Talaies on Mallorca: All Along the Watchtowers

„Pirates in sight!“ was a terrifying alert for hundreds of years, when the island was repeatedly raided by corsairs. Until, in the late 16th century, watchtowers were built along the entire coastline. The talaies on Mallorca formed a network of outlooks and points of communication. What used to be essential to protect the island from invaders is now an attractive destination for hikes and excursions.

Fire and Smoke

As soon as a potential attacker was sighted, the watchmen on the tower either lit fresh wood to send out smoke signals. Or they used dry wood to create a highly visible flame at night.

As the talaies were strategically located at vantage points and within eyeshot, the signal was quickly passed from tower to tower. Until the message reached Palma and troops were sent to defend the island.

Many of the historic watchtowers can still be visited. Some are rather dilapidated, others carefully renovated. The entrance to the talaies is several meters above the ground so they were almost impossible to conquer.

If you dare to climb the iron steps, you can still enter some of the towers, today. And feel like being on watch. Or you simply enjoy a picnic with fabulous sea view in the lee of the talaia.

Hiking Along the Watchtowers

Hiking along the coast, sooner or later you will come across one of the old watchtowers. Going clockwise around the island, here you will find some of the most beautiful talaies on Mallorca:

Torre de Cala Figuera

A scenic trail leads from Portals Vells to Cala Figuera. The vista from the talaia to the lighthouse is really stunning.

Torre de Cala Pi

The Torre de s’Estalella can be reached on a nice and easy walk either from S’Estanyol or from Cala Pi. And there’s even two watchtowers on the route from Cala Pi to Cap Blanc.

Talaia de Son Jaumell

When hiking from Cala Agulla to Cala Mesquida, don’t miss the little detour to the Talaia de Son Jaumell. A popular place to catch your breath and marvel at the vista.

Torre Picada

There are a few well-preserved towers in the Tramuntana mountains. It only takes half an hour to hike from Port de Sóller to the Torre Picada high above the bay.