Are there any lesser-known hiking routes around Mallorca that locals recommend?

If you want to escape the crowds and discover quieter hiking paths, the Tramuntana mountains offer some of the best hidden trails cherished by locals. For example, the path from Valldemossa to Deià is often overlooked by visitors, winding through olive groves, terraced fields, and pine forests with occasional sea views that stretch towards Cala Deià. It’s a peaceful route that gives a genuine feel of rural island life, especially early in the morning.

Near Sóller, the track up to the lesser-known Barranc de Biniaraix gorge is a favorite among walkers seeking tranquility and dappled shade, punctuated by old stone steps and water channels dating back centuries. It’s a moderate hike with natural pools where you can cool off if the sun is strong. Then there’s the stretch from Pollensa to the beaches at Cala San Vicente, which meanders through pine woods and farmland, bypassing the tourist hubs for a more intimate encounter with the northern coastline.

For those interested in history as well as scenery, the route along the disused railway from Palma to Sóller is a delightful option, combining scenic views with a glimpse into Mallorca's past. The track, now largely a cycling and walking path, traces tunnels and viaducts built in the early 20th century, framed by almond and carob trees. Exploring any of these quieter trails invites you to experience the island beyond its better-trodden paths, where fragrant rosemary and wild thyme scent the air and every village feels close-knit and authentic.