The trail climbs fast, and the views arrive even faster. Penya des Migdia on the Victòria peninsula is one of the most exciting short hikes on Mallorca. Pine trees and the mountain itself shade the path, so you gain altitude in no time. Still, you will want to stop every other minute. Below the steep cliffs, the Mediterranean shifts through countless shades of blue. Above you, an eroded rock wall towers over the trail. Meanwhile, the horizon invites you to search for Cap Formentor or even Menorca in the distance.
From Pine Forest to Cliff Edge
The hike starts off fairly easy. From the Ermita de la Victòria, a wide forest trail winds its way uphill, the air smells of resin, wild rosemary and sun. But soon the trail veers off to the side and becomes more challenging. Diss grass, mastic shrubs, and fan palms line the path. The route now runs along the edge of the hill, to the left, there is nothing but a steep slope and the sea. So watch your step carefully.
The Passage That Clings to the Rock
Soon, the trail leads to its most spectacular spot, the narrow bottleneck Pas de la Penya Roja that sticks to the rocks like a bird’s nest. Built more than 400 years ago, this historic passage is an extraordinary masterpiece of Mallorcan architecture. But as you climb through it, it’s probably best not to think about its age.
Chains, Cliffs and Cap des Pinar
In the morning, you enter the passage from the shady side. On the other end, bright sunlight and a stunning view of Cap des Pinar wait for you. Here the path is just a foot wide. Fortunately, a metal chain gives you something to cling to and guides you to safe terrain. Only a couple of minutes later, you reach the mirador which rewards you with a unique panorama of northern Mallorca.
Ruins of a Forgotten Military Base
Nearby, you can see the ruins of a cistern, an oven, and a shelter. They tell long forgotten stories from a centuries-old military base that served as a strategic coastal and pirate lookout post.
The Final Climb to the Summit
But that’s not all. If you enjoy climbing, the last 30 minutes will be the best part. Stone piles mark the path across the rugged rocks to the summit of Penya des Migdia, where an old bronze cannon is perched atop. It’s hard to imagine how anyone managed to haul something so heavy up here.
Then the cobbled platform on the mountaintop delivers the highlight, both geographic and emotional. Island, sea and sky stretch out endlessly. On a sunny autumn day, hours could pass up there. A gentle breeze blows, and you might as well keep an eye out for pirates on the Mediterranean.
The Way Back
The way back follows the same trail, but it almost feels like a different hike. It’s not just the changing position of the sun that casts the descent in a new light. The perspective has shifted, too. As you make your way back through an ever-changing play of light and shadow, the familiar path reveals a different side of the landscape.
Eventually, you arrive back at the Ermita de la Victòria, where it’s worth lingering a little longer. Perhaps over a well-deserved coffee. 
Duration & Elevation: distance 4 km, duration 2 to 2.5 hours out and back, elevation gain 300 m
Planning more hikes? Find the best routes in our guide to the 10 best Tramuntana hikes. Looking for the other summit on Mallorca also called Migdia? Read about Penyal des Migdia near Puig Major, here.
