Santuari del Puig de Maria

14th-century sandstone sanctuary on the hilltop above Pollença, reached on foot by a steep cobbled path

Santuari del Puig de Maria is a religious complex built in sandstone in the 14th century on the summit of the Puig de Maria, the hill that rises beside the town of Pollença on Mallorca. A path climbs to it through woodland, with lookout points along the way, gaining about 300 metres from the edge of town. The sanctuary is known above all for the climb and for the view from the top over Pollença and the country around it.

Historical landmark

Accessibility: Not accessible by wheelchair. The only way up is a steep path on foot over uneven cobbles and loose gravel, and there is no accessible parking.
Parking: Park in Pollença near the main road at the foot of the hill, where the walk starts. The two car parks marked closer to the sanctuary are for permit holders and customers only.
Difficulty: About 300 metres of ascent on foot, steepest over the last 500 metres; tarmac, then very uneven cobbles, then a loose gravel track.
Transport: Bus stop Pollença 1, about 760 m in a straight line from the sanctuary; the hill climb is on foot.
Address: Santuari de la Mare de Deu des Puig, 07460 Pollença, Illes Balears, Spain

What makes it special

From the top the whole of Pollença lies below you, and you can pick out the long stair of the Calvari climbing through the town. That view is earned. The ascent is about 300 metres on foot, steepest over the last 500 metres, up wooded slopes with lookout points where you can stop and look back. Goats graze along the route and take no notice of walkers.

The sanctuary itself dates from the 14th century, a cluster of sandstone buildings on the summit, and the architecture is worth a look even when the doors are shut. There is little else to do at the top. The climb and the view are the reason to come.

Good to know

The sanctuary buildings are not always open. Plan the trip around the walk and the view, and treat the interior as a bonus.
Carry more water than you think: the climb is hard, sweaty work, and one bottle between several people runs out.
Wear shoes with grip. The path turns from tarmac to very uneven cobbles, then to a loose gravel track.
The last 500 metres are the steepest. With a heart or other health condition, this climb is a real strain.

Getting there

The walk starts from the main road on the edge of Pollença, close to the town car park, and from there it is on foot all the way. The path is tarmac at first, turns to very uneven cobbles about two thirds of the way up, and finishes as a gravelly dirt track. The whole climb is about 300 metres, and the gradient sharpens over the final 500 metres to the summit.

Arriving by bus, the nearest stop is Pollença 1, about 760 m in a straight line from the sanctuary at the top.

Best time to visit

Best: early morning.

Avoid: the middle of a hot summer day.

The climb is steep enough to leave you soaked in the heat, while in the morning the air is cooler, the views are clear and there are very few people on the path.

Sun & daylight

Historical landmark

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Santuari de Cura