Tucked away above the Sóller Valley, the hike to Puig de sa Bassa is one of those routes that rewards effort with solitude and sweeping views. Despite its location in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, the trail sees surprisingly few visitors. One reason? It’s only open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. But for those who time it right, a striking loop of switchbacks leads up to the summit. And to a spectacular 360-degree vista.
Leave the World Behind
Once you have left the terraced agricultural slopes behind and begin the ascent to Fornalutx’s local mountain, the air turns crisp and pine-scented. Gnarled tree roots, sculpted by weather over time, line the stony track.
Soon, the view begins to open. Far below, the valley of Sóller stretches out, its cluster of houses looking like a toy village. Towering above are the jagged Cornadors peaks, framing the scene dramatically.
The Moment the Sea Appears
Then comes the moment that takes you by surprise. The deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea suddenly breaks across the horizon, and with it, a full view of the bay of Port de Sóller. From this height, the natural harbor appears almost perfectly circular, dotted with moored boats. The twin lighthouses stand out sharply, along with the iconic Torre Picada watching over the coast.
Now, a fork in the path marks a shift in landscape. Leaving the wide trail, you follow small cairns onto a narrow, rocky path. Pine trees give way to holm oaks, where dappled light filters through and offers a welcome break from the sun. Then the terrain becomes more rugged, with tufts of spiky needle grass. Here, the route is marked by knotted bundles of grass rather than trail signs. Another clue that this is a less-traveled path.
Let the Panorama Sink in
On the last stretch, the Puig de sa Bassa comes into view. The summit is the perfect place for a picnic. Enjoy the peaceful silence and let the panorama sink in. Behind you, the sea glistens, and in front of you, Mallorca’s highest peaks, Puig Major and Puig de Migdia, tower into the sky, with the valley of Sóller at their feet.
No wonder a fire watchtower was built here at the summit. Unlike the historic Talaies, these modern watchtowers are manned throughout the summer to monitor the landscape and prevent fires from spreading in the Tramuntana mountains.
The Magic of Mountain Trails
The return follows the same route, but everything feels different in reverse. With every step, new angles emerge, new views catch the eye. That’s the magic of mountain trails, they never look the same twice.
Duration & elevation ~ 4h out and back, ~ 800m gain from Fornalutx , or ~ 2h out and back, ~ 300m gain from the Área Recreativa at Ma-10, km 42.2 
Read more about Hiking from Sóller, here.
