Castell d'Alaro

The hike to Castell d'Alaro starts at the Es Verger restaurant — there is a parking lot, and the road in is steep and narrow. From the lot, the path climbs through old olive groves and stone walls for about 45 minutes. The castle ruins sit at 822 meters on a peak that drops away on three sides. Two flights of stone steps cut through a rock gate near the top — Moors held this place against Jaume I for two years in the 13th century. There is a small chapel and a hostel at the summit. The view covers the Pla, the Tramuntana ridges, both bays. Bring water. The last section is rocky but signed throughout. From Alaro town you can do a longer circular route — five hours, GR-221 markers, more demanding.