The Hermitage of Betlem (Ermita de Betlem) is an uninhabited hermitage located in the “Serres de Llevant” mountain range in the municipality of Artà. Since 2010, the hermitage has been unoccupied and can be reached in two ways. One option is to drive to the Hermitage of Betlem, which is situated at an elevation of 280 meters, through the mountains. The other option is to take a scenic walk from the small seaside town of Betlem.
The Hermitage of Belén, as it is known in Catalan, was built in 1805 and features a beautiful chapel and stunning views. Before the construction of the monastery, there was a watchtower on the site. After the land was donated, the first stone of the monastery was laid. Since the hermitage was quite small and housed only a few monks, the last residents were relocated to another monastery near Valldemossa, and since then, the Ermita de Betlem has remained uninhabited.
Despite being uninhabited, the chapel remains open to the public, allowing visitors to admire its impressive ceiling frescoes, its artworks, and its meticulously decorated altar. Moreover, the access to the hermitage, flanked by cypresses, offers a panoramic view that stretches to Alcudia. Without a doubt, it’s worth a visit.
A wonderful experience is the walk from Betlem, where you pass by uninhabited houses and, shortly before reaching the monastery, a natural spring of fresh and delicious water. Next to the spring is also a stone table, ideal for having a picnic in the tranquility of the mountains.
Hiking to the Hermitage of Betlem
For those who wish to reach the Ermita de Betlem on foot, the first step is to head to Betlem. The best way to get there is to take the MA-12 from Alcudia towards Artà. The exit is well-marked (Colònia de Sant Pere or Betlem). After taking the exit, you leave Colònia de Sant Pere to the left and continue along the main road until you reach Betlem a few minutes later. Shortly after entering the town, you’ll see a sandy parking area on the left and a gate on the right. This is where you should park, as that gate is the entrance to the scenic hike to the Ermita de Betlem.
The hike itself is quite straightforward, always going uphill. The path is easy to follow, but it’s important to be well-prepared. It’s essential to wear appropriate footwear due to the rocky and at times slippery terrain, as well as to bring enough water. The trail is accessible for children, though it’s important that they also have good balance.
A few hundred meters after passing the gate, you will find some abandoned houses. This marks the end of the most relaxed part of the trail, as from here the constant ascent begins. But don’t worry, the spectacular views make up for the effort. The climb is estimated to take 50 minutes from the gate. However, if you prefer to take a more leisurely pace, it’s advisable to plan around 1.5 hours to enjoy the scenery rather than rushing.
After a while, you reach a point where a sign indicates that only 5 minutes remain to arrive.
Soon after, you reach a charming spot where a spring emerges. There is also a stone-carved table inviting you to have a picnic, and on the wall, there is an image of the Virgin Mary. It’s a great place to take a short break before covering the last few meters to the hermitage.
After visiting the Hermitage of Betlem, you return by the same path. The descent feels much quicker since it’s all downhill. Upon arriving back in Betlem, you can enjoy a meal at one of the small restaurants, or continue on to Son Serra de Marina, Colònia de Sant Pere, or even Artà, which is also nearby for a visit.
Important Information:
- Starting point: Parking in Betlem
- Food options: None during the hike
- Highlights: Panoramic view
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours, plus time to visit the Ermita de Betlem
- Difficulty: Easy (with good footwear)
Map and Location:
Interesting sights near the Ermita de Betlem
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