Mirador de les Puntes

Mirador de les Puntes is a viewpoint above Valldemossa, tucked into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca. It was built around the turn of the 20th century by Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who fell in love with the island and funded several similar lookout points across the region. A low wall with battlement-style notches runs along the platform, giving the spot a fortress-like silhouette that sets it apart from the plainer viewpoints scattered across the Tramuntana trails.

What will you see from the viewpoint?

The mirador opens onto the Valldemossa valley, the folded ridgelines of the Tramuntana range, and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. On clear days the view stretches as far as Palma, an impressive sight given the distance and the altitude of the lookout. The scenery shifts through the day — mist can still cling to the valley floor in the morning, while afternoon light sharpens the outline of the olive terraces on the surrounding slopes.

How do you get to Mirador de les Puntes?

The viewpoint sits inside a privately managed nature reserve, so access requires advance permission from the organization Muntanya del Voltor. Requests must be submitted at least two days ahead, Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, most easily by WhatsApp (+34 619 59 19 85) or email (info@muntanyadelvoltor.com). Without this authorization, reserve staff will not let hikers onto the trail.

On foot from the center of Valldemossa, the climb takes roughly one hour to an hour and twenty minutes one way. A popular option is the circular route: ascending via Pla des Pouet and descending past Talaia Vella and the Son Gallard mountain refuge. The full loop back to the village usually takes about three hours, including stops for photos and rest. Along the way the path cuts through a dense holm oak forest that offers welcome shade on hot days.

Who is this hike suited for?

The climb is only mildly technical — the path is stony and narrow in places but requires no climbing gear. It works well for families with children who are used to longer walks, though the ascent alone runs over an hour. Sturdy hiking shoes, water, and sun protection are essential, since most of the route has little shelter outside the oak woodland stretch.

When is the best time to visit?

Autumn and spring mornings offer the clearest air and the most comfortable temperatures for the climb. In summer, an early start helps hikers avoid the harshest heat on the exposed sections of trail. Winter access is generally possible, but shorter daylight hours leave less margin for a relaxed return before dusk.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Mirador de les Puntes? There is no fee for the viewpoint itself, but visitors must obtain written authorization from the land manager, Muntanya del Voltor, requested at least two days in advance.

How long does the round trip to the viewpoint take? The full loop, climbing via Pla des Pouet and descending past Talaia Vella and the Son Gallard refuge, typically takes around three hours.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, provided they are accustomed to longer walks — the ascent alone takes over an hour and covers some rocky terrain.

What makes this mirador different from other viewpoints near Valldemossa? The battlement-style wall, built at the initiative of Archduke Ludwig Salvator, gives it a distinctive fortress-like character that sets it apart from the simpler, unadorned lookouts elsewhere in the Tramuntana.