One of Mallorca's most rewarding short hikes climbs to a ruined rock-top castle that guards the entrance to the Serra de Tramuntana. The fortress on the summit of the Puig d'Alaró was first recorded in 902 and was the island's last refuge against invaders for centuries; today its walls and five towers survive as a spectacular vantage point over the Pla de Mallorca and, to the north, the Orient valley and the peaks of L'Ofre, Puig Major and Massanella. The most popular start is from the Es Pouet area above Alaró (cars can drive up the rough track to the Es Verger restaurant, famous for its roast lamb), from where paved switchbacks and rock-cut steps lead up past the gateway of Es Pouet to the summit in roughly 45 minutes to an hour. A quieter alternative climbs from the Coll d'Orient on a shared section of the GR-221 — about 5.5 km return with ~350 m of ascent. At the top, the stone hostatgeria (mountain refuge) and chapel serve coffee, cold drinks, cake and sandwiches through the day, so it doubles as a destination with a reward at the end — which is why it is also a firm family favourite. The route is part of the Consell de Mallorca's network of restored dry-stone paths. Wear proper shoes (the rock steps are polished and slippery in the wet) and take water.
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