Esporles: Paths Through History and the Tramuntana

The Church, Rectoria and Local History

The large Gothic church of Sant Pere was founded in the 13th century, after the conquest of 1229. Next to the parish church stands the Rectoria, the oldest surviving building in Esporles, documented as early as the 14th century. Both buildings provide a historic focal point in the town centre; several routes also begin nearby.

Those wishing to explore the town’s history step by step can follow the route “La vila d’Esporles: la història en deu passes” (“The town of Esporles: history in ten steps”). It visits ten places connected to important moments in local history. The “Volta a la vall d’Esporles” (“Circuit of the Esporles Valley”) offers a different perspective: this route combines mountain paths with roads, lanes and paths around the town.

Hiking Between the Town Centre and the Municipality

Most routes begin in the town centre and can be walked as circular routes or to neighbouring places. The options range from easy walks to full-day hikes with considerable elevation gain. The GR-221 long-distance trail also passes through Esporles. When comparing the options, therefore, consider not only the destination but also the time and physical effort you want to allow for a hike.

The Camí des Correu begins in front of Sant Pere church. Before leaving the municipality of Esporles, it crosses an impressive paved section restored by the Consell de Mallorca. The route from Esporles to Valldemossa is part of the GR-221 and links the two towns. Another route starts at Sant Pere and ends in s’Esgleieta, a hamlet in the municipality of Esporles.

Routes from Esporles also lead to destinations with a different character. The path to the Ermita de Maristella begins in the square in front of the town hall. Construction of the hermitage began in 1890, after the Carmelite Tertiaries accepted the donation of Son Ferrà. The route to Port des Canonge starts in the town hall square and ends above the beach there, a pebble cove with traditional boathouses. The area around Esporles is also suitable for both road cycling and mountain biking, also known as B.T.T.

Historic Places in the Municipality of Esporles

The municipality is home to further historic sites. The former Possessió Sa Granja de Esporles dates back to the 10th century and houses a museum dedicated to Mallorcan traditions and history. On 13 February 2025, Sa Granja was designated a Site of Special Cultural Interest (BIC). The buildings were given monument status, while the gardens and terraced fields were designated a historic garden.

The Font de Baix de Son Tries, a spring housed in a tunnel, is also part of the area’s architectural and landscape history. An impressive pointed-arch nymphaeum protects the spring; watercourses run from there to old washing places, a washbasin and a drain beside the paved path. Behind the houses of Rafal des Capellans there is also a traditional cistern dating from 1787. Its green-rendered masonry and sturdy barrel vault are striking features of the structure.

s’Esgleieta is a separate hamlet in the municipality, not the town centre of Esporles. Its historic ensemble includes the church of Santa Maria de l’Olivar, houses, a paved lane and the Aljub de les Monges. This reflects the character of the routes: they lead through both the town itself and other sites within the municipality.

Esporles as a Starting Point for Your Stay

On Mallorca, the cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana is shaped by agricultural terraces, interconnected waterworks including watermills, dry-stone structures and farmhouses. The GR-221, also known as the Ruta de la Pedra en Sec, crosses the Serra. This regional context complements the history and trails of Esporles without conflating places outside the municipality with the town itself.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Esporles, you can start by choosing the type of outings you have in mind. Many routes for walks and local history begin in the centre; for longer outings, the municipality also offers full-day hikes with considerable elevation gain. So consider whether you want your trip to focus more on historic sites and paths around the town or on longer hikes. This can help you decide how well Esporles as a place to stay fits your plans for Mallorca.

Discover more destinations: Inca, Porto Cristo Novo, Cielo de Bonaire, Costa dels Pins, Consell, Deyá, Capdepera, Algaida.

View the wider travel guide: Mallorca.