From our team, we always recommend setting aside a full day to explore northeast Mallorca, a landscape shaped by rugged terrain and wide-open horizons. If you want to get away from the busy tourist areas, the Llevant Natural Park in Artà offers a setting where sea and mountains coexist in balance. We know these paths well, and we know that walking them helps you understand the island’s traditional rural character.
This protected area brings together old mountain trails, ravines covered in native vegetation, and coves that have kept their original look. We want to guide you along its official routes, share tried-and-tested practical tips, and show you the most interesting spots so you can plan your itinerary with complete peace of mind.
What the Llevant Natural Park in Artà is and why it’s worth visiting
The Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, officially called the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park, is an area of great ecological value at the eastern end of the island. Although its boundaries cover parts of Capdepera, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar and Santa Margalida, its main core, public estates and visitor information centre are in the municipality of Artà.
Walking through its valleys lets you see vegetation dominated by dense stands of dwarf fan palm, known locally as garballó, and wide reed beds. This small native palm has deep ethnographic roots in the area, as from the late 19th century it supported Artà’s traditional basketry craft, known as llatra weaving.
Among its slopes you’ll also find holm oak woods and wild olive groves that provide shelter for protected species such as the Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanni), martens and genets. If you look up towards the peaks, you’ll see birds of prey gliding over the limestone cliffs, such as the booted eagle, the peregrine falcon and the red kite.
Trails and coves: what to see in the Llevant Natural Park in Artà
The area has a well-marked network of trails that makes it easy to explore its landscape. One of the most accessible routes is official trail 1, known as the s’Alqueria Vella to es Verger itinerary. It’s 1,800 metres long and low difficulty, perfect for seeing old estate houses and traditional agricultural buildings.
If you’re looking for a circular route with great views, you can choose official trail 10, known as Volta als Establits de s’Alqueria Vella. This low-difficulty route loops around old plots with open views over the inland valley and the Bay of Alcúdia. Another relaxed option is official trail 25, or Camí des Coll de Marina, which runs for 2,920 metres between gentle hills.
Towards the coast, the paths lead to unspoilt coves untouched by any development. Beaches such as s’Arenalet des Verger or Cala Font Celada offer clear water in a rugged setting. Next to s’Arenalet there is an authorised camping area and one of the public refuges managed by IBANAT, along with s’Alzina and es Oguers.
The climb to Puig de la Tudossa and the memory of the Camí dels Presos
One of the routes with the greatest geographical and historical interest is official trail 3, known as the Camí dels Presos. This low-to-moderate difficulty route starts at s’Alqueria Vella de Baix and ends at the summit of Puig de la Tudossa. On the way up, the trail passes the Campament dels Soldats, a place that helps you understand the area’s recent past.
This camp preserves the remains of a disciplinary detachment built in 1941. During the post-war period, Republican prisoners were forced into hard labour to open surveillance tracks and defensive points along the coast. Walking these sections today lets you see the stonework built by those penal battalions.
You can link this hike with official trail 4, which connects the Soldiers’ Camp with the es Verger estate on a 1,000-metre stretch, or as a 5,500-metre low-difficulty circular route. As you gain height towards the summit, you’ll make out the protected outline of the Cap de Ferrutx and Cap des Freu nature reserves.
Views from the Llevant Natural Park viewpoint
Stopping at any viewpoint in the Llevant Natural Park helps you grasp the scale of Mallorca’s eastern mountain range. From the high points you can pick out standout peaks such as Talaia Freda, at 564 metres, Bec de Ferrutx, at 519 metres, and Puig des Porrassar, which reaches 491 metres above sea level.
On the sea cliffs you’ll find Talaia Moreia, a watchtower built in 1580 to defend against maritime raids. Access to this area is restricted for most of the year due to birds of prey nesting, and visits are only allowed between 15 August and 15 January with a permit requested 48 hours in advance.
The cultural value of these slopes is rounded out by traditional estates such as s’Alqueria Vella, Albarca or Es Verger. Around them you’ll see features linked to past agricultural work, such as waterwheels, stone terraces, threshing floors, lime kilns and olive presses that supplied earlier inhabitants.
How to get there and practical tips for planning your hike
To get there by car, leave Artà on the Ma-3333 road towards the Ermita de Betlem. At kilometre 4.7, take the turn-off on the right towards s’Alqueria Vella. It’s worth remembering that TIB public transport only reaches the town of Artà, so there is no direct bus connection to the visitor centre.
The s’Alqueria Vella de Baix area has free outdoor parking. Entry to the park and access to authorised trails are free all year round. The information centre is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed on Saturdays in July and August. Before you start your day in the Llevant Natural Park in Artà, keep these recommendations in mind:
- Bring plenty of water and a cap, as there are no drinking-water fountains on the trails and sun exposure is high.
- Respect the strict ban on lighting fires and avoid staying overnight outside the designated camping area next to s’Arenalet.
- People with reduced mobility can request the use of a Joëlette chair at the visitor centre.
- If you plan to ride along the trails on horseback, you must arrange authorisation in advance with the park management.
Find your ideal holiday home and enjoy northern Mallorca
Walking these coastal trails and mountain valleys is a great way to switch off from the daily routine and discover the island’s quieter side. After a long day hiking between unspoilt coves and historic paths, resting in a comfortable place makes all the difference.
Come and visit this part of Mallorca and enjoy the experience at your own pace. At HomeVillas360, we have holiday homes set up so you can enjoy your stay in complete comfort while you explore the island’s northeast.
