If there’s a place in Mallorca where history comes alive while your feet tread ancient stone paths, that’s Alaró Castle.
Imagine climbing trails surrounded by pine trees, with the scent of rosemary at every step, until you reach a fortress that has been watching over the island from above for centuries. It’s not just a hiking excursion, it’s a journey into the past where every stone has a story to tell. And when you reach the top, the views will leave you speechless: the entire Tramuntana mountain range at your feet and the Mediterranean Sea shining on the horizon. If you’re looking for adventure, history and those photos that make everyone ask “where is that?”, Alaró castle is your next stop on the island.
A castle with centuries of history
Alaró Castle is not just a pretty ruin. It’s a witness to battles, sieges and legends that have marked Mallorca’s history. Originally built by the Muslims in the 10th century, this fortress took advantage of its strategic location at the top of Puig d’Alaró to visually control much of the island. From up there, any threat approaching by sea or land was detected with enough time to prepare the defence.
But the castle’s most famous story came in 1285, during the Aragonese conquest. Two Mallorcan nobles, Guillem Cabrit and Guillem Bassa, heroically defended the fortress against King Alfonso III of Aragon. Legend has it that, after resisting a long siege, they were captured and burned alive for their loyalty to King James II of Mallorca. Today, that story of bravery and resistance still resonates among the castle walls, making it one of the most important historical sites on the island. According to the Consell de Mallorca, the castle is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest, which underlines its heritage value.
Over the centuries, the castle lost its defensive function, but never its symbolic importance. Today, the ruins that remain — mainly walls, towers and the small hermitage of Sant Pere — allow us to imagine what life was like in a medieval fortress high in the mountains.
The hiking route: an adventure for the whole family
Getting to Alaró Castle is part of the experience. The most popular hiking route starts from the village of Alaró, specifically from the Es Pouet area, where you can leave your car without problem. From there, the path is about 5 kilometres uphill, lasting approximately an hour and a half to two hours, depending on your pace and how many stops you make to take photos (which will be many, I assure you).
The trail is well signposted and, although it has steep sections, it’s suitable for children used to walking. That said, bring comfortable footwear, enough water and some food, because the climb works up an appetite. The path winds between pines, holm oaks and centuries-old olive trees, and as you gain height, the views become increasingly spectacular. In spring and autumn, the temperature is perfect for the route; in summer, it’s better to leave early to avoid the hottest hours.
If you come with small children or prefer a more comfortable option, you can also drive to Restaurante Es Verger, located halfway, and from there continue walking only the last section, which is shorter but also steeper. This option is ideal if you want to combine gentle hiking with good traditional Mallorcan food.
Alaró Castle Restaurant: a must-stop
Speaking of food, you can’t climb to Alaró castle without stopping at the famous Restaurante Es Verger, also known as the Alaró Castle restaurant. This place is quite an institution on the island. Located about 20 minutes’ walk from the castle, the restaurant offers hearty home-cooked Mallorcan food perfect for recharging your batteries after the climb.
Wood-fired roast lamb is their star speciality, along with shoulder and ribs. All served on wooden tables, in a rustic setting that seems frozen in time. It’s an authentic place, unpretentious, where the food speaks for itself. Bear in mind that they only accept cash and that in high season it’s advisable to book, because it fills up quickly.
If you want to enjoy the complete experience, there’s also the option of sleeping at Alaró Castle. Next to the castle ruins there’s a small refuge run by those responsible for the hermitage, where you can spend the night for a very affordable price. The rooms are basic but clean, and the experience of waking up high in the mountains, with the sunrise painting the sky orange over the mountains, is priceless. That said, book in advance because places are limited.
Breathtaking views
When you finally reach the summit and pass through the ancient walls of Alaró Castle, you understand why this place has been so important for centuries. The panoramic views from up there are simply spectacular. At your feet stretches the Alaró valley, with its almond and olive groves, and in the distance you can see Palma, the bay and, on clear days, even the island of Cabrera on the horizon.
The feeling of being on top of the world, surrounded by history and nature, is something you have to experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you disconnect from daily noise and connect with something greater. If you go with children, this is the perfect time to tell them stories of knights, fortresses and brave defenders. And if after all that medieval adventure you fancy continuing to explore Mallorca from another perspective, we recommend visiting Dinosaurland, where you can walk among prehistoric giants and live another unforgettable family adventure, this time travelling millions of years back in time.
Practical tips for your visit
Before embarking on the adventure, here are some tips that will make your life easier.
- Check the weather forecast: climbing in rain or strong wind is not recommended.
- Bring enough water (at least one litre per person) and some food, although you can also eat at the restaurant.
- If you go in summer, sun protection and a hat are essential, because the sun beats down in areas without shade.
The best time to visit Alaró Castle is between October and May, when temperatures are milder and the landscape is green after the autumn rains. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, so if you prefer peace and quiet, choose a weekday. And if you’re going with little ones, calculate your time well: it’s better to do the route calmly, enjoying the path, than to turn it into a race against time.
Finally, respect the environment. The castle and its natural surroundings are everyone’s heritage, so don’t leave rubbish, don’t stray from the marked paths and enjoy responsibly. Mallorca has magical corners like this precisely because generations have cared for them with love.
Frequently asked questions about Alaró Castle
How long does it take to climb to Alaró Castle?
The complete route from Es Pouet to the castle takes between 1.5 and 2 hours uphill, depending on your pace. If you start from Restaurante Es Verger, the last section is an additional 20-30 minutes.
Is the route to Alaró Castle difficult?
The route has moderate difficulty. There are steep sections, but it’s well signposted and suitable for children used to walking. Appropriate footwear and basic fitness are recommended.
Where is the Alaró Castle restaurant?
Restaurante Es Verger is located on the path to the castle, about 20 minutes’ walk before reaching the ruins. It’s famous for its roast lamb and traditional Mallorcan food. They only accept cash.
Can you sleep at Alaró Castle?
Yes, next to the castle there’s a small basic refuge run by the hermitage where you can spend the night for an affordable price. You need to book in advance because places are limited.
When is the best time to visit Alaró Castle?
The best months are from October to May, when temperatures are milder. Avoid very hot days in summer (better to go very early) and days of rain or strong wind.
Can you drive to the castle?
You can’t drive to the castle, but you can drive to Restaurante Es Verger, from where the last section on foot is about 20-30 minutes. The most common option is to leave your car in Es Pouet (Alaró) and do the whole route on foot.
Alaró Castle is one of those places that stays etched in your memory. The combination of history, nature, physical effort and visual reward makes it one of the essential excursions if you’re visiting Mallorca. Whether you climb for the challenge, for the views, for the restaurant or simply to disconnect for a few hours, this medieval fortress is waiting for you high in the mountains. Comfortable footwear, backpack ready and off to conquer the castle.
