Walking Above Canyamel: A Scenic Hike to Torre Nova des Cap Vermell
I have to admit it. I have a real weakness for great views. Wherever I travel, I’m always drawn uphill, toward the highest point. Just to see things more clearly. It feels like looking at a giant map from above. Your eyes wander and you recognize places. You pause. There’s no rush and no real reason. You just take it all in.
While based in Canyamel, on the northeast side of Mallorca, we’re lucky. The village is wrapped in hills and small mountains. Hiking options are everywhere. And if you want to earn that lazy beach hour or a long, satisfying dinner later, a walk into the hills is a perfect way to do it.
The old watchtower
Just outside Canyamel stands Torre Nova des Cap Vermell, also known as Atalaia de s’Heretat. It’s an old watchtower from 1577, aprox. 8 meters high, sitting about 210 meters above sea level – roughly 700 feet. In 1794 there were plans to rebuild it and add two cannons, but it never happened. Maybe the locals felt safe enough already, protected by the existing fortifications nearby, in Capdepera and Artà, which guarded the area well at the time.. We’ll never know.
The tower itself is in good shape thanks to a renovation in 2011. The nearby building, once a customs guard barracks, is sadly just ruins now.
Watch the video
The trail to Torre Nova des Cap Vermell
The trail starts at Carrer Ermita, where you can also park your car. It takes about 30–40 minutes to reach the top if you walk at an easy pace.
There are (blue color) trail markers along the way, and with a bit of awareness it’s easy to stay on track. The vegetation can be thick, so it helps to slow down and look around, especially near the top. Some sections are steep, but overall it’s a comfortable hike if you take it slow.
You’ll get some shade in the beginning, walking beneath pine trees that line the lower part of the trail. As you climb higher, the vegetation slowly changes, and the pines give way to low bushes and open terrain. The sun is relentless. Keep that in mind, especially in summer.
Enjoy the calm
And if the limestone structure itself doesn’t impress you while you’re catching your breath, the view absolutely will. Wide-open vistas toward Cala Ratjada in the north, Artà to the northwest, and the Costa de Canyamel stretching south. But more than the view, it’s the silence that stays with you. Wind moving through the air. A few birds calling out… Up here, time seems to slow down. There’s nothing to distract you, just the feeling of standing in a place that has quietly watched over the landscape for centuries.
Honestly—does relaxation get any better than this?
Small tips from someone who first did this hike in August. 🥵
I did this hike for the first time in August, which isn’t the best season for hiking in this area. The heat can make it challenging for some, and it’s not suitable for everyone. The upside, however, is the solitude – you’ll likely have the trail almost entirely to yourself.
- Go early or late. The light is softer, and the heat is kinder.
- Bring water. More than you think you need. And don’t forget a hat, especially in summer.
- Good shoes help. The stones can be loose near the top.
- Stay a while. The calm and the view are part of the reward.
More from the area: Cuevas de Artà
