Near the small mountain village of Orient is the natural waterfall Es Salt des Freu. This spectacular waterfall cascades in several stages into a pond that, even in winter, invites the bravest to take a dip.
Es Salt des Freu is a beautiful destination for a hike during the winter months. At this time, the river carries enough water for the waterfall to flow forcefully, creating an impressive spectacle. During the summer, however, there may be no water, as the riverbed can dry up and stop flowing.
Map and Location
Whether you choose to reach the waterfalls by road from Bunyola or by walking from Santa Maria, the common point is an area from which it’s only a few minutes to the waterfalls. Large rocks mark the starting point.
With your back to the river, you should not head towards Santa Maria or Orient; instead, take a small, unmarked path in the direction you’re facing. In just a few seconds, you will be able to hear the sound of water falling and see the first streams making their way between the moss-covered stones.
In the upper part, romantic and enchanting, small streams quickly descend toward the large waterfall, whose crystal-clear water falls thunderously downward.
To the left of the waterfall, it’s easy to go down. Here, it’s recommended to wear good footwear and have a firm step. When you get lower, you find yourself in the middle of the waterfall. There’s also a pond and a cave here. Even in winter, you can see daring people jumping into the water, and in this particular case, it’s usually not the British seeking water in winter, but typically the Spaniards.
Another waterfall descends even further, where the river continues its calm course towards Santa Maria del Camí.
There are two ways to reach the waterfalls. The easiest, without a doubt, is if you come by car from Bunyola heading towards Alaró and stop at km 8.5, just before reaching the small mountain village of Orient.
The place is unmistakable, as there are usually several vehicles already parked. From there, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the area with the large rocks. In some hiking guides, this is marked as a hike, but we consider it more of a stroll over stones and rocks.
It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear. Although the path has no inclines, it is covered with stones, and just before reaching the area, you need to cross a stream by hopping over stones in the water. But don’t worry, you won’t drown, as it’s no deeper than 20 cm.
Hiking to Es Salt des Freu
The most challenging and beautiful path to reach the “Es Salt des Freu” waterfalls starts in Santa Maria del Camí. The medium-difficulty hike to the waterfalls takes about 3.5 hours (including breaks). It is absolutely necessary to wear good footwear, and under no circumstances should it be raining or have rained (this also applies to snow). A section of the trail, right on the mountain ridge, becomes very slippery when wet, representing a considerable danger.
The hike begins at the Possessió Son Oliver. To get there, it’s best to drive to Santa Maria del Camí and turn left onto “Camí de Coanegra” from the center of the village, where you can also see the Macià Batle winery.
Continue straight along the road following the signs to “Quarter V”. When you reach Quarter V, go a little further along an increasingly narrow road until you reach the Son Oliver estate. Upon arrival, park your car at the edge of the road before reaching the estate. Unfortunately, there aren’t many parking spots available, and if you continue, you’ll enter an area where parking is strictly prohibited, making it very difficult to turn around.
The photo shows the estate from where the hike starts. A little further, the road turns to the left. The path is properly marked and continues for about 15 minutes on asphalt until the actual start of the hike. Then, you always follow along the river on a beautiful trail. At one point, you’ll need to cross the river by jumping on some stones in the water, but so far, everyone has managed to cross it without getting wet.
Here, there aren’t many chances to get lost, as you will always keep the “Torrent de Coanegra” river by your side. The water flows serenely, with a clarity that can only be found in the mountains.
Generally, the route is quite easy to follow if you pay attention to a few details. On one hand, do not follow paths where small foot-high walls have been placed. Other hikers have done this to indicate that it’s not the correct path. On the other hand, you should always head towards Orient (with one exception).
After about half an hour, you’ll arrive at the Son Roig Estate. This estate used to be a grain mill and is run by Hans and his family. Hans describes his estate as an open house. So if you need a break at this point, you’ll definitely be warmly welcomed.
Generally, leave the estate on the right and, after a short time, you should go through a gate. Always make sure to close the gates after passing through.
After another 10 minutes, you will reach the historic estate of Son Pou. Here, you should take a small detour. Just before the estate, go up a small path to the right. After about 50 meters, you will see a gate on the left. You must go through it and shortly after, you will return to the main path.
Approximately 15 minutes later, you’ll reach an old, ruined lime kiln. Here, it’s worth taking a short detour to a small lake. The main path continues to ascend slightly (indicated by an arrow), but the small lake is on the parallel path that descends.
The path upwards becomes increasingly uneven, so good footwear becomes more and more important. Continue ascending and it will lead directly to the pass. Ignore the sign towards Orient and stay on the path. Only when you reach the top, follow the sign towards Orient.
Up next is the most exciting part of the trail, which is what makes it a moderate hike and not just an easy route. Climbing isn’t necessary, but you’ll move freely over rocks in the gorge. It’s not a big issue, but if the stones are wet, avoid proceeding. However, if you’ve made it this far, take a moment to enjoy the view. Even your ears will be rewarded, as the echo generated in the gorge is impressive.
Then, continue along the path, which rises and falls. Basically, there’s only one path at the top, so you won’t get lost if you stay on the trail. Sometimes it becomes rockier, sometimes the path is wider, sometimes narrower, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down. After what feels like 2 hours (but is actually about 40 minutes), you’ll reach a charcoal burner’s site with a lime kiln and a ruin. You’re almost there. A stone with the inscription “Els Freu” will show you the right way.
A few minutes later, you’ll arrive at the place with the huge rocks, and you’ll only have to walk the remaining few meters to the waterfalls, as previously described. The hike can be done easily in good weather and offers many beautiful sights. The Es Salt des Freu waterfalls are a wonderful reward for the effort. You should allow at least half an hour to explore and take photos.
The return is made via the same route. Alternatively, there is a more luxurious option that goes in the other direction. At the place with the rocks, simply take the path towards Orient. Although you’ll have to cross two gates, the path has few climbs and leads to the small, picturesque mountain village. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Upon reaching the rocks, cross the river (stream) and go up through the first gate. Continue straight and you’ll reach the second gate, then follow a rocky path. When you reach the main road, turn right on the paved road until you reach Orient.
Although the last few meters uphill toward the village may require a bit of effort, once you get there, we recommend visiting the restaurant “Ca’n Tomeu.” It serves well-prepared Mallorcan food and is perfect for relaxing after the hike. From there, you can also call a taxi, which for a price between €25 and €40 (depending on the cost of the journey) will take you back to the starting point of the hike.
Characteristics of the route from Santa Maria to Es Salt des Freu
Moderate difficulty hike for adults without dogs Duration: approx. 3 hours (one way) plus an additional 1 hour towards Orient.
Features of the route from the road to Es Salt des Freu
Easy walk for the whole family.
Duration: approx. 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, Es Salt des Freu is not accessible for people in wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties. The paths are too rocky for that.
Interesting sights near the Es Salt des Freu waterfalls
3,9 km
4,9 km
5,5 km
6,5 km
11 km
