La Trapa Viewpoint Hike: Dramatic Coastal Trail in Mallorca (original) (raw)
The out-and-back hike from Coll de Sa Gramola to Mirador d’en Josep Sastre and La Trapa is a stunning route which ties together several gorgeous viewpoints of Sa Dragonera Island and the steep cliffs of Mallorca’s southwest coast.
La Trapa was a monastery, established by Trappist Monks, who fled France for Mallorca in the 19th century. Prior to the arrival of the monks, the main valley at La Trapa was farmed for centuries. Though the monastery is in ruins, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, because of its impressive cliffside viewpoint of Sa Dragonera.
The vast majority of hikers will ascend to La Trapa from the fishing village of Sant Elm. This is the fastest route.
However, another great option is to start at Coll de Sa Gramola, the saddle along the ma-10 scenic road, north of Andratx. This route follows the signed GR 221 Dry Stone Route and Camí de ses Basses and takes in the Les Bardes and Josep Sastre viewpoints as well.
It’s worth noting that this hike initially traverses a “Caça major” big-game hunting area of wild goats, or Boc Balear. It’s vital that you stay on the trail the whole time. If you’re hiking with dogs, make sure they are leashed. We did hear two gun shots during our hike.
Along the trail, you’ll see several signs stating:
Caça major – big-game hunting
No Sortiu del Camí – do not leave the trail
Coto de Caza – hunting ground, or game reserve
No llevar perros sueltos – dogs must be leashed
Seguiu el cami – follow the path
Coll de Sa Gramola – Mirador d’en Josef Sastre – La Trapa Trail Description
- Trailhead: Coll de Sa Gramola. Exact Location: Google Maps
- Distance: 14.3 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 4 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 496 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Minimum Elevation: 219 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 466 meters
- When to Hike: Spring or Fall
- Where to Stay in Sant Elm: Hostal Dragonera (budget)
- Where to Stay in Calvià: Fincahotel Can Estades (midrange)
- Where to Stay in Es Capdellà: Castell Son Claret (luxury)
- Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Mallorca Rother Walking Guideor Mountain Walking in Mallorca: 50 routes in Mallorca’s Tramuntana
- Recommended Hiking Map: Mallorca West 1:40 000 (Reise Knowhow)
- Recommended Itinerary: Mallorca Road Trip (1 week)
La Trapa Ruins Hiking Map
Where to Start the La Trapa Hike
Coll de San Gramola (355 m) is a mountain saddle along the Ma-10 road, between Andratx and Estellencs. There are two free car parks at the saddle.
This trailhead is only accessible by car. There’s no bus stop.
Read Next: Best Hikes in Mallorca
Coll de Sa Gramola – Mirador d’en Josef Sastre – La Trapa Trail Description
Coll de sa Gramola to Caseta de Ses Basses (50 minutes)
From the upper car park, locate the GR 221 trail signs and waymarks in the direction of S’ Arracó and Camí de ses Basses.
The trail follows a wide dirt road, initially along an estate fence. Soon, views open up to the sea and the road leads to the base of the striking Penyal de n’Anglada rocky outcrop.
The undulating road continues across a mostly garigue landscape, defined by dwarf fan palms, Dissgras (Ampelodesmos mauretanica), rosemary, and various shrubs.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at a trail junction at Cas Guixers. The left path, Camí de Ses Rotes, leads to S’Arracó (1:40 hrs).
Take the right upper track. There’s no sign indicating where the right trail leads, but someone etched “Trapa” and a right arrow onto the wooden sign post.
In about 150 meters, the path divides again, with the left lower track leading to a stone hut. Take the right upper track. This leads to a stone wall and the dilapidated Caseta de Ses Basses stone building.
Caseta de Ses Basses to Mirador d’en Josep Sastre (20 minutes)
At Caseta de Ses Basses, the trail splits and rejoins in half a kilometer. You can either stay on the main trail, which is the obvious dirt path leading left. Or, you can head right to the coast.
The right trail to the coast immediately rewards with views of the steep cliffs of Ses Serres. Follow this narrow path high above the coast to the Mirador les Bardes viewpoint, which is basically a rugged rise, or hill.
It’s easy to venture off the trail, because there are multiple goat paths.
From the Les Basses viewpoint, head inland and rejoin the main track.
The trail, now significantly more rugged, follows the coast and steadily ascends, skirting Puig de ses Basses peak.
After about 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at an unsigned trail junction atop a high plateau, marked by a giant pile of stones. Head right to Mirador d’en Josep Sastre.
Sa Dragonera island is already visible.
When you get to the pulpit-shaped viewpoint, there’s a wonderful view of the cliffs as well as the island.
Mirador d’en Josep Sastre to La Trapa Viewpoint (40 minutes)
Backtrack to the stone pile and head right.
With Sa Dragonera in full view, the trail descends along a rocky path.
You’ll enter the La Trapa Natural Reserve. After hiking over the stile, follow the wide dirt road and descend to the La Trapa Ruins.
Pass the monastery ruins and the old Molí de Sang mill and follow the path down to Mirador de la Trapa.
La Trapa to Coll de Sa Gramola (1:50 hours)
Follow the same trail back to Coll de Sa Gramola.
Where to Stay near La Trapa
Sant Elm
Budget | Hostal Dragonera is a seafront B&B with incredible views. Stay here for the unbeatable price and the ideal location. Rooms are small, but clean.
Look for accommodation in Sant Elm.
Calvià
Midrange | Fincahotel Can Estades is a romantic B&B, located in the small rural town of Calvià in southwest Mallorca. With its tranquil countryside setting, this beautiful estate is an ideal base for relaxing as well as actively exploring the southwest of Mallorca.
Look for accommodation in Calvià.
Es Capdellà
Luxury | Housed in a restored castle in the countryside, Castell Son Claret – The Leading Hotels of the World is the ultimate romantic escape. It exudes elegance and sophistication with its uniquely-designed rooms, luxurious facilities (two swimming pools, gym, yoga room), gorgeous grounds, and cocktail bar. Breakfast included.
Look for accommodation in Es Capdellà.
More Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides
Hiking in Mallorca: For a round-up of all our favorite trails, read Best Hikes in Mallorca. We’ve also written detailed trail guides:
- Cornador Gran Day Hike
- Tossals Verds Circuit Trail
- Puig de l’Ofre Peak Hike
- Talaia d’Alcúdia and Platja des Coll Baix Circuit Trail
- Castell d’Alaró Rock Castle Hike
- Path of the Archduke
Mallorca Trip Planning: Read Where to Stay in Mallorca for a summary of the best regions, villages, and accommodations in Mallorca. We’ve tied together these top destinations in our 1 Week Mallorca Itinerary. To access all our Mallorca content, head to our Mallorca blog archive.
Mallorca Towns: One of the most memorable things to do in Mallorca is to stay in a mountain village like Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller.
Mallorca Beaches: Find out how to get to the picture-perfect Caló des Moro & Cala S’Almunia coves in southeast Mallorca.
Tenerife: Plan a trip to Tenerife in the Canary Islands using this Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary and Best Hikes in Tenerife.
Gran Canaria: Plan a winter (December – March) hiking trip to Gran Canaria with Best Hikes in Gran Canaria.
Spain: Read all our guides about Spain in our Spain Travel Guide and Spain blog archive.
Europe Hiking: We’re on a mission to find the most beautiful trails in Europe. Also check out:
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Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati