La Trapa

La Trapa is the ruined former Trappist monastery perched above Sant Elm, at the south-western tip of the Serra de Tramuntana in the municipality of Andratx. Part historical site, part nature reserve, it is best known today for the viewpoint at its summit, which looks out over the island of Sa Dragonera.

Where does the name come from?

The name refers to the Trappist monks (Cistercians of the Strict Observance) who settled in this valley in the early nineteenth century. They arrived in 1805 and stayed only fifteen years, abandoning the site in 1820. Despite the short occupation, they left a lasting mark on the landscape.

What did the monks build here?

To survive on the steep, rocky terrain, the Trappists carved out agricultural terraces (marges) supported by dry-stone walls, a technique typical of the Serra de Tramuntana, and used the land to grow wheat, grapevines and vegetables. Around today's Mirador de sa Trapa, visitors can still see remnants of this agrarian past: stone terraces, a threshing floor once used to process grain, and a water-collection system that hints at how demanding life was in such a remote spot.

Why is the area now protected?

After the monks left, the 81-hectare estate spent decades in agricultural use before facing the threat of subdivision and urban development. In 1980, with support from local residents, institutions and conservation groups, the property was purchased by GOB (Grup Balear d'Ornitologia i Defensa de la Naturalesa) to safeguard its natural and historical value. It has been managed as a protected natural area ever since.

How do you get to La Trapa from Sant Elm?

Most visitors approach on foot from Sant Elm, the shorter of the two main access routes — the alternative starts from Coll de Sa Gramola. The Sant Elm trail is more direct but includes rocky, steep sections that call for sturdy footwear and a careful pace. Along the way, the path winds through Mediterranean scrub, past dry-stone walls and the remains of former cultivated fields, climbing steadily toward the ridge.

What can you see from the Mirador de sa Trapa?

The hike's main destination is the Mirador de sa Trapa, a viewpoint that opens onto sweeping views of Sa Dragonera, the small island lying just off Mallorca's western coast. This panorama is the reason most people make the climb, and it is particularly popular at sunset, when the spot is often ranked among the most scenic on the island.

Can the monastery ruins be visited today?

The old monastery buildings remain in a ruined state, though restoration work is underway to convert part of the structure into a mountain refuge for hikers. Visitors can currently walk among the remaining walls and traces of the estate's traditional agrarian architecture as they explore the grounds.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the hike from Sant Elm to La Trapa? The route covers steep and occasionally rocky ground, so it calls for proper hiking shoes and reasonable fitness, though it is not a high-mountain trail.

Is La Trapa still an active monastery? No. The Trappist monks left the site in 1820, after which it was used for farming; it is now part of a protected natural area.

Who manages the La Trapa estate? Since 1980 it has been owned and managed by GOB, the conservation group that bought the land to prevent it from being developed.

What should you bring for the hike? Given the steep, rocky stretches along the trail, sturdy trekking shoes, water and sun protection are recommended, as much of the route offers little shade.