hiking: We’re on a mission to find the most beautiful trails in Europe. Also check out:

• Best Hikes in Malta
• Best Hikes in Portugal
• Best Day Hikes in Europe

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