Camí de s’Escolta: a circular walk to four viewpoints

The circular Camí de s’Escolta walk takes you to four wonderful viewpoints near Valldemossa. Once again, we head into the Serra de Tramuntana, where mountain scenery and sea views meet.

This is a short, straightforward walk for children used to walking, bearing in mind that some viewpoints stand beside cliffs and the route involves crossing the road. Although the path is fairly clear, a few junctions can be confusing, so it is worth following the directions below.

The most spectacular stretch overlooks the coast below Valldemossa, with a wonderful panorama of the Port de Valldemossa. The path is associated with watching the coast for pirates, hence the name s’Escolta. Historical references to it date back to the 16th century. It runs between the estates of Can Costa, Son Mas des Pla del Rei and Son Guarda.

Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria helped restore the path, and several viewpoints were added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It makes for a memorable walk.

Starting the Camí de s’Escolta walk

You could start in Valldemossa, following the footpath beside the Ma-10 towards the access road to the Valldemossa hermitage. That adds around 20 minutes each way, so here we suggest a shorter option for families or younger children.

Start on the Ma-10 between Valldemossa and Deià. Beyond the petrol station and before Can Costa restaurant, there is a small parking area on the left. It is easy to recognise. Spaces are limited; follow the parking signs.

Once parked, cross the road carefully to join the footpath mentioned above. Rather than heading uphill towards the hermitage, turn right for a few metres, then cross back over the road to reach the Camí de s’Escolta. The entrance is easy to recognise thanks to the large sign above it asking visitors to “always close the gates” (see the photograph above).

Follow the path through several gates, closing each one behind you as the sign requests. The first stretch passes through holm oaks, with fences along the sides marking the private estates. Entrances to the estates have private-property signs; stay on the walking route.

The first junction has a small wooden sign reading “camí de s’escolta”. Pass through the gate and follow it.

The scenery changes to olive trees and rocks. Go through another gate in a beautiful dry-stone wall, followed shortly by one more.

This is the point where it is easy to go wrong: as the path starts to descend and you approach the cliff edge, look for a gate on the right that is easy to miss. This is the way to the viewpoints. The photograph helps you recognise it:

Another landmark is a square sign on the right reading “caça major”, meaning big-game hunting. Continue along the path towards the viewpoints.

In just under five minutes, you reach the first viewpoint.

The four viewpoints on the Camí de s’Escolta

1. Mirador des Barranc

As its name suggests, this viewpoint stands beside a ravine, with spectacular scenery. You are above the Port de Valldemossa at around 400 metres above sea level. You can also see a small tower on the mountain: the Puig de la Moneda viewpoint and tower.

Continue carefully: there may be goats roaming around, and they can give you a surprise — or you might give them one :).

A few minutes later, you reach the second viewpoint.

2. Mirador des Port

This viewpoint has two stone walls meeting at an angle and two stone benches to sit on. Its position is wonderful, with a broader view of the Port de Valldemossa. For us, it is perhaps the prettiest of the four.

3. The viewpoint with an iron bench

A lovely short, straight stretch brings you to the third viewpoint, on the left.

Its distinctive feature is a long iron bench beside a wooden railing, with a view towards the famous rock of Sa Foradada.

Above and to the right, you can make out the 16th-century Son Galceran tower. You can also see the s’Estaca estate and its unmistakable white mansion.

4. Mirador de sa Volta de s’Escolta

Rejoin the path to reach the next viewpoint in a few minutes. The entrance lies between two rocks, leading to another stone wall overlooking the coast.

As well as the landmarks visible from the previous viewpoint, you can see the neo-Moorish tower of Can Costa, also known as “Sa Torre”.

Note: the Font Figuera viewpoint is not part of this route. Its entrance was closed on our visit; follow the exit towards the road rather than trying to get past the closure.

Returning to the car

Continue along the path to reach the road again, at an open area opposite the access road to the Valldemossa hermitage, with the entrance to Can Costa restaurant’s car park on your left.

Cross the road carefully and head a short way up the access road to the hermitage. Almost immediately, on the right, you will see the footpath running alongside the main road towards Valldemossa.

Follow this footpath back to the area where you left the car, then cross carefully to the parking area. If you started in Valldemossa, continue back to the village.

Camí de s’Escolta walk: practical information