Archduke Salvator miradors - Michael Douglas s'Estaca - Capella de Ramon Llull - Ses Ermites Velles - Ermita de la Trinitat

This gorgeous circular walk leads through the former estate of the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Habsburg (1847-1915) who lived in Mallorca from 1867 and built numerous grand country houses and viewpoints (miradors) above the Tramuntana coast.

The mainly shady forest trail starts from the Ermita de la Trinitat 2 bus stop (2 km from Valldemossa).
Walk 0.25 km on a nice dirt path on the right side of the Ma-10 until reaching a paved road Cami de s’Eremita and take left onto the Ma-10 at the Can Costa hill (424 m) after 0.35 km. Follow the MA-10 for 0.4 km and take the first road to the left after 0.8 km.

Descend until reaching a metal gate after about 30 m. In front of the metal gate, descend to the right on the well-developed nice old path Cami de sa Barrera de sa Marina descending towards the ocean in the woods.
After 1.2 km there is a metal gate separating two properties. Open and close the gate to pass.
After 1.6 km the path reaches Archduke Salvator’s Mirador de sa Rassa (256 m) with beautiful panoramic views of the coast.

After 2.3 km the path reaches a paved road Cami del Calo de s’Estaca. Turn left onto this for 0.15 km detour and get a magnificent and unimpeded photographic view of this Moorish-style mansion built by Archduke Salvator and since 1989 has been owned by the American Hollywood Oscar actor legend Michael Douglas.
Return to where the partly paved Cami del Calo de s’Estaca was reached and follow this towards the ocean. The s’Estaca estate can be admired to the left.

In the first sharp right bend after 3.2 km, leave the paved road and take the path through the woods with nice views, which is a 0.2 km shortcut to circumvent the loop of the roadway. This shortcut rejoins the concrete trail Cami del Calo de s’Estaca. after 3.4 km. Stay on this trail to descend to a stepped trail, and finally arriving at the Caló de s'Estaca after 3.6 km - a charming village of a dozen summer houses and boat sheds. When the sea is calm (and really only when it is calm), one can take a refreshing bath in the rocky bay.

Return the same way and follow the Cami del Calo de s’Estaca ignoring the shortcut on the way down. After 4.2 km leave the paved road and turn left onto the dirt road Cami de ses Vinyes between two concrete pillars. The road passes the modest property Rota d’en Mosson.
After 5.0 km pass a wooden gate and the Cami de ses Vinyes soon becomes a narrower path.
After 5.3 km the path takes a short detour to the picnic area Merendero dels Penyals and to overlook the ocean.

The path then ascends along the old, narrow Cami d’es Guix reaching the Archduke’s Mirador des Pi Sec (352 m) after 6.2 km. It got its name from the pine tree standing in the middle of the square and offers another splendid view of the Casa de s'Estaca. Some trees have now grown to block some of the original beautiful views from this viewpoint.

Some big fallen trees blocking the path soon makes it necessary to leave the path for a short stretch.

After returning to the path ascending to the Archduke’s Mirador des Guix, with steps dug into the mountain. Continue to the nearby Archuduke’s Mirador de sa’Ferradura and then Mirador de Miramar. Continue passing Jardín de sa torre de Morto and Font Colberta reaching Capella de Ramon Llull after crossing a stone bridge (283 m).

Friedrich Wachsmann (1820-1897), a painter from Prague, created the plans for this chapel, which was built in 1877 and spectacularly sits on a rock. It was named after the Mallorcan theologist Ramon Llull (around 1232-1316). Unfortunately, it was heavily damaged by lightning in 1975, however, its ruins are still imposing. The altar inside the chapel is decorated with an emblem bearing a lamb and a cross. One can walk around the chapel and enjoy the view of the monastery Miramar and Son Marroig at the same time. Be careful: the railing has partly broken away.

From the chapel, go back across the bridge and walk up the stone steps in front. About 50 m above the chapel, there is a small resting area with a table. After another 50 m, take the right trail at the fork along the Cami de la Torre to the Archduke’s Mirador des Niu des Corbs. From here the views are wonderful, overlooking the s’Estaca estate of Michael Douglas.

From here, the route gets rather spectacular. The path reaches a big overhanging rock with a bench underneath it. After more stone stairs, the trail leads across a stile and continues along another overhanging rock - this section is secured with a thin wire cable.

Soon after a stepped trail that is lined with a wire fence leads back up to the Hotel Continental (380 m) and the Ma-10 road. In order to reach the road, one has to step over a wall of about half a metre (ignore the sign 'Prohibido del Paso').

The trail can alternatively end here at the Hotel Continental (Ca Mado Pilla 2 bus stop) after 9 km since the Ermita de Trinitat is the only subsequent significant place of interest.

From here the path crosses the Ma-10 road at the hotel’s parking area and folllows the Cami de la Muntanya leading into the holm oak forest. The path passes the Archduke’s Mirador dels Tudons (436 m). This viewing platform with its cylindrical shape and wide open staircase was established in 1884, and belongs to the finest of its kind. It used to provide a magnificent view of the prominent rock arch of Sa Foradada peninsula. Salvator's luxurious sailboat used to be anchored here. Unfortunately trees have grown high to partially block the views.

Behind the mirador keep slightly to the left and continue to ascend the Cami de la Muntanya and turn right onto the Cami de Ses Ermites Velles. The path one reaches the archduke’s Mirador del Pla de l’Ullastre. Unfortunately the views here have now been blocked by trees.

Continue and behind the opening of a 2.5 m high stonewall, one finds the remains of dwellings in Ses Ermites Velles (499 m). Hermits used to live here until well into the 19th century. There is also a small hermit cave. The views from the Mirador dels Ermitans are blocked by trees towards the ocean.

Walk down to the Capella des Puig des Verger where there are still some view through the trees. Take an easy short cut through the woods to rejoin the Cami de des Ermites Velles.

The path now leads to the Ermita de Trinitat (460 m) which was founded in 1648 on the ruins of a primitive hermitage in the Trinitat forest, of which some remains remain. When entering the compound there is a covered entrance that gives access to the courtyard, where there is a small oratory dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. To its left is the gatehouse with the hermits' private quarters. To the right of is the Mirador de la Ermita with extraordinary views over the ocean and south along the coast.

Continue along the road Cami de s’Ermita reaching Ma-10 and ending at the Ermita de la Trinitat 1 bus stop at the Can Costa restaurant and hill.

Public transportation from/to Palma: Bus 203 Port de Sóller.