Puig de Galatzó in Puigpunyent, Mallorca: The Ultimate Guide

The Puig de Galatzó hike is one of the best trails that you can experience in Mallorca. Located near Puigpunyent in the stunning Tramuntana Mountains (Serra de Tramuntana), this challenging day hike offers spectacular views of the mountains and coastline.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about hiking Puig de Galatzó. As part of the trail description, we’ll talk about Font des Pi, which is one of the main attractions in Puigpunyent, Mallorca. We’ll then cover how to get there and discuss alternate trail options. Afterwards, we’ll talk about the nearby La Reserva Puig de Galatzó and where to stay in Puigpunyent, Mallorca.

Overview of Puig de Galatzó in Puigpunyent, Mallorca

Hiking to Puig de Galatzó in Mallorca is one of the hardest day hike options on the island. Similarly known as Puig des Galatzó, the trail to this peak, starting from Puigpunyent, is steep and somewhat unrelenting. Of course, the difficulty of the trail all depends on which route option you choose to do.

In the trail description below, we’ll discuss the circuit route that we did from Puigpunyent. This trail option involves hiking a combination of the Classic and Ridge Paths. Both of these paths are exhilarating and worth doing. Of course, there are pros and cons to doing this route, as there also are for doing the two other main route alternatives. We’ll discuss this later in the post. For now, let’s look at some quick stats and a map for the Puig de Galatzó circuit hike from Puigpunyent in Mallorca.

FYI – personally, hiking Puig de Galatzó, which included visiting Font des Pi, was a last-minute inclusion to our Mallorca hiking itinerary. Because we were winging it, we attempted and failed to reach the trailhead via Galilea. Indeed, we had a stressful time navigating the narrow roads of this town. Certainly, make sure to access the trailhead for this hike via Puigpunyent in Mallorca.

Read our guides on Camí de l’Arxiduc (Puig des Teix) and Puig de l’Ofre

Puig de Galatzó Trail Stats & Map

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 7.2km
• Time: 3 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 635m
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trailhead: 39.62649, 2.50058 (free)
• Map: Wikiloc

Puig de Galatzó Trail Description

If you’re doing the circuit hike from Puigpunyent, you’ll initially follow a road, before joining a dirt track. This will guide you to Pas des Raxto, which is also known as the Ridge Path. Along this trail, you’ll reach a gate. Often, the gate is open. But, when we visited, the gate was closed. There was a large hole to pass through by the gate. Given the gate is usually open, and this is a well-known trail, we decided to proceed. But, we were left to wonder whether we made the right call. More on that later.

Hiking on the Ridge Path towards Puig de Galatzó involves a steep climb. As you gain elevation, you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountain range.

Total 360° Panoramic Views From the Puig de Galatzó Summit

The steep and mostly undefined path winds its way gradually up the ridge. Eventually, you’ll reach the peak of Puig de Galatzó (1,027m). Similar to many of the peaks in the Tramuntana Mountains, we sadly had to settle for a white-out without the superb view. Nevertheless, on a clear day, expect spectacular 360° panoramic views from the summit of Puig de Galatzó.

Thankfully, as we descended below 950 metres above sea level, the mist began to clear. Views of the majestic Tramuntana Mountains on this part of the trail are simply mesmerising.

You’ll then arrive at an intersection, signalled by a GR221 signpost. With good weather, expect stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks as you continue along the Classic Route on the northwest slope. In particular, you’ll have tremendous views of Sierra de es Puntals and Estellencs. The Classic Route then continues down the side of the mountain towards Coll des Carniceret. After passing a fire watchtower, you’ll weave through the pine forest, further descending to the Font des Pi landmark.

Font des Pi

Nearing the end of the loop hike, you’ll pass by Font des Pi. It was formerly a fountain. But, Font des Pi has now been destroyed. So, all that remains is the stone base of the fountain. In reality, Font des Pi is not much of a landmark at all. After checking out Font des Pi, we were admittedly disappointed. Anyway, near Font des Pi, there are two outward paths. Take the path to your left, which will lead you closer to the town of Puigpunyent in Mallorca and likely closer to where you’d have parked. Since descending the summit of Puig de Galatzó, we had enjoyed speed hiking, which continued beyond Font des Pi until we finished the hike.

How to Get There

Getting from Palma de Mallorca to Puigpunyent is quite easy using public transport. From this bus stop in the north of Palma de Mallorca, catch the 201 bus to Puigpunyent. The journey time is around 30 minutes. During the summer, buses leave once every 1–2 hours, starting at around 7:30am. To return to Palma de Mallorca from Puigpunyent, the final departure time of the bus is generally around 7:30–8pm.

If you pay for your ticket online or by contactless bank card on the bus, it’s €2.70. Paying by cash is discouraged as you’ll slow down the driver and journey. You’ll be charged €4.50 if you pay by cash. Tickets become cheaper, the more you buy. Please refer to Fares on the Transports de les Illes Balears website for more information.

The main problem with using public transport is that the trailhead for the hike is around 6km from Puigpunyent. This means you’ll need to walk an extra 12km to get to and from the trailhead. That’s why we’d recommend hiring a car. Also, buses are far less frequent outside of summer. So, getting around by bus when hiking outside of that time can be trickier. We hired an automatic car from Palma de Mallorca Airport for only €10/day.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Problems With Hiking the Puig de Galatzó Circuit Route From Puigpunyent

As mentioned in our trail description, it’s possible that during the early stages of this route option, you’ll arrive at a closed gate. Given the trail is well-known, we decided to proceed through the hole in the fence, next to the closed gate. But, not long after proceeding, we heard the sounds of aggressive dogs. This noise seemingly came nearer and nearer. Admittedly, we felt stressed by this and wondered whether we were intruding on private property. Thankfully, we didn’t encounter these dogs. But, all the same, we wondered whether we had stumbled onto private property.

Unfortunately, this is a common issue when hiking in Mallorca. If you’re not following the well-signposted multi-day Ruta de Pedra en Sec (Dry Stone Route), otherwise known as GR221, there’s often no signage to follow. This means it’s quite common to accidentally stumble into private property if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Given Puig de Galatzó doesn’t fall on the GR221 route, accessing it isn’t straightforward. By following the circular route described above, you’ll follow a section that’s on private property. This section of the trail is indicated in the image below, in between the red crosses.

Now, it’s quite common for Mallorcan residents to put up private property signs or gates, forbidding or blocking access to legitimate sections of trail. There have been many court cases to decide whether trails, positioned on private property should be forbidden to access. In effect, there are many illegitimate private property signs and access blocks on the island. This makes it very confusing for hikers, who are not familiar with the area, that encounter these signs when hiking. The confusion lies as to whether the closed access or signs are genuine.

Other Puig de Galatzó Route Options

As a result of the existence of unofficial signs and blockages, you’ll find it’s common for hikers in Mallorca to ignore closed gates or private property signs. Locals are a bit more in the know about which private property signs to ignore or take seriously. We’re not locals, nor do we want to enter private property without permission. That’s why you might want to reconsider following the circular Puig de Galatzó route option described in this post.

Perhaps, you could seek permission from the property owners. But, failing that, you could always choose an alternate route option that avoids closed access on private property. One option is doing an out-and-back hike exclusively following the Classic Route.

The Classic Route From Puigpunyent

If you’re keen to stick to the classic route, which has no closed access on private property, please find GPS-guided directions for that option below.

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 5.8km
• Time: 4–5 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 570m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Puigpunyent
• Map: Wikiloc

Starting at the same trailhead as the circular route option, you’ll initially follow the same road towards Font des Pi. Eventually, instead of turning left at the intersection to access the Ridge Path, you’ll turn right to access the Classic Path. From there, it’s an out-and-back leading to the summit of Puig de Galatzó. Overall, this route option is shorter and quicker. But, you’ll miss out on the epic Ridge Path, which was our favourite part of the hike.

Estellencs to Puig de Galatzó

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 11km
• Time: 4–6 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 830m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Estellencs
• Map: Wikiloc

Another route option is the circular trail from Estellencs. This is the longest route option. But, it follows more sections of the GR221 trail, which are better signposted. By taking this route, there will be sections on private property. But, from all accounts, there doesn’t seem to be closed access across any of these properties.

Getting to Estellencs: from this bus stop in the north of Palma de Mallorca, catch the 202 bus to Puigpunyent. The journey time takes around 1.25–1.5 hours. Even in summer, the bus route between Palma and Estellencs is quite infrequent. Make sure to check the bus timetable when you visit for departure times. Indeed, driving to and from Estellencs would be much easier than catching the bus.

Visiting La Reserva Puig de Galatzó

Whilst visiting Puigpunyent in Mallorca, you could also check out La Reserva Puig de Galatzó. It’s a beautiful 2.5 million metres² nature reserve. La Reserva Puig de Galatzó has a little bit of everything, nature concerned, to keep you thoroughly entertained.

There are easy walking trails to follow at La Reserva Puig de Galatzó. Also, at this nature reserve park, you’ll find stunning scenery with waterfalls and caves dotted throughout. During your visit to La Reserva Puig de Galatzó, you might even be lucky enough to spot some wildlife. Bears, ostriches, emus, deers, donkeys, goats and peacocks can be found at La Reserva Puig de Galatzó. Here, you can also do zip lining and rock climbing. After walking or experiencing adventure activities, there’s a bar and a barbecue area to enjoy.

Mallorca Weather Conditions

Mallorca has a warm and pleasant climate for most of the year. From April to October, you’ll experience average daytime temperatures between 19–30°C. Particularly, in summer, between June and August, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any rainfall. This dry weather is great for hiking. But, it can get very hot, making hiking difficult. From November to March, average daytime temperatures vary between 15–19°C. These are much more pleasant temperatures for hiking. But, you’ll have a higher chance of rain. According to NOAA, rainfall is highest between September and January.

When to Visit Puig de Galatzó

This trail is fairly quiet all year round. Of course, you’ll find trails are generally busier in summer and on the weekend. For a less crowded trail, perhaps visit during the week, outside of summer. Although, your chances of rain are higher outside of summer. There’s slightly less rainfall between March and May compared with September to January. As a result, perhaps visiting Puig de Galatzó, Font des Pi and La Reserva Puig de Galatzó is best between March and May. This will help to avoid the summer crowds and reduce your chances of wet weather.

Accomodation: Puigpunyent Hotels

There isn’t much in the way of hotels and accommodation options in Puigpunyent. There are often no readily available options located in the town centre. We came across a few luxurious options located just outside of Puigpunyent, towards Galilea, such as Ratxó Retreat Hotel, Miravall and Finca Hotel Son Pont. If you’re going to stay in the Puigpunyent area, we recommend staying at one of these places.

Personally, we visited Puig de Galatzó, Font des Pi and La Reserva Puig de Galatzó on a day trip from Palma.

Hiking Gear Essentials

These are our five hiking gear essentials for this trail.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips

• Do coastal walks in Mallorca too: read our guides on the Sant Elm to La Trapa, Parc Natural de Mondragó and Cala Romantica to Cala Varques coastal walks.
• Learn more about hiking in Mallorca: watch our Mallorca hiking video. Alternatively, read our Mallorca hiking guide, where we talk about the nine best day hikes in Mallorca.
• Other tours and activities in Mallorca: of course, there’s more to Mallorca than just hiking. Is anyone up for a Catamaran cruise?

For other great Mediterranean hikes, check out our Menorca (Cami de Cavalls day hikes), Malta and Cyprus guides.