Castell d’Alaró Rock Castle: Short Hike in Mallorca

Castell d’Alaró is a stone castle ruin, strategically positioned atop Puig d’Alaró peak (821 m), in the Tramuntana Mountains of Mallorca. The castle complex dates back to 902 (first historical record) and consists of a fortress wall, entrance gate and tower.

The fortress castle ruins are located just below the summit of Puig d’Alaró, which is occupied by the Hospedería del castillo de Alaró refuge and chapel. 

Castell d’Alaró is only accessible by foot. You can start the hike at the Finca Es Verger estate in Alaró, or L’Hermitage Hotel & Spa in Orient. 

The Orient ascent route is more interesting, but if you start in Alaró, you can feast at Es Verger Restaurant at the very end of your hike. The Orient route also leads to Es Verger, but it’s harder to indulge in a hearty meal, when you still have to hike uphill afterwards. 

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Castell d’Alaró Hiking Map

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Trailhead

Park along the ma-2100 across from the L’Hermitage Hotel & Spa. There is no official car park, just street parking. Arrive early, because parking is very limited. 

Read Next: Best Hikes in Mallorca

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Orient to Castell d’Alaró Trail Description

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L’Hermitage Hotel & Spa to Pla des Pouet (40 minutes)

From the hotel, follow the road, in the opposite direction of Orient. In 270 meters, there’s a gate (with a no dogs allowed sign) and a GR 221 trail sign on the right side of the road. 

Hop over the gate and head left in the direction of Castell d’Alaró, signed 1:20 hours. 

The wide, level track continues east between olive trees. Sheep roam about the grove freely. It’s such an idyllic scene, and my favorite part of the hike. 

Looking northeast, you can see Puig de l’Ofre, Puig de sa Rateta, and Puig des Tossals Verds. 

After about 20 minutes of easy-going walking, the path enters the forest and ascends 15 minutes to the Pla des Pouet (685 m) trail junction. 

Pla des Pouet is a forested plain, which was formerly a charcoal production site. Donkeys like to rest here during the day.

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Pla des Pouet to Castell d’Alaró (30 minutes)

Turn left, following the GR 221 sign to Castell d’Alaró, signed 30 minutes. 

The cobbled trail follows a stone wall initially and leads up through the forest. 

Turn left, and join the Es Verger/Alaró ascent route (you’ll descend that way later). 

Just before the castle ruins, a series of steps usher you along a dramatic ledge to the entrance gate. 

Pass through the stone arch gate and continue up the stairs to the plateau. 

Wonderful views of the Tramuntana mountains await you along the fortress walls. 

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Castell d’Alaró to Puig d’Alaró (3 minutes)

An uneven  limestone, semi-cobbled path continues up to the summit of Puig d’Alaró.

Atop the peak, there’s a large stone managed refuge (S’Hostatgeria del Castell d’Alaró) and chapel. 

They serve coffee, cold drinks, cake and light sandwiches throughout the day (9 am – 11 pm). If you’re interested in eating a warm lunch here, you have to order lunch 3 days in advance. The lunch options are paella and lamb shoulder. 

S’Hostatgeria del Castell d’Alaró contact information:

971 181 112 / 971 940 503 

reserves@castellalaro.cat 

There’s also another viewpoint overlooking the mountains just above the chapel and refuge. 

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Puig d’Alaró to Es Verger (45 minutes)

Retrace your steps back to the castle and through the gate. At the trail junction, continue straight to Alaró. 

If you’re pressed for time or eager to end the hike, follow the same route back to Pla des Pouet. 

The path in the direction of Alaró zigzags down the forest.

When you reach the paved road, turn right. Follow the road between terraced olive trees to the Finca Es Verger estate. 

The Es Verger Restaurant is a famous establishment in Mallorca, especially known for their lamb shoulder. They have indoor and outdoor seating and serve Mallorcan specialities and a full menu of meat and fish dishes. 

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Es Verger – Pla des Pouet – L’Hermitage Hotel & Spa (1 hour)

Pass the restaurant and ascend 25 minutes to Pla des Pouet. This trail affords interesting views of Puig d’Alaró with its rugged, steep sided rock face. The castle ruins and refuge can also be spotted. 

From Pla des Pouet, descend to L’Hermitage Hotel & Spa and Orient along the same path.

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Where to Stay

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Orient 

Midrange-Luxury | Dating back to the 14th century, Finca Hotel Son Palou is an outstanding countryside hotel set in a stunning and peaceful location in Orient. Guests love the attentive and friendly staff, excellent breakfast, swimming pool, and well-appointed rooms. Breakfast included. Half board available. 

Midrange-Luxury | Surrounded by olive groves and housed in a 16th century monastery,  L’Hermitage Hotel & Spa is a rejuvenating oasis in Orient. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and two tennis courts. Spa treatments and massages can be booked as well. 

Look for accommodation in Orient.

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Bunyola

Midrange | The impeccably-run Es Corte Vell – Adults Only is a lovely boutique hotel with bright, tastefully decorated rooms and an outdoor swimming pool in Bunyola. Breakfast is included. 

Look for accommodation in Bunyola.

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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
• Path of the Archduke
• 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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