Torrent de Pareis in Sa Calobra is a breathtaking gorge in Mallorca. By doing the Torrent de Pareis hike, you’ll get to thoroughly explore this gorge. But, it’s not always possible to complete the entire hike through the gorge due to flooding. When that occurs, you’ll have to settle for a modified Torrent de Pareis hike. The upside of that is, you can focus your attention on exploring and chilling out on the drool-worthy Sa Calobra Beach.
In this guide, we’re going to talk about everything you need to know about visiting Torrent de Pareis and Sa Calobra in Mallorca. We’ll discuss the Torrent de Pareis Gorge walk; but, we’ll also cover details about the modified hike, which is the trail option to choose when the gorge is flooded. Whilst we’re at it, we’ll tell you about Sa Calobra Road. This is the most immense mountain road in Mallorca, which leads to Torrent de Pareis. In addition, we’ll detail the well-known Sa Calobra climb that cyclists do and mention places to stay near Sa Calobra.
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Torrent de Pareis and Sa Calobra in Mallorca, Spain
Torrent de Pareis is a stunning 3km long gorge with high limestone walls. It was created from the confluence of the Gorg Blau and Lluc streams in the S’Entreforc area. The gorge is located in the small village of Sa Calobra on the northwest coast of Mallorca. Torrent de Pareis and Sa Calobra are located in the Escorca Municipality in the spectacular Tramuntana Mountains (Serra de Tramuntana). As part of the Serra de Tramuntana UNESCO World Heritage site, the gorge is protected as a National Monument. Torrent de Pareis is also known as Torrent de Pareis Gorge, Sa Calobra Canyon, or simply the canyon at Torres de Pareis.
Given its beauty, Torrent de Pareis is a popular place to visit in Mallorca. Other than the gorge itself, many people visit this site to just see Sa Calobra Beach. Basically, you’ll find Sa Calobra Beach at the opening of the gorge. Indeed, Sa Calobra Beach is a stunning highlight of Torrent de Pareis.
By doing the Torrent de Pareis hike, you’ll get to explore the gorge and Sa Calobra Beach in all its glory. The hike is also known as the Torrent de Pareis Gorge walk or Sa Calobra hike. Let’s look at the nitty-gritty details of the Torrent de Pareis hike.
Read our Mallorca hiking guide
Torrent de Pareis Gorge Walk (Sa Calobra Hike)
- Type: One-way
- Distance: 6.5–10km
- Time: 3.5–5.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 30m
- Accumulated elevation loss: 630m
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trailhead: Escorca
- Map: Wikiloc
The Torrent de Pareis hike in Sa Calobra is one of the most mouthwatering trail options in Mallorca. It’s possible to hike through the gorge in either direction. But, you’ll find most people descend the gorge from Escorca to Sa Calobra Beach as that option’s much easier. Roughly speaking, it takes almost 1–2 hours longer to ascend the gorge from Sa Calobra Beach!
The hot weather is often another factor that means descending the gorge, rather than ascending, is a much more sensible approach. As mentioned, the Torrent de Pareis hike is only possible to do when it isn’t flooded. Generally speaking, the gorge isn’t flooded during the warmer months from March/April to September/October. That means you’ll always do the Torrent de Pareis hike when the weather in Mallorca is at its hottest. So, it’s much more sensible to choose the less physically demanding approach – descending the gorge.
You’ll notice that the distance and time taken for the Torrent de Pareis hike is quite varied. Similar to the Bungonia Slot Canyon in Australia, the distance and times mentioned online varied considerably. That’s because no one person takes the same route through a gorge. With so many possible navigational options, you’ll find the Torrent de Pareis hike from Escorca to Sa Calobra Beach can take between 3.5 and 5.5 hours, covering a distance between 6.5–10km. By the same token, ascending the gorge from Sa Calobra Beach to Escorca can take between 4.5–7.5 hours.
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Torrent de Pareis Gorge Walk Safety Issues
It isn’t safe to do the Torrent de Pareis hike once it’s flooded. Generally speaking, the gorge floods between September/October to March/April depending on rainfall. The dangerous waters in Torrent de Pareis during flooding are a huge safety issue. People have drowned attempting this hike when the gorge is flooded. With that being said, you should only do the Torrent de Pareis hike on a dry or mostly dry riverbed. In the case of flash flooding during the hike, be ready to evacuate or turn back at any moment.
Thankfully, in times of flooding, it’s still possible to do a modified hike of Torrent de Pareis. Personally, when Beck and I visited, it was late November. So, the gorge had well and truly flooded by then. With that in mind, we’ll discuss the modified Torrent de Pareis hike below.
Modified Torrent de Pareis Hike: Details and Map
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 2.2km
- Time: 45 minutes
- Accumulated elevation gain: 55m
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Trailhead: Torrent de Pareis Parking
- Map: Wikiloc
Essentially, the modified version of the Torrent de Pareis hike involves merely exploring the opening of the gorge near Sa Calobra Beach. Of course, in times of minimal flooding, you may be able to walk further into the depths of the gorge before turning around. But, when it’s completely flooded, you won’t be able to hike through the gorge at all. Don’t worry, it’s still absolutely worth exploring Torrent de Pareis, even when the full hike is a no-go! Even by doing a modified Torrent de Pareis hike, you’ll get to walk through Sa Calobra Tunnel as well as experience the gorgeous Sa Calobra Beach.
Modified Torrent de Pareis Hike Description
To get a sense of the modified Torrent de Pareis hike, we’ll now briefly describe the trail. We’ve broken up the trail into sections to show you the highlights and key points of the hike. But first, where exactly should you start the hike?
Sa Calobra Parking (Map)
You should start the hike from the car park in Port de Sa Calobra. Keep in mind that parking isn’t free. Usually, rates are €1 for an hour, €2 for three hours and €5 for 24 hours. Realistically, you’ll spend around 2–3 hours doing the modified Torrent de Pareis hike. So, you’ll likely choose the €2 parking option.
Port de Sa Calobra
After parking at Port de Sa Calobra, you’ll follow the road down towards the coastline. At Port de sa Calobra, you’ll find a nice marina lined with bars and restaurants. You’ll then turn right, following a paved area towards Sa Calobra Tunnel.
Sa Calobra Tunnel
Before reaching Torrent de Pareis, you’ll pass through a couple of tunnels, known collectively as the Sa Calobra Tunnel. The tunnels are dimly-lit, providing an adequate source of light. Passing through the tunnels is adventurous and fun. Admittedly, the tunnels aren’t that long. So, before you know it, you’ll exit the second tunnel and arrive at Sa Calobra Beach, which is also the entrance of the gorge.
Sa Calobra Beach: Epic Beach in Mallorca
At this stage of the modified Torrent de Pareis hike, you can simply chill out at the spectacular Sa Calobra Beach. Personally, Beck and I wandered a little further into the gorge, admiring its rugged cliff walls. You’ll find small caves embedded in the limestone walls. If you also visit between October and March, the gorge will likely be flooded. So, you won’t be able to explore too deep into the gorge. Despite this, Beck and I really enjoyed exploring the opening area of the gorge and spending time at Sa Calobra Beach. Indeed, Sa Calobra Beach in Torrent de Pareis is one of the most unique and superb beaches in Mallorca.
FYI – Calobra Beach is also known as Platja de Torrent de Pareis and Torrent de Pareis Beach.
More About Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis
Now that you know more about the Torrent de Pareis hike and the modified version, we’ll detail everything else you need to know about visiting this epic place in Mallorca.
How to Get to Sa Calobra in the Escorca Municipality
Given the reduction in bus services over recent years, it’s easiest to visit Torrent de Pareis in Mallorca independently, by ferry or by doing an organised tour. Overall, we think driving there yourself is easily the best option. That way, you can have ultimate flexibility when it comes to your visit. Indeed, you won’t be restricted by the timetables of a ferry or the schedules of a group tour.
During our trip to Mallorca, we hired an automatic car from the airport for only €10/day! Of course, one of the main reasons to drive to Sa Calobra yourself is so you can enjoy the mindblowing Sa Calobra Road at your own pace.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
Sa Calobra Road: An Epic Mountain Road in Mallorca
Sa Calobra Road is an epic winding mountain road that starts in Escorca and ends in Cala Tuent. To get to Port de Sa Calobra for the modified Torrent de Pareis hike, you’ll need to drive down this wondrous mountain road. Indeed, Sa Calobra Road is an attraction in its own right. Driving along the scenic road should be high on your bucket list. Beck and I agreed that cruising along Sa Calobra Road was a highlight of our Mallorca trip. By checking out our Sa Calobra photos, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about!
Torrent de Pareis Excursion or Tour
Another way to experience Sa Calobra Road, Sa Calobra Beach and Torrent de Pareis is by doing an organised tour. If you don’t plan on hiring a car, doing a group tour means you won’t miss out on exploring these places. We recommend doing this tour so that you can experience the awesome drive on Sa Calobra Road.
Indeed, some tours are only by boat. These boat tours are great in their own right; but, you’ll miss out on the wicked driving experience on Sa Calobra Road. Usually, the bus tour to Torrent de Pareis via Sa Calobra Road is included as part of a larger island tour like this one.
Mallorca Full Day Tour
During this Full Day Tour of the North of Mallorca, you’ll explore the stunning Sa Calobra Road by bus!
Accessing Sa Calobra By Ferry or Boat
It’s possible to visit Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis in Mallorca by ferry. Generally speaking, from May to the end of September, four ferries are heading from Puerto de Sóller to Sa Calobra. Departure times are usually 10am, 11:20am, 3pm and 5pm. In terms of returning to Puerto de Sóller from Sa Calobra, there are usually two daily ferries, running at 1:40pm and 4:45pm. Head to Barcos Azules for the latest information on prices and departure times. In particular, there is a reduced service from October to April, so check the website for the latest details.
As mentioned, there are also organised boat tours to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis, which are highly rated. Indeed, if you want to do an organised tour and driving Sa Calobra Road seems a bit scary, then a boat tour would be perfect for you. These tours run all year round, which is fantastic considering the ferry may not run or have a very limited service outside of peak season.
Boat Trip to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis
Set sail on this sensational boat trip to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis
Sa Calobra Bus
Getting to Torrent de Pareis used to be possible by using public transport. There used to be a bus (355) that went to and from Sa Calobra in Mallorca. Unfortunately, this bus service doesn’t seem to run anymore. By using the 231 bus service to Escorca from Sóller, it’s possible to get to Escorca to complete the Torrent de Pareis hike. But, there’s no public transport that seems to run anymore from Sa Calobra. So, you’d be stranded at the end of the hike.
FYI – the lack of a Sa Calobra bus may be temporary. Please head to Transports de les Illes Balears for the most up-to-date information on bus routes.
Getting From Palma de Mallorca to Sa Calobra
Many tourists will head to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis as a day trip from Palma de Mallorca. Although it’s possible to get to Escorca from Palma de Mallorca (a 2 jour journey on the 204 and 231 buses), it isn’t possible to get to Sa Calobra. So, if you’re travelling to Sa Calobra from Palma de Mallorca, we recommend driving there yourself, getting there by ferry or doing an organised tour.
Sa Calobra Cycling
Other than hiking in Sa Calobra, cycling on Sa Calobra Road is another popular activity in the area. Indeed, cycling in Sa Calobra may be just as popular as hiking Torrent de Pareis. We appreciate that cycling Sa Calobra Road is a dream for many keen cyclists. But, if you’re a cyclist, don’t forget to check out Sa Calobra Beach and Torrent de Pareis before setting off on the Sa Calobra Climb! You’ll be doing yourself a great injustice if you don’t check out these two amazing natural attractions before the cycle.
Sa Calobra Climb
The Sa Calobra Climb is Mallorca’s most famous and feared road cycle. Climbing approx. 670 metres over 9.4km on a road full of hairpins, cycling Sa Calobra Road is one hell of a climb. Popularised by Team Sky as a pre-season training route, the Sa Calobra climb is now world-famous, bringing in cyclists from around the world.
Sa Calobra Wildlife and Biodiversity
Torrent de Pareis in Mallorca is home to a variety of flora and fauna. In fact, some of these species are endemic to the Balearic Islands! In terms of wildlife, if you’re lucky you might come across toads, doves, crag martins, mustelids, mountain goats, bats and the endangered black vultures. When it comes to flora, there are over 300 species found in the gorge. Typically, you’ll see most of the island’s fern species here.
Sa Calobra Hotel Options
There aren’t any Sa Calobra hotels to stay at. So, if you want to stay near Sa Calobra, you’ll want to stay at the nearby Cala Tuent, which sits at the bottom of Sa Calobra Road. Cala Tuent is a secluded small town located next to a pristine beach. Indeed, Cala Tuent is an idyllic place to stay in Mallorca. Admittedly, you won’t find much in the way of budget options here. But, if you’re open to a splurge in a lovely location, there are exquisite mid-range and luxury options.
- Mid-range – Es Penyal de Tuent: this holiday home is a perfect choice if you’re travelling with friends or family. Es Penyal de Tuent has a well-equipped kitchen and all the necessary amenities. You’ll be excellently placed to explore the beach at Cala Tuent and the surrounding coastline.
- Luxury – Can Sito: another holiday home that has all the bells and whistles you’ll need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Can Sito is a beautifully decorated holiday home featuring a garden and barbecue facilities. Indeed, Can Sito is likely the best accommodation option in Cala Tuent.
Sa Calobra Restaurants
When it comes to Sa Calobra Restaurants, you’ll find plenty of options at Port de Sa Calobra. Unfortunately, most of these restaurants are catered to tourists, which means they’re over-priced. In addition, most of these restaurants close outside of the peak season. Our suggestion – head to Lidl and pack your own food and drinks for the Torrent de Pareis hike.
Films Set in Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis
Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis in Mallorca is a popular filming location. Cloud Atlas, Jack el Negro and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad are the most notable productions to be filmed here.
Hiking Gear Essentials
These are our five gear essentials for this hike.
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
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.
You should also take water, food, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Of course, you’ll want to pack swimmers and a towel for your swim at Sa Calobra Beach.
Bonus Tips
- Visit Cala Tuent: even if you don’t plan on staying there, you should spend time at the beautiful remote beach at Cala Tuent.
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Mallorca: Skyscanner helped us find cheap flights from the UK to Mallorca.
Booking Flights
Skyscanner is our go-to website for booking flights. If you’re looking to find the cheapest flights, we recommend getting the ball rolling with a Skyscanner search. It allows you to scan all airlines and platforms to find the cheapest airfares.
To find out more about booking the cheapest flights, read our Skyscanner review.
Another great hike in Mallorca is Puig de l’Ofre, which offers awesome views of Cúber and Gorg Blau Reservoirs.
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