Most tourists know Valldemossa as the Chopin village: monastery, narrow lanes, long queue at the entrance. What few know about: a small hill above the village has an old panorama path running along its flank, the Camí de s'Escolta. Roughly translates to „watcher's path“, because in the old days the coast was watched from here for pirate ships.
The path is short, a 3 km loop, about 90 m vertical. What makes it worth recommending for families is not the length but the mix. The first stretch goes through dense holm oak forest with huge weathered boulders that look placed there on purpose for 5-year-old climbing attempts. Then the path opens up to several viewpoints, called miradores. Views over the entire Valldemossa valley down to the coast at Port de Valldemossa, on clear days all the way to Cabrera. Almond trees in bloom in spring, porcini under the oaks in autumn.
With kids you need 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on break policy. Shade in summer too, which is a plus on Mallorca. The path is not officially signposted, partly running across private land on an old easement. So: you will pass gates along the way, you can go through but must close them again. Signs explain this. It is not illegal, you are on a public right of way.
Getting there: start at the edge of Valldemossa, several small entry points off the road toward Port de Valldemossa. Paid parking in the village, come early in summer or take bus 203 (Palma-Valldemossa-Sóller). From the bus stop it is 10 minutes on foot to the trailhead.
Important: do not confuse with the path of the same name near Sóller or the similar-sounding Camí de l'Arxiduc. The latter is much longer and tougher (12 km, 400 m vertical) and unsuitable for small children. If you are stopping in the Valldemossa valley with kids and don't know what to do, the Camí de s'Escolta is the answer.
Combine tip: breakfast in Valldemossa first, afterwards a piece of Coca de Patata (Mallorcan potato bread) at Ca'n Molinas or Forn Pastisseria Ca'n Molinas in the village. Kids like the sweet powdered-sugar version.
