Mirador de Son Gallard

Mirador de Son Gallard is a small, little-known viewpoint in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, on the boundary between Deià and Valldemossa in Mallorca. It sits at the Coll de Son Gallard, a mountain pass at roughly 766 metres above sea level, and forms one of the stops along the historic Camí de s'Arxiduc trail.

How do you get there?

The viewpoint is reached only on foot, via a trail starting near Valldemossa or Deià and joining the Camí de s'Arxiduc. The path runs over stony ground through pine woodland, and at one point crosses a wire gate separating grazing land. This stretch is not fully signposted, so carrying a GPS track or map is worthwhile — it is easy to drift onto a side path in this terrain. A full loop connecting several nearby viewpoints usually takes a few hours and calls for reasonable fitness, since the ground is rocky and occasionally demanding underfoot.

What will you see once you're there?

The landmark at the pass is a stone bench commissioned by Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who lived in this part of Mallorca around the turn of the 20th century and had a network of paths built to connect his various estates. From the mirador, the view opens onto the distinctive Sa Foradada headland jutting into the sea, the former Son Marroig estate, and the coastline toward Deià. Unlike the busier, better-known viewpoints in the area, Son Gallard stays quiet — it's unusual to meet other hikers here, which is part of its appeal.

When is the best time to visit?

Clear, calm days give the best visibility — humid sea air often reduces the view in the afternoon, so setting out in the morning pays off. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for a multi-hour walk over rocky terrain. Midsummer heat can be tough going, especially since long stretches of the route offer no shade to rest in. In winter, the path can turn wet and slippery after rain, which slows the walk down.

What should you pack for the trail?

Given the rocky, uneven ground, sturdy trekking shoes with good grip are essential. Bring enough water, since there are no springs or shops along the way, and carry a map or a saved GPS track, as parts of the route are poorly marked. Trekking poles help on the steeper, stonier sections.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mirador de Son Gallard suitable for beginners? Not really. The rocky terrain, incomplete signposting, and the length of the walk make it better suited to hikers already used to multi-hour treks in the mountains.

Can you drive close to the viewpoint? No — access is on foot only. The nearest parking is in Valldemossa or near Deià, from where you continue walking along the Camí de s'Arxiduc.

Where does the stone bench at the pass come from? The bench and part of the trail infrastructure were commissioned by Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who in the 19th century laid out a network of scenic paths linking his estates in this part of the Tramuntana.

How long does it take to reach the mirador? Depending on the starting point and whether it's tackled as part of a longer loop past nearby viewpoints, the walk can take anywhere from about an hour to several hours round trip.