A hiking trip for the whole family
This hike is by far one of the most popular hiking tours on the Balearic Islands and is therefore highly frequented, especially at weekends, by the local population. On the hike to the Castell, different paths can be taken depending on your physical condition. The paths offer a picturesque backdrop past old, well-tended olive groves on cart tracks or old pilgrims’ paths up to the ruined fortress of the monastery of Alaro, which was built in the 17th century.
You park the car at the Es Verger restaurant and then hike in about 45 minutes (a few minutes longer with children, of course) from the car park of the popular restaurant up to the Castell on a well-prepared hiking trail that is easy to master even for people with little physical condition. The serpentine drive up to the restaurant is a bit bumpy but in principle doable with any car. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain landscape and, on a clear day, even as far as Menorca. There is plenty of space on the viewing platform for a picnic, exciting discovery tours for the children or simply enjoying the view of the northern Sierra de Tramuntana.
Guided tours of the castle take place at regular intervals, and you can join them at any time. During the guided tours, you can see the prison where Moorish prisoners used to be locked up. You can also learn about the many legends that surround the castle high above Alaro, such as the story of King Alfonso and Cabrit and Bassa, the two followers of the Mallorcan King Jacob II.
Back downstairs, you can enjoy a cortado with a slice of fine almond cake or a hearty lunch of fish or meat dishes at the Es Verger restaurant. One of the highlights at Es Verger is the excellent lamb dishes to round off a wonderful day’s walking.
