Torrent de Pareis

Mallorca’s most spectacular natural monument

If there’s one hike in Mallorca that deserves a spot on every adventurer’s bucket list, it’s the Torrent de Pareis. This breathtaking canyon, located in the rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, is a masterpiece sculpted by nature. Known for its dramatic cliffs, massive boulders, and turquoise pools, it’s one of the most spectacular natural monuments in Mallorca and a thrilling challenge for those who dare to explore it.

Where is the Torrent de Pareis?

The Torrent de Pareis lies in the municipality of Escorca, in the northwest of Mallorca, right in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana. The gorge starts where two streams meet: the Torrent de Lluc and the Torrent des Gorg Blau, a place fittingly called S’Entreforc (“the fork”). From there, the torrent descends for about 3.3 kilometres until it reaches the beach of Sa Calobra, one of the most beautiful coves on the island.

Along the way, towering limestone cliffs rise up to 300 metres high, framing one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the Balearic Islands. The area is part of a designated Natural Monument, thanks to its extraordinary geology and biodiversity.

The hike: from Escorca to Sa Calobra

Let’s be honest: the Torrent de Pareis hike isn’t for everyone. It’s challenging, long, and full of natural obstacles, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. Expect scrambling over boulders, squeezing through narrow passages, and sliding down polished rock formations. It’s not a walk in the park—it’s an adventure through Mallorca’s wild heart.

Hike details:

• Starting point: Escorca (near the restaurant at km 25.2 on the MA-10 road)
• End point: Sa Calobra beach
• Distance: 6–7 km
• Elevation change: around 600 m
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Difficulty: advanced

The trail begins with a steep descent from Escorca into the dry riverbed. Once you reach S’Entreforc, you’ll start navigating enormous boulders, often the size of cars (or small houses). Each twist of the canyon reveals new challenges and breathtaking views.

Important: Only attempt this hike between April and October, when the torrent is completely dry. During the rainy season, it can flood within minutes and become extremely dangerous.

Safety tips for the Torrent de Pareis

This is one of Mallorca’s most demanding and potentially risky hikes. Every year, rescue teams respond to dozens of emergencies in the canyon. So before you go, make sure you’re fully prepared.

Essential gear

• Hiking shoes with strong grip.
• 2–3 litres of water per person (no refills available).
• Rope (10–15 metres recommended).
• Snacks and energy bars.
• Sunscreen, hat, and first aid kit.
• Offline map or GPS.

Safety tips

• Never hike alone.
• Avoid it after rain (wait at least 10–15 dry days).
• Check the weather before setting off.
• Don’t underestimate the terrain—this is a real canyoning route, not a tourist path.

If you’re not an experienced hiker, consider joining a guided tour. Several local guides in Mallorca offer group hikes through the Torrent de Pareis for about €60–70 per person.

How to prepare for the Torrent de Pareis hike

The key to enjoying Torrent de Pareis is preparation. The canyon is magnificent but unforgiving, so think of this as more of an expedition than a casual walk.

Get physically ready

• Build up your endurance with smaller hikes in the Tramuntana, like Cúber–Lluc or Tossals Verds.
• Stretch and strengthen your legs and core before your trip.
• Don’t attempt the route if you’re nursing an injury or lack surefootedness.

Gear checklist

• Gloves: protect hands while climbing over rough limestone.
• Rope: essential for tricky sections and for assisting others.
• Sturdy boots: the canyon’s rocks are slippery even when dry.
• Energy snacks: the hike can take up to 6 hours.
• Offline map: GPS doesn’t always work inside the gorge.

Weather check: avoid the day after rainfall. Flooding risk is real. Ideally start early morning to have daylight until Sa Calobra.

Torrent de Pareis vs other hikes in Mallorca

Wondering how it compares to other routes in the Serra de Tramuntana? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Hike	Distance	Difficulty	Scenery	Recommended For
Torrent de Pareis	7 km	very difficult	canyons, cliffs, sea	experienced hikers
Puig de Massanella	13 km	difficult	peaks, forests	fit hikers
Cúber–Lluc Trail	10 km	moderate	reservoirs, valleys	families, regular hikers
Cala Tuent Coastal Route	8 km	moderate	coastline views	casual hikers

Torrent de Pareis wins for drama and challenge, it’s the island’s ultimate adventure. But if you prefer less technical terrain, other routes in the Tramuntana are still spectacular.

Getting there: all routes to Sa Calobra & Torrent de Pareis

Getting to Torrent de Pareis can be an adventure in itself! Here are your best options:

• By car: Take the MA-10 road from Sóller or Pollensa. The descent via Coll dels Reis is legendary—26 hairpin bends and one epic 270-degree curve. Park near the restaurant at Escorca or down by Sa Calobra.
• By bus: Seasonal public buses run from Pollensa and Port de Sóller, but check timetables carefully. Service is limited.
• By boat: From Port de Sóller, hop on a Barcos Azules ferry to Sa Calobra—the views of the cliffs and sea caves are jaw-dropping. Perfect for travellers who want to see the canyon without hiking it.
• For cyclists: The road to Sa Calobra is iconic in the cycling world. With gradients averaging 7%, it’s one of Europe’s most beautiful climbs. Even if you’re not on a bike, you’ll probably see dozens of cyclists conquering it.

Alternative Experiences at Torrent de Pareis

You don’t have to hike the full canyon to enjoy its magic. Here are a few ways to experience Torrent de Pareis at your own pace:

• Easy family option: walk the first kilometre from Sa Calobra beach through the tunnels and into the gorge. The walls quickly rise around you. It’s breathtaking even without the hard climb.
• Photography paradise: early morning and late afternoon light makes the limestone glow. The reflections in the pools after light rain are stunning.
• Picnic or swim: Sa Calobra’s small pebble beach is perfect for a post-hike dip or lunch with a view.
• Attend the annual concert: every July, the canyon becomes an open-air amphitheatre for the Torrent de Pareis Concert – free, magical, and unforgettable.

Curiosities of the Torrent de Pareis

Locals love to say that the Torrent de Pareis has its own soul and after visiting, you might agree. Here are some of the fascinating tidbits about this natural wonder:

• The name “Pareis” means “paired,” referencing the two torrents that unite at S’Entreforc.
• The ferreret, a small toad thought extinct until 1980, was rediscovered here. It’s now a symbol of Mallorca’s resilience.
• The Sa Calobra road was designed by engineer Antonio Parietti in 1932—the same genius behind the famous Cap de Formentor road.
• In the narrowest part, Sa Fosca, sunlight never reaches the bottom, giving it an eerie, cave-like feel.

Flora, Fauna, and Geology

Beyond its jaw-dropping scenery, the Torrent de Pareis is a geological marvel. Its karstic limestone formations, sculpted by rainwater and erosion over millions of years, create a maze of caves and cracks. You’ll even find a section called Sa Fosca (“the dark”), where sunlight barely reaches the canyon floor.

More than 300 plant species thrive here, including 30 that are unique to Mallorca. You might also spot wild goats, black vultures, and even the ferreret, a tiny toad found nowhere else in the world.

Annual concert at Torrent de Pareis

Every first Sunday in July, the mouth of the canyon transforms into an open-air concert hall. Thanks to its unique acoustics, it hosts the Torrent de Pareis Concert, a free event where choirs and musicians perform surrounded by nature’s cathedral. It’s one of Mallorca’s most magical traditions and well worth attending if you’re on the island.

When to go & useful tips

• Best months: May -June and September – October.
• Avoid: July – August (too hot) and November – March (risk of floods).
• Bring: plenty of water, sturdy shoes, rope, snacks, and a sense of adventure!
• With kids: possible only for experienced families with fit children (10+ years).

If you’d like a taste of the canyon without the full hike, you can explore the first kilometre from Sa Calobra beach, an easy walk that still offers spectacular views.

FAQs about Torrent de Pareis