Alaró Castle is a place of great importance in the history of Mallorca. Its beginnings on the strategic Puig d’Alaró mountain date back to the Bronze Age.
Puig d’Alaró in the municipality of Alaró is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic mountains in Mallorca. It rises 825 meters above sea level. Black vultures fly over its summit, and wild goats leap from rock to rock.
The Puig d’Alaró, like the neighboring mountain Puig de s’Alcadena, is known to locals as the “molar.” The reason for this curious name becomes clear when approaching from the interior of Mallorca, as the shape of the mountain truly resembles a tooth.
Important information for your visit:
- There are several hiking routes of low to medium difficulty to Castell d’Alaró.
- The climb is rewarded with a fantastic view of the island.
- All the routes have enough shaded areas for resting.
- Sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and a hat are recommended.
- For a delicious meal, I recommend visiting the Es Verger estate. You can also park your car there and walk to the castle.
Castell d’Alaró – Map and Location
The Castell d’Alaró is located in the western part of Mallorca, in the Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range that stretches along the northwest coast of the island. The castle can be reached from the village of Alaró. From there, a road and then a path lead to the top.
Just below the mountaintop, at 817 meters, lies the proud ruin of a rocky castle: Castell d’Alaró. Its origins date back to the Bronze Age, and for nearly 100 years, it has been an official cultural monument of Spain.
Until today, parts of the walls, the main tower, and the entrance gate are well preserved. The fortress is not only a popular tourist site for its history but also as the destination of one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Mallorca.
The hike through the breathtaking mountainous landscape of the Tramuntana is an unforgettable experience, and those who manage to reach the top of the Castell will be rewarded with a spectacular view and an infinite feeling of freedom.
Incredibly Beautiful: A Hike to Castell d’Alaró
The excursion to the castle is classified as “low to medium” difficulty. There are several ways to conquer the castle ruins. One option is to drive part of the way, so that the hike to Castell d’Alaró takes only about an hour.
For this variation, you drive from the mountain village of Orient towards Alaró. Just before reaching Alaró, a road winds towards the castle. However, as you proceed, the road worsens and becomes full of potholes. That’s why I like to leave my car at the Es Verger Restaurant. The climb from there is moderate and not too strenuous.
The approximately three-hour hike (round trip) directly from the mountain village of Orient is also very beautiful. Along the way, you overcome about 580 meters of elevation and pass both the aforementioned Es Verger Restaurant and the Es Pouet pass.
The loop from Alaró takes even more time, approximately four hours. An elevation gain of over 600 meters is surpassed.
Important:
Like the path from Orient, this route is also not very suitable for children. The cliffs are not secured in some areas.
And then there’s a truly fantastic route, but not so easy, for those who are in very good shape. For the circular route, which starts at Plaça de l’Ajuntament in Alaró, you should plan for five hours and an elevation change of 750 meters. On the way to the Castell, you’ll have to cross riverbeds and climb steep stairs.
Other castles and fortresses in Mallorca worth visiting:
A historical museum has been established in Bellver Castle, which formerly served as a prison. It offers impressive views of the city and the port.
In the northeast of Mallorca, atop the Puig de Capdepera at 159 meters high, stands an ancient fortified village.
The fortress of Castell de Santueri offers a fantastic view over the mountain range of Serres de Llevant.
Enjoy the magnificent view from the fortress
I love that the hikes to the castle can be tailored to individual needs. This way, even tourists with less stamina can visit the Castell. Walking through here immerses you in charming Mediterranean nature that delights all the senses.
On the way to the castle, you can feel your soul breathe and relax. Those who reach the summit or the ruins deserve a break, and this is rewarded with a spectacular view of the island. On clear days, you can even see the sea.
The remains of the castle are very impressive, and I always wonder how people back then managed to transport the construction materials to such a remote location at the top of the mountain.
Anyone who wants to stay a little longer at the castle can even spend the night there for an affordable price. The accommodation options are basic but clean, and it’s recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
The Refuge of Castell d’Alaró is located, along with the Oratory Nostra Senyora del Refugi, above the Castell d’Alaró.
Advice:
If you get hungry during the hike, you should definitely head to Restaurante Es Verger. Its cuisine is famous, especially for its delicious roast lamb!
Alaró Castle has a turbulent history
During many centuries, Alaró Castle was considered impregnable. In the cultural memory of the island, it still stands as a symbol of freedom.
It is known that Roman troops expanded and made extensive use of the fortress during the siege of Mallorca. The name Alaró comes from the Arabic “al run” and can be translated as Roman or Christian.
In 1285, the fortress was highly contested. King Alfonso III of Aragon arrived on the island to conquer it and claim dominion over Mallorca. Two followers of King Jaume II, the commanders Cabrit and Bassa, fiercely resisted in the Castell d’Alaró. To this day, they are considered folk heroes in Mallorca.
However, their end was cruel: according to legend, King Alfonso III had them impaled and then roasted alive.
Recommended hiking trail with many highlights
The Alaró Castle is an impressive hiking destination that, depending on the chosen route, requires a certain level of physical fitness. From both a scenic and historical perspective, the excursion to the ruins of the castle in Alaró is well worth it.
Points of Interest near Castell d’Alaró
3,9 km
7,5 km
8 km
9 km
13 km
