Randa & Monastery Cura
The Puig de Randa (542 m) is the only significant mountain in the flat plain of the island's center — and therefore offers the most spectacular 360° panorama in all of Mallorca. From the top, on clear days, you can see the Serra de Tramuntana in the northwest, the Bay of Palma in the south, the east coast with its bays, and the Serres de Llevant — the entire island at a glance.
At the summit stands the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Cura, a monastery from the 13th century, which traces back to the famous Mallorcan philosopher Ramon Llull (1232–1316). Llull — one of the most important thinkers of the Middle Ages — retreated here to meditate and write. Today, the monastery houses a small hostel (rooms from about €50 per night, simple but with unbeatable views), a restaurant, and a small museum about Ramon Llull.
The monastery restaurant is a hidden gem: solid Mallorcan cuisine (Tumbet, grilled lamb, Frit mallorquí) at very fair prices (main courses €10–18) — and the terrace offers perhaps the best lunch view on the entire island. Especially on clear winter days, when the air is crystal clear and the Serra de Tramuntana shines snow-covered, it is magical here.
On the way to the summit, you pass two other hermitage monasteries: the Santuari de Sant Honorat (halfway up, inhabited by a small monastic community, chapel accessible) and the Santuari de Gràcia (at the foot of the rock face, dramatically built into a grotto — one of the most photogenic motifs in the island's center).
The ascent is convenient by car — a well-developed, winding road leads to the summit parking lot (free). Alternatively: The hiking trail from the village of Randa (at the foot of the mountain) to the summit takes about 1 hour and leads through fragrant maquis and holm oak forests. Moderately difficult, sturdy footwear recommended.
The village of Randa itself is tiny (200 inhabitants), but charming: a handful of stone houses around a small church, a village shop, a bar. Here, time seems to have stood still. Perfect for a quiet stroll before or after the ascent.
Randa is ideal as a short detour on the way from Palma to the island's center or the east coast. The Llucmajor/Randa exit on the Ma-15 highway is only 25 minutes from Palma, and the ascent to the summit takes another 15 minutes by car. Total duration for a visit: 1.5–2 hours including lunch.
💡 Tipp
Randa is the perfect stop for lunch on the way somewhere. The monastery terrace offers food, views, and tranquility — a combination rarely found so well in Mallorca. For photographers: Sunrise from the summit is breathtaking, but you have to reach the viewpoint before the monastery gate (accessible 24/7). In winter (December–February), the sun rises directly over the east coast.