La Trapa walk from Sant Elm

The walk to La Trapa from Sant Elm is one of Mallorca’s classics, with views of Sa Dragonera, Cala en Basset and its tower. For families, we recommend taking the forest track both ways. We tried the shorter footpath on the way back and saw several walkers struggling on the slippery rock.

La Trapa, a viewpoint over Sa Dragonera

La Trapa is an 81-hectare mountain estate in Andratx. A community of Trappist monks arrived in 1810 and settled in what was then the valley of Sant Josep de s’Arracó. After the monks left, the estate was used for farming and the buildings eventually fell into disuse. In 1980, the conservation group GOB bought the estate with public support to protect it from development. GOB and its volunteers continue to look after it.

Out and back along the forest track

1. From Sant Elm to the s’Arracó junction

Start at the end of Avinguda de la Trapa, where the paved road becomes the Camí de Can Tomeví. Continue straight on past the downhill turn on the right near the start.

About ten minutes later you reach the junction shared with the walk to Cala en Basset tower. The tower walk turns left by the «Coto de caza» sign and the Can Tomeví houses. For La Trapa, carry straight on along the forest track, passing the shorter footpath on the left as well.

Pass the Can Tomeví houses. When you see the Camí Punta de Sa Galera sign and the wooden arrow for Cala en Basset, continue straight on. At the next signposted junction, take the left branch marked «La Trapa». The right branch leads towards s’Arracó.

2. The monk’s house

The climb starts here. At the next fork, follow the sign to the left. There’s also a wooden sign with a message we’ll leave you to discover. At the large nature reserve sign, pass the chain and keep climbing towards the little house.

The house and its small viewpoint make a good stopping place. There’s a pond behind it where you may hear frogs. Local tradition says this was the home of the «fraile del pan», the monk who collected alms and lived apart from the rest of the community.

3. Reaching La Trapa

The last climb is steep, with a concrete section that can be slippery when wet. At the top you’ll see the estate and part of Sa Dragonera. Follow the track downhill to the old buildings, where you can see the terraces, read the wildlife panels and walk to the viewpoint.

The estate is privately owned and open to the public. Check GOB’s visitor guidelines and take your rubbish home.

4. Returning to Sant Elm

On the descent to the estate you’ll see a sign for the shorter path to Sant Elm. This is the route we tried and where we found the trickiest rocky sections. For the family walk, climb back up the forest track to the pass, then retrace your steps past the monk’s house and Can Tomeví.

Walk details

Compare the routes on GOB’s La Trapa access map.