There are easier ascents from Port de Sóller but the one up the northern wall and over the crest of Puig de Bàlitx is definitely the most rewarding. The view of the bay and further down the coastline up to S’Illeta, the small rocky island, is spectacular. Moreover, the hike offers two bonus tracks: A huge flowstone cave that looks as if it was molded by Antoni Gaudí. And at the very end, back on the beach of Port de Sóller, you can just plunge into the sea and relax your muscles.

Although Sóller’s nearby moutain top isn’t all that high it takes some climbing to get all the way up. Since you are not very likely to meet anybody make sure to find your way. There are a few stonemen here and there, but even so it’s easy to miss the cove just below the puig. It is flooded by sunlight around noon, that’s why it’s called Sa Cova des Migdia, the midday cove. Walking among the gigantic stalactites and stalagmites make me feel like a dwarf in some fairy tale.

From the cave it’s only about 15 more minutes to the summit. This tour has many highlights but I never miss a short pause on the top of the mountain, have a banana and some almonds and enjoy the vista before I head back to the blue sea, sparkling promising in the distance. A narrow road is winding down through beautifully terraced hillsides rich with citrus and olive trees. Just before the sun sets a cooling swim, a sorbet made from Sóller oranges and a café solo round off a wonderful day.