Historic paths: following the route of the royal courts through Mallorca’s medieval villages 

Would you like to discover a more authentic side of our island? Take a stroll along Mallorca’s historic paths! Deep in the heart of the island lie medieval villages, filled with trails steeped in history, once followed by royal courts.

At ROIG, we want to share the incredible heritage of our island with you. In this article, we propose a route that will take you through medieval villages, past noble buildings and along cobbled paths once travelled by kings, knights, and messengers.

If you have a passion for history and architecture, this route is not to be missed! And with ROIG’s rental car service in Mallorca, reaching these inland villages couldn’t be easier. Let’s hit the road!

A route along Mallorca’s historic paths

The route along Mallorca’s historic paths begins in Palma de Mallorca, the capital that was once the political heart of the Kingdom of Mallorca. Here, you can visit historic landmarks such as the Cathedral of La Seu and the Almudaina Palace, reminders of the royal court’s former splendour. You can also wander through the city’s old town, exploring noble courtyards and medieval alleyways.

From Palma, the route continues to Valldemossa, a village nestled among the mountains, once chosen as a refuge by nobles and notable figures. Although today it is best known for its connection to Chopin and George Sand, back in the Middle Ages this village was already important thanks to its location in the mountains and its natural surroundings.

The journey along Mallorca’s historic paths continues to Esporles, where you will find the Camí des Correu. This cobbled route connected the villages of the Tramuntana mountains for centuries. It was not only used for delivering mail: emissaries and soldiers also travelled along it during the time of the monarchy. Walking this path means following in the footsteps of generations of royal travellers.

We now move inland to reach Sineu, one of the most historic villages in Mallorca, as it was once home to the royal palace and served as the administrative capital during the Middle Ages. The building, which today houses a convent, was once the residence of kings.

Our journey then continues to Llucmajor, a village that played a key role in Mallorcan history: it was here that the battle marking the end of the independent Kingdom of Mallorca took place in 1349. Today, a monument commemorates that historic clash, while the village centre still preserves its medieval layout.

Finally, the route ends in Alcúdia, one of the best-preserved walled cities on the island. It was a key defensive point and still exudes a sense of nobility through its cobbled streets, squares, and walls.

Taking this route along the historic paths is one of the best activities to enjoy in Mallorca, adding a cultural touch to your getaway. Remember, the best way to visit all these villages is with your own vehicle, so we encourage you to make use of the car hire service we offer at ROIG. And if you would prefer not to drive, we also have a taxi service and chauffeur-driven cars available in Mallorca.

At ROIG, we make it easy for you!

Discover Mallorca’s medieval villages

Beyond its beaches, coves, and restaurants, the island of Mallorca boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to medieval times. Here’s a look at some of the most beautiful and highly recommended medieval villages to visit:

• Valldemossa is undoubtedly one of the best-known. This village features cobbled streets, stone houses, and hanging gardens. Nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana, it was once a favourite retreat for nobles and artists.
• Alcúdia: is the walled city of the island’s north. Its remarkably well-preserved walls, defensive towers, and historic layout reflect its medieval importance in protecting the island. Traditional fairs and markets are still held here today.
• Sineu located in the centre of Mallorca, is another of the island’s most significant medieval villages. It served as a royal residence during the reign of Jaume II and still retains a stately atmosphere in its architecture. It also hosts a weekly market that dates back to the 14th century.
• Artà is a Mallorcan village situated in the east of the island. It preserves much of its medieval character, with a fortified church well worth discovering. The winding streets leading up to the Sant Salvador sanctuary offer some of the most spectacular views of eastern Mallorca.
• Capdepera and its castle are also well worth a visit. This fortress was built in the 14th century, and from its highest point, it was possible to monitor the coastline and protect the population from pirate attacks. Today, Capdepera Castle is one of the best-preserved and most visited on the island.

Which is the oldest village in Mallorca?

Determining the oldest village in Mallorca is not easy, as many of today’s villages have pre-Roman origins. However, in terms of historical significance, Pollentia — now known as Alcúdia — holds the top spot.

Pollentia (Alcúdia) was founded by the Romans in 123 BC under the command of Quintus Caecilio Metelo and became the island’s capital during Roman rule. Its archaeological remains can still be visited today, including a Roman theatre, part of the forum, and several houses that offer a glimpse into life during that period. Although over time the population moved further inland, this area has been inhabited for centuries.

The present-day Alcúdia, built during the medieval era, inherited Pollentia’s historical importance. In the 14th century, defensive walls were constructed, which still surround the old town today and form one of the most significant walled enclosures in the Balearic Islands.

If we look even further back, we find Talayotic remains in various parts of the island — such as Ses Païsses (Artà) or Capocorb Vell — providing evidence of organised human settlements long before the Romans arrived. However, these sites correspond to archaeological remains rather than current villages.

And so we conclude our journey through Mallorca’s historic paths. Remember, at ROIG you’ll find the best car hire deals in Mallorca, allowing you to explore all these villages at your own pace. You’ll love discovering the medieval side of our beloved island!