Puig Major

Puig Major

Puig Major stands as the crown of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range that defines Mallorca’s rugged northwest coast. At 1,445 meters, its limestone massif acts as a vital weather shield for the island, often catching winter snow while the valleys remain temperate. The peak’s history took a dramatic turn in 1958 when the summit was flattened by 9 meters to accommodate a joint Spanish-American military radar station. This facility, topped by its iconic white radar sphere, played a role in relaying signals during the Apollo 11 moon mission and remains a restricted military zone today, standing as a silent sentinel over the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs below.

For cyclists, the mountain is the ultimate climbing destination on the island, offering a long and rhythmic ascent through ancient olive groves and pine forests. While the high-security military road to the very top is closed to the public except for a single annual event, the climb to the Monnaber Tunnel on the Ma-10 remains a legendary achievement. The route is celebrated for its impeccable tarmac and breathtaking Mediterranean views, often serving as the gateway to the famous descent of Sa Calobra. It is a place where the physical challenge of the altitude meets the serene beauty of the Balearic landscape.