A journey through the most beautiful stretch of the vast network built by this “prince, scientist, and traveler” who planted his walking stick at Miramar

The first time Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria (1847–1915) set foot on Mallorca was in 1867. He wouldn’t return until four years later, this time with a firm intention to settle on the island. On January 20th, 1872, the feast day of Sant Sebastià, he traveled from Pollença to sa Pobla to finalize the purchase of Miramar, in Valldemossa, with its owner, Joan Serra. “Once the first step is taken, the rest follows…”

Miramar quickly became the epicenter of a vast swath of land that today we call the Archduke’s Territory — about 1,800 hectares stretching between Deià and Valldemossa, from Sa Foradada to Caragolí. The Archduke dotted this area with countless lookout points and an intricate network of trails, built to allow anyone exploring the area to do so safely and enjoy the scenery along the way. High atop the Talaia Vella, he even built “a small hut and a cistern for the comfort and shelter of those who make the climb” (Lo que sé de Miramar, 1911). Virtually every writer who knew him mentions this fact. One such visitor, the Roussillon-born artist and author Gaston de Vuillier, described Miramar in his 1893 book The Forgotten Islands like this:

“The Archduke wished to preserve all the poetry and all the terror of this landscape. Whimsical trails have been carved into living rock and shaded slopes, leading the gaze now to a dizzying drop into the sea, now to distant coastlines. He wished to enchant and terrify at the same time.”

Les Tres Osques is one of the many evocative place names within the Grand Miramar area. It lies between the Coll de l’Estret de Son Gallard and Puig Caragolí (945 m), perched atop cliffs overlooking the lands of the Son Gallard estate. The Camí de l’Arxiduc — widely known by locals — passes along this dramatic ridge, although its original name was the Camí de la Muntanya, as christened by this member of the Austrian Imperial family.

The trail begins at Ca Madò Pilla, ascends past the Miradors dels Tudons and Son Gallard, reaches the Coll de l’Estret de Son Gallard, and climbs Caragolí via les Tres Osques. From there, it descends into Valldemossa through the Coma dels Cairats. That’s the route we’ll follow — starting from Valldemossa, which is accessible via public transport (line L-203; check current timetables at tib.org)

The Route

[00 min] Start from the bus stop at Plaça de Campdevànol, heading toward the municipal sports center. Pass the football field and cemetery on your left, continuing along Carrer Joan Fuster toward the Tramuntana mountains. Take a left onto Carrer de les Oliveres and follow it to its end at the gate of Son Gual Petit [10 min].

On the left, a trail leads to the Voltor Mountain entrance checkpoint [15 min], part of the Son Moragues private estate. Entry is allowed, but advance notice is recommended — call +34 619 591 985 or email info@muntanyadelvoltor.com.

Soon after, ignore the Camí de les Basses on your right, which connects Son Gual with the public land of Son Moragues. Continue through the Voltor gate and begin climbing toward the Pla del Pouet via a wide, well-maintained carriage trail. Early on, you'll pass the Font de l’Abeurada.

This first section gains nearly 300 meters of elevation. The path winds up through a shady holm oak forest, eventually reaching the Pla del Pouet via a gate with no barrier [40 min]. In this small clearing — once an open field — you’ll find the well that gives the place its name. A little further ahead, you’ll see a cistern with a stone curb, right above a key trail junction [45 min].

Turn right here and follow the trail up to the Coll de l’Estret de Son Gallard [1 h 00 min], where a stone bench from the Archduke’s era still sits. Continue right and upward. A few minutes later, you’ll pass the trail to the hermit Guillem’s cave on your right — just a five-minute detour if you’re curious.

Stay on the main path, which veers sharply left, crossing a dry-stone wall through a stepped gap. You’ve now entered the Son Moragues public estate [1 h 05 min], where you’ll reconnect with the path coming from the hermit’s cave.

The trail now begins a series of switchbacks leading ever closer to the dramatic ridge of Les Tres Osques [1 h 15 min]. Once you reach the crest, the view becomes breathtaking: the trail clings to the edge of cliffs high above Sa Foradada, offering one continuous, stunning natural balcony over Mallorca’s northern coastline.

Behind you: the Talaia Vella, then the Mola de Planícia, and Galatzó. Ahead: Caragolí, almost within reach, with Puig des Teix, Puig Major, and Puig de Massanella rising in the distance.

Viewpoint of les Basses & Descent

A short detour to the left takes you to the summit of Puig Caragolí (945 m) [1 h 35 min], where, in 1990, a plaque was installed in honor of the Archduke by the local mountaineering community.

Continue on, enjoying sweeping views over Deià. The Camí de les Tres Osques leads to a major crossroads: Pla dels Aritges [1 h 50 min]. Left leads back toward Valldemossa via Coma dels Cairats, along the continuation of the Camí de la Muntanya. Instead, turn right onto the Camí de les Fontanelles — another highlight of the Archduke’s trail network.

Soon you’ll re-enter the forest and pass the Fontanelles spring on your right [2 h 15 min]. Take a break at the Mirador de les Basses, a triangular viewing platform overlooking the Comellar de les Basses. A few meters below, just before reaching the Mirador de Son Gual, turn left onto the Camí del Ranxo d’en Sutro, which is well-marked and leads back to the Camí de les Basses [2 h 30 min].

Turn right, leaving the Son Moragues public land, and reenter Son Gual territory. You’ll soon arrive again at the Voltor checkpoint, where you turn left and retrace your steps to the bus stop at Valldemossa [3 h 05 min], completing the loop.