Torre Picada

Torre Picada, a watchtower above Port de Sóller

On a rocky headland known as Costa de la Atalaya, right above the bay of Port de Sóller, a 17th-century stone watchtower still stands guard. Torre Picada ranks among the best-preserved coastal defence towers on Mallorca and draws a steady stream of walkers exploring the port.

Why was it built?

A pirate landing in 1561 at a spot called Ses Puntes exposed how vulnerable the Sóller valley was to raids from the sea. In response, the island's authorities planned a chain of watchtowers along the coastline. Construction of Torre Picada began in 1614, and the tower was completed and armed by 1623.

What does the tower look like, and how did it work?

The structure has a circular footprint of roughly 150 square metres and stands about 11–12 metres tall. Inside, two vaulted floors lead up to a rooftop terrace. A crew of three was stationed here permanently – two watchmen and a sergeant in command. Whenever a suspicious vessel appeared offshore, the crew lit signal fires, with the number of fires indicating how many ships had been spotted. The alarm passed along the coast to the towers of Na Seca in Escorca and Sa Pedrissa in Deià, and from there through the whole relay network to the Torre de l'Àngel at the Almudaina Palace in Palma, the command point for organising the island's defence.

How long did it stay in service?

Torre Picada's working life extended well beyond the age of pirate raids. During the 19th century it was used to monitor smuggling activity, and during the Spanish Civil War lookouts watched from it for aircraft approaching from the mainland. Since a 1949 decree protecting Spain's historic castles and towers, Torre Picada has been listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural, a nationally protected monument.

How do you get to Torre Picada?

The walk starts in Port de Sóller. A signposted trail begins at Carrer de Bèlgica and climbs a steep but clearly marked path to the hill above the harbour – about 30 minutes each way on foot. The interior isn't open to visitors, but the climb itself is the reward: from the top, views stretch across the bay, the Serra de Tramuntana range, and the rugged northern coastline.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon works best, since the trail runs across open, largely unshaded ground. Spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures for the climb, and clear days give the best visibility of the distant Tramuntana peaks and the coastline toward Deià.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Torre Picada? No – the tower itself is closed to visitors, though the surrounding area and the viewpoint along the trail are freely accessible.

How long is the walk from Port de Sóller? The signposted trail from Carrer de Bèlgica takes about 30 minutes each way.

How old is the tower? Construction started in 1614 and the tower was armed in 1623, making it more than 400 years old.

What was the tower originally used for? It watched the coast for pirate ships, later monitored smuggling, and was used as an aircraft lookout during the Spanish Civil War.