You know Mallorca for its turquoise beaches and its most characteristic villages, right? But you still need to discover one of its most authentic wonders: the Puig de Santa Magdalena. A hill that at first glance seems discreet, isolated in the middle of the Pla de Mallorca, but you only need to get closer to understand that climbing to its summit is one of those experiences that you have to live on any trip to the island.
And the best thing is that it is a stone’s throw from Inca, the capital of the Mallorcan interior, which makes this excursion an easy, accessible and absolutely unforgettable plan. Shall we tell you more?
What is the Puig de Santa Magdalena
The Puig de Santa Magdalena is a hill of 287 meters high that rises in the heart of the Pla de Mallorca, very close to Inca. It may not be the highest mountain on the island —far from it—, but what makes it special is that it rises on a plain.
This turns its summit into an authentic natural balcony with 360° views. On one side you will see the immensity of the Bay of Alcúdia, on the other the silhouette of the Serra de Tramuntana and, on clear days, even the bay of Palma.
The place is crowned by the hermitage of Santa Magdalena, a small sanctuary with centuries of history. It is believed that as early as the 13th century there was an oratory dedicated to the saint here and, during the Middle Ages, it became a point of pilgrimage for the inhabitants of Inca and the nearby villages.
In addition, in turbulent times, the Puig also served as a place of refuge thanks to its strategic position.
And today? The Puig de Santa Magdalena is still a space much loved by the Mallorcans. Here pilgrimages and meetings are celebrated, but it is also a perfect destination for hikers, cyclists and families looking to spend a few hours in contact with nature. It is that type of site that combines history, spirituality and simplicity, and that surprises because of how accessible it is.
How to get to and where to park in the Puig Santa Magdalena
Getting to the Puig de Santa Magdalena is very easy, especially if you are already in Inca. From the center of the village you only need a few minutes by car. Just follow the signs to the hermitage and you will immediately find the road that ascends the hillside. It is a narrow and winding road, but it is paved and in good condition, so you will have no problem.
You have two options: leave the car at the base, next to the beginning of the signposted path, or continue to the top and park right there. In the lower part you will find a small parking lot perfect if you want to do the ascent on foot, while at the top there is a wide esplanade in case you want to shorten the excursion. The drive up is beautiful, but the walk from the base is even more so.
Keep in mind that on holidays and weekends the Puig is filled with locals, so it is best to get up early if you want to enjoy it more calmly.
Ascent route... what is it like?
The classic route to the Puig de Santa Magdalena begins at the base of the hill, right where the small parking lot is. From there, a path winds through pine and oak trees until you reach the hermitage. The path is well signposted and there is no loss, so you can do it without worrying about carrying the GPS.
In total there are about 2.5 kilometers of ascent, which are covered in 45 minutes or an hour, depending on your pace. The slope is moderate: just enough to make you sweat a little, but without being too demanding. It is an ideal route to do with family —even with children!—, as a couple, with friends or alone. It has no complicated steps and the shade of the trees accompanies you for a large part of the journey.
During the ascent you will find benches and viewpoints, perfect places to recover your strength and enjoy the views that are already beginning to open up before reaching the summit.
And if cycling is your thing, you can also ascend by bike along the paved road that leads to the top, a very popular option among cyclists in the area.
At the top, in addition to visiting the hermitage and seeing the views, there are also esplanades where you can sit and rest, stone benches and even a restaurant with a terrace. And from this recreational area you can follow a short path that ascends to the other summit of the mountain, called Puig de la Minyó.
In short, it is a short, simple and very rewarding excursion.
How to complete the excursion to the Puig de Santa Magdalena
Climbing the Puig de Santa Magdalena is already a great plan in itself, but the best thing about this excursion is that you can combine it with a visit to Inca or, better yet, stay here. It is one of the cities with the most life in the interior of Mallorca and one of the destinations with the most traditions, markets and good food.
Inca is known as the capital of footwear and leather. Here you will find artisan workshops, outlet stores of local brands and even a museum dedicated to this industry that has marked the history of the city.
But Inca is also gastronomy: its cellers —old wineries converted into restaurants— are the perfect place to sit down and try the typical gastronomy of Mallorca. We are talking about savoring a good arròs brut, a frit mallorquí or, of course, a freshly made ensaimada.
If you are lucky enough to come in November, you cannot miss the Dijous Bo festivities. This event transforms Inca into an authentic hotbed of activities: markets, exhibitions, live music and gastronomy contests.
Between October and November the Inca Fairs in Mallorca are also celebrated, a series of events that warm up the engines until Dijous Bo. Every weekend there are themed markets, craft shows, gastronomic fairs and family activities that turn the city into a place full of life.
So, if you go up to the Puig de Santa Magdalena, save some time to explore Inca. Not only will you discover its history and its gastronomy, you will also be able to experience the energy of its fairs and festivals, which are a reflection of the Mallorcan character.
And if your getaway does not coincide in these months, you just have to take a look at the official agenda of Inca to fill your trip with plans.
Stay in Inca to get to know the Puig de Santa Magdalena
Visiting the Puig de Santa Magdalena and then getting lost in the streets of Inca is a wonderful way to get to know Mallorca.
And if you want the experience to be perfect, nothing like staying right here, in the heart of the island. With Ideal Property you have at your fingertips houses, apartments and villas in Inca and surroundings so you can enjoy the tranquility of the interior without giving up comfort.
Are you booking your accommodation with us now and coming to see the Puig de Santa Magdalena in Mallorca?