If you are looking for a route in Mallorca that has it all—history, adventure, nature, and views that will leave you speechless—, the excursion to Penya des Migdia—also known as Penya Rotja—from the Ermita de la Victoria in Alcudia is a perfect plan.
It is a short but intense hike, with corners full of curiosities and a heart-stopping finish at 354 meters above sea level; here, a viewpoint with 360° panoramic views of the north coast of the island awaits you.
However, it is not just any walk… the last section has narrow steps and some danger. Do you dare?
How to get to Penya des Migdia in Mallorca
The starting point of the excursion is in the parking lot of the Ermita de la Victoria, about 7 kilometers from the center of Alcudia. To get there by car, you have to take the road that crosses the Mal Pas urbanization, continue towards the Victoria hostel and continue to the s’Illot beach area. A few more minutes of travel and the road ends in the parking lot next to the hermitage, where you can leave the vehicle—completely free—and start the walk.
Access is not difficult to locate, but it is best to have battery to put the GPS if you need it because it is not one of the most traveled routes in Mallorca.
What is the hiking route to Penya des Migdia like?
The excursion to Penya des Migdia is short, but don’t be fooled because it is one of those routes that combine easy sections with others that are much more demanding. In total, there are about 4.7 kilometers round trip, with a moderate slope that translates into about two and a half hours of walking.
The beginning is smooth, along a forest track, but soon you will come across the first slopes. After passing through Ses Tres Creus, the path narrows and overlooks the cliff, offering spectacular views over the bay of Pollença and Formentor. And here, be careful! Especially if you go with children or if the day is windy.
The final section is the most demanding; it has a steep climb that will force you to climb a little with your hands and follow the blue marks painted on the rock. The effort is rewarded with what you are going to find.
What to see during the route to Penya des Migdia
The walk to the top of Penya des Migdia in Mallorca is not only about climbing and sweating a little, it is also a route full of curious corners, impressive landscapes and history. Below we tell you what are the key points that you will find along the way.
The hermitage of Santa Victoria
The starting point of the excursion and the first “historic” stop is this: the hermitage of Santa Victoria, a 14th-century oratory of a defensive nature—with thick walls and a rectangular plan of a single nave with a barrel vault—. Inside, it houses a baroque altarpiece by Miquel Riutort and the Gothic image of the Virgen de la Victoria—the patron saint of Alcudia—.
If you happen to be in the area in July, the popular festival is celebrated here with a walk up, dances and an offering of chamomile bouquets.
Ses Tres Creus
A few minutes after starting the ascent you will come across this symbolic corner. In an esplanade you will see two wooden crosses and one of stone, which according to tradition mark the place where the Virgen de la Victoria was found. In addition, it is the first great stop to enjoy the views towards the bay of Alcudia.
The path next to the cliff
From Ses Tres Creus the road is narrowing; you will be glued to the hillside. It is an impressive stretch, where you can see the bay of Pollença, the Formentor peninsula and a good part of the Serra de Tramuntana. Of course, you have to proceed with caution.
The stone tunnel
One of the most special moments of the route is to cross this stone passage of more than 400 years open in the rock to communicate the two sides of the mountain. When crossing it, the perspective changes. Suddenly you find yourself with views towards Cap Pinar and old defensive constructions.
The military remains of Penya des Migdia
Just past the tunnel you will find vestiges of the time when Mallorca had to defend itself from privateers and pirates. There are remains of a watch house, a cistern to collect rainwater and even a red ball oven, which was used to heat cannon projectiles.
The Penya des Migdia cannon and the summit
The last effort will take you to climb between rocks following the blue dots to the esplanade of the summit. There awaits you the Canó des Moro, a bronze cannon from the 17th century placed in 1630. And of course, the best reward: a natural viewpoint at 354 meters altitude.
The section with chains
A little further on, the road becomes narrower and more exposed, but here you will find metal chains to help you overcome the pass. It is not complicated, but it is appreciated to have that point of support to move forward safely.
What to see in the surroundings
Doing the route to Penya des Migdia is already a great plan, but the best thing is that the surroundings are full of places that deserve a stop. Very close you have Cala Sant Vicenç, with its crystalline waters and its small coves of sand and rock, perfect for taking a dip.
A few kilometers away is Pollença, one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca. Strolling through its historic center, climbing the 365 steps of the Calvari or having something in its main square is the ideal way to end the day. And if you follow the Formentor road, the viewpoints and the Formentor Lighthouse will give you another perspective of the island.
A little further inland, another great plan is to visit Inca, considered the capital of footwear and leather in Mallorca. There you will find shops and factories where you can buy high-quality local products, as well as a very lively historic center.
One of its attractions is the Feria de Inca, an annual event that turns the town into a hotbed of markets, music, traditions and a lot of local atmosphere during October and November.
And if you fancy something different, getting on the Sóller train is like traveling in time. This historic wooden railway runs through the Serra de Tramuntana between mountain landscapes and orange groves until reaching the beautiful port of Sóller, where you can complete the experience by dining in a traditional tavern.
As you can see, Penya des Migdia can be the perfect excuse to plan a day—or even a weekend—full of things to do.
Why choose Penya des Migdia in Mallorca?
Penya des Migdia is one of those routes that justify a trip to Mallorca in itself: short but intense, with landscapes that are etched in the memory and that spectacular canyon that gives it a point of adventure.
And you know, the ideal is not to do it in a hurry. It is best to stay overnight nearby to enjoy it without stress and also take advantage of the towns and coves in the surrounding area. At Ideal Properties we have charming accommodations in the area, perfect for turning your excursion into a well-rounded getaway.
Do you want to take a look at our website and book yours?