Hikes in Algaida

In the area of the Muntanya de Randa, we hike to the three monasteries Santuari de Nostra Senyora de la Gràcia, Santuari de Sant Honorat, and Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Cura.

The route takes you with some ascent kilometers from Nostra Senyora de Gràcia to panoramic walking sections, that is many vistas and a pleasant stay in Randa. You mostly walk straight through the bushes, so you are reasonably sheltered from the sun and might get a scratch.

The Tafelber of Randa is a truly charming place. You can see it constantly from many spots on the island and wonder what exactly is going on up there...

Challenging tour in the center of Mallorca island through the Serra de Galdent with many views over the island.

On the Witch Mountain near RandaMallorca is not lacking in legendary places. On the Puig de ses Bruixes ("Witches' Mountain"), it is said that in ancient times so many evil witches caused havoc that in the 15th century a holy cross was erected to ward them off. Today, when visiting the rocky peak that stands out from the plain, neither witches nor the cross can be found, but there is still a magnificent view. The monastery mountain Randa can be seen within reach from the Serra de Galdent, and visiting it can turn the hike into an eventful day trip.

The 540-meter-high Klosterberg, towering over the village of Randa, is impossible to miss. On clear days, from its summit you can see 36 towns and villages in Mallorca, many stretches of coastline to the south and east, the entire Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and the islands of Cabrera and Eivissa/Ibiza. According to historical records, hermits lived on the mountain as early as the 15th century. They drew inspiration from the theologian and philosopher Ramon Llull (1232 or 1233–1316), who underwent a spiritual journey similar to that of Francis of Assisi. He devoted himself to missionary work—not with the sword, but with the power of logic. To this end, he learned Arabic and constructed a “truth machine,” which today is seen as embodying the fundamentals of modern computer science. His writings—many of which he published in Catalan—had a major influence on European philosophy. The pilgrimage church on the mountain houses the 42-cm-tall stone statue of the Virgin of Cura. The gift shop sells religious items and herbal liqueur. There is also a museum and an excellent restaurant; you can even stay overnight there (Tel. 971/120260, www.santuaridecura.com). On the way to Cura, you’ll pass two other hermitages, the lower of which—the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Gràcia—was built like a swallow’s nest directly beneath a high rock face.▶ In the center of Randa 01, followthe signs for “Cura” and hike up the Ma-5018 paved road into the ravine between the main and southwestern peaks of the mountain. After a good 500 m—at the first left-hand hairpin turn—a trail branches off to the right (gate). It leads through the ravine to a wall (passageway). Just beyond it, by the road, turn right toward the large gate of the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Gràcia 02 (385 m). The hermitage behind it nestles beneath high, yellow rock faces protected from falling rocks by nets (a magical picnic spot with a breathtaking view over the plain). Return to the main road, which you now follow to the right. Immediately after the left-hand curve, turn right again onto a path (cairn)—this is the old pilgrimage trail that climbs up to the parking lot in front of the Santuari de Sant Honorat 03 (470 m). The hermitage is still inhabited—please be quiet while you’re there. Now follow the paved, gently sloping access road to the main road, where you’ll head uphill to the right. At the hairpin turn at km 2.7, turn left onto a steep trail, cross the road twice more, and finally follow it across the summit plateau—past the transmission towers—to the Santuari de Cura 04 (540 m). Great views over the Es Pla plain to the sea and the Serra de Tramuntana. 1:15 h. Return via the same route. You can also hike down from the parking lot in front of the Santuari on a paved side road to the left (south). Below the buildings, turn right toward a locked gate; to the left of it, take a path into the bushes and along a wall to a gate. Behind it, a cave yawns in the rock face—Ramon Llull is said to have meditated here, as commemorated by a (sadly destroyed) statue. A few steps further on, you’ll see a crumbling wall—there, faint trail marks lead left down the forested slope. The route, which is partly overgrown, descends very steeply and reaches a scree slope. Below it, a wide path leads left to the road, about 200 m away. Follow this road back to Randa 01. 1:00 h.

Randa’s “holy mountain” is one of Mallorca’s most popular tourist destinations—in contrast to the Puig de ses Bruixes, which rises west of it above the island’s plain. This small, triangular rock formation—furrowed by vertical crevices—immediately catches the eye of any traveler passing between Algaida and Llucmajor. Centuries ago, witches were said to have been up to no good up there. Climbing it is no magic trick for experienced rock climbers; however, once on the exposed ridge, you’ll need to use your hands for support. The best time to hike to the “Witches’ Mountain” is in February, when the almond trees are in bloom all around.▶ From the cemetery , walkalong the paved Camí de Galdent between fields and small estates toward the ridge to the north, ignoring all side roads. After 1 km, turn right onto the signposted Camí de Ferrutxelles opposite a house. This will take you to the intersection in front of the Casita Rosa estate. There, turn left onto the Camí des Puig. At the junction with a gravel path, continue straight ahead on the paved road; at the next fork, turn right—heading directly toward the Puig de ses Bruixes. Immediately past a house, you’ll pass the junction with a gravel road. The paved road then begins to climb more steeply and leads into the forest. When you see the gate at the end of the road, turn sharply right onto an unmarked forest trail. It runs briefly along a fence, then turns left onto a steep trail and climbs uphill over sloping rock slabs. Turn left, passing between cacti, and then right into Saddle 02(340 m) in front of Puig de ses Bruixes, where a large stone pyramid stands. To the right, the rocky ridge leads up to the “Witches’ Mountain”; you’ll cross it partly along faint trail marks and partly directly over the steep ridge. From the highest point of Puig de ses Bruixes 03(358 m), the view stretches all the way to the sea and the nearby Mount Randa; the view of the starting point, Llucmajor, is particularly captivating. 1:30 h Return via the same route as the approach.

Varied  hiking tour through the center of the island

Klosterrunde mit viel Aussicht