Exploring the Serra de Tramuntana on foot and then rewarding yourself with the best Basque ember is a great plan. The circular route to Penyal d’Honor, a classic that starts in Bunyola and runs through the leafy Comuna, offers 11 km of moderate trails, views and forests of century-old oaks. After the descent, El Vasco (MA-11, km 17) awaits you with Josper steak, grilled fish and the cozy atmosphere of an authentic Basque farmhouse. Here’s how to experience this perfect day of hiking in the Tramuntana and lunch at El Vasco.
The Penyal d’Honor route from Bunyola
Quick facts
- Distance: 11-12 km (circular)
- Accumulated difference in altitude: ±450 m
- Duration: 3 h 30 min-4 h (easy pace)
- Difficulty: moderate; signposted paths and no technical passages
Description step by step
- Start at the church square in Bunyola; follow the signs to Sa Comuna along the historic Camí des Grau.
- The trail ascends among pines and holm oaks to a natural viewpoint overlooking the Pla de Mallorca.
- Continue towards Penyal d’Honor (811 m), the highest point of the excursion, with panoramic views of the Bay of Palma and the north coast.
- Descend through Coma Gran, passing old charcoal makers’ huts and a curious cave house before returning to Bunyola.
Nature and heritage
Mature Mediterranean woodland, old coal-fired sitges and lime kilns mark the route, witnesses of the rural past of the region. In spring, the holm oak groves are filled with orchids and the song of the red rock thrush accompanies the route.
Practical advice
- Mountain shoes with good soles: some stony sections and natural steps of the Camí des Grau.
- Water and some fruit; there are no fountains at the top.
- If the day is very hot, start early: much of the ascent is shaded, but the ridge is open.
El Vasco: Basque grill at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains
Nothing better than refueling at El Vasco, just 3 km from the center of Bunyola. The restaurant, a farmhouse with fireplace and terrace with views, is famous for its Josper baked meats and fish. Ask for:
- Chuletón de vaca vieja or txuleta madurada, seal of the house.
- Cod in pil-pil sauce if you prefer fish.
- Tomatoes with tuna belly.
- Essential dessert: Basque cheesecake.
Customers and guides agree on the quality of the product and the close attention of the team.
Accompany the meat with a red wine from Rioja or a fresh txakolí for the fish: the wine list bets on references from the north and island wineries. And book in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. You can do it online or by phone through the website of this link.
Hiking route in Mallorca
A hike through the magical Bunyola Commune culminated with the grilled cuisine of El Vasco is the best way to savor the Serra de Tramuntana in body and soul. Put your boots to the test, work up an appetite and let yourself be conquered by the authentic Basque flavor in Mallorca.