Esporles: Local History and Hiking Trails in the Serra de Tramuntana

Sant Pere and Local History

A walk through Esporles leads to the large Gothic church of Sant Pere. It was founded in the 13th century, after the conquest of 1229. Right next to the parish church is the Rectoria, the oldest surviving building in Esporles, documented as early as the 14th century.

The route “La vila d’Esporles: la història en deu passes” takes in ten places linked to important moments in local history. Another route, “L’aigua i Esporles,” starts next to the parish church and the Rectoria. The two trails therefore offer different starting points for a walk: one connects several landmarks of local history, while the other begins at two prominent buildings in the town centre.

The route to the Ermita de Maristella also connects a specific starting point with a historic destination. It begins in the square in front of the town hall and leads to the hermitage. Construction began in 1890, after the Carmelite tertiaries accepted the donation of Son Ferrà.

Hiking Trails in Esporles and the Municipality

The GR-221 passes through Esporles. The municipality’s trail network includes both easy strolls and full-day hikes with significant elevation gain. Most routes start in the town centre and can be walked as circular routes or to neighbouring towns. This means short walks and longer routes with substantial elevation differences are available side by side, though not every route has the same character.

The Camí des Correu starts in front of the church of Sant Pere. At Sa Granja, it follows the road; before leaving the municipality, it crosses an impressive paved section restored by the Consell de Mallorca. The “Volta a la vall d’Esporles” takes a different approach: it combines mountain paths with roads, lanes and trails around the town. The route from Esporles to Valldemossa is also part of the GR-221 and connects the two towns.

For those who want to include another destination, the route to Port des Canonge offers a different focus. It starts in the town hall square, in front of the town hall, and ends above the beach at Port des Canonge. The coastal settlement is the route’s destination, not part of Esporles’ townscape.

Cultural Landscape in the Municipality

Sa Granja d’Esporles was designated a Cultural Asset of Special Interest (BIC) on 13 February 2025. The buildings were granted monument status, while the gardens and terraced farmland were designated a historic garden. The Sa Granja estate dates back to the 10th century. A museum dedicated to Mallorcan traditions and history is housed in the former estate.

Another example of architectural heritage in the municipality is the Font de Baix de Son Tries. The spring is enclosed in a tunnel and protected by an impressive pointed-arch nymphaeum. Water channels lead from it to old washing places, a basin and a drain alongside the paved path. Behind the houses of Rafal des Capellans there is also a traditional cistern dating from 1787. Its green-plastered masonry and sturdy barrel vault give it a distinctive architectural character.

Esporles in the Context of Mallorca

On Mallorca, the Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage mountain landscape. Its cultural landscape is shaped by agricultural terraces, interconnected waterworks, dry-stone structures and farmsteads. The GR-221, also known as the Ruta de la Pedra en Sec, crosses the Serra de Tramuntana on Mallorca; it also passes through Esporles. In this way, the local focus on trails and town history connects with the island’s wider landscape.

Discover more destinations: Estellencs, Lloret De Vistalegre, Portals Vells, Cala Mendia, Pla de na Tesa, Puigderrós, Soller, Ferreries

For the wider travel overview: Mallorca.