Mallorca Hike: The Portals Nous Tunnel Loop: A High-Contrast Custom 8.5K Hike with a Technical Descent

Dark tunnel under highway

Epic view over Bendinat harbour

View looking out from cave

A Custom 8.5 km Route with Massive Terrain Variance, Tunnel Traverses, Caves and Epic Views!

⛰️ Quick Facts & Trail Stats

This custom-designed loop is an absolute gem for hikers who appreciate dramatic and varied terrain. It packs a challenging climb, rewarding views of the harbours, unique cave exploration, and a technical descent into a concise, action-packed half-day hike. The route is remarkable for having huge variations in terrain compacted into only 8.5 km.

Category	Detail	Notes
Location	Portals Nous, Mallorca	Convenient starting point with parking.
Trail Difficulty	Moderate to Difficult	The climb is moderate, but the descent is highly technical and requires focus.
Distance	8.5 km (5.3 mi)	Both double and single track sections.
Elevation Gain	363 m	All elevation gained in a concentrated 3 km section.
Time Needed	Approx. 2.5 hours	Our time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Trail Type	Custom Loop
Footing	Highly Varied	Ranges from wide double-track to narrow, technical, and rocky descent.

🗺️ Experience: Mallorca Hike - Extreme Contrast and Hidden Trails

This Mallorca hike is defined by its dramatic changes in scenery and difficulty, giving you a genuine 'tale of two trails' experience packed into a short 8.5 km loop. The entire journey is built around four distinct phases:

The Four Phases of the Trail:

1. The Start (Flat Warm-up): The hike begins with a pleasant, flat 1.5 km approach on a level path. This serves as the perfect warm-up and includes an initial adventure: passing through the tall, easy-to-walk entry tunnel under the highway.

   • Highlights: Transit through the entry tunnel and cave exploration.

2. The Climb (The Ascent): After the flat start, you immediately begin the intense ascent. The next ~3.5 km is where you tackle most of the 363m of the elevation gain.

   • Terrain & Views: The climb is mostly on a wide trail with the typical rocky terrain of Mallorca. It's physically demanding, but the wide path offers stable footing and rewards you with fantastic open terrain views of the coast, showcasing the harbours of Portals Nous and Bendinat. Look out for the friendly goats and opportunities for cave exploration along the way!

3. The Descent (Technical Valley): After the summit, the trail drops dramatically. This is the most unique and challenging section, taking you deep into the valley between two peaks.

   • Terrain: The terrain becomes highly technical: very narrow, grass-overgrown, and based on unstable rocks. This enclosed, challenging environment is a sharp contrast to the open climb. Sturdy hiking boots are mandatory here.

4. The End (Flat Finish): Once you navigate the technical valley, the trail levels out for the final 1.5 km.

   • Exit Challenge: This final flat segment includes one last unique obstacle: traversing the exit tunnel, which is only 1.2 metres (approx. 4 feet) high. You will need to bend over to pass through—a memorable, low-to-the-ground finish to your adventure!

     
     

🎒 Essential Gear & Practical Tips

The extreme variation in terrain and the technical descent demand careful attention to your gear for safety and comfort.

Gear Checklist:

• Footwear: Mandatory! Due to the technical, narrow, and rocky valley section, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and aggressive tread are essential for stability.

• Water: At least 1.5 liters, as the concentrated climb can be dehydrating.

• Head Protection: Be cautious when traversing the short 1.2-metre exit tunnel.

• Navigation: While easy to navigate, download the route beforehand using the AllTrails link to ensure you follow this exact custom variation.

Final Verdict:

This is a fantastic option for experienced hikers looking for a short, high-impact workout. If you love contrasting landscapes, crave a little cave exploration, and don't mind getting low for the tunnel exit, this custom loop is an exciting, must-do option close to the action of Portals Nous!