Observing, smelling, listening and drinking in the scenery are all spontaneous actions that any hiker can fully enjoy in this natural and spiritual backdrop. These are woodlands of hermits, charcoal makers, lime producers, and folktales, and it is a delight to stroll in surroundings so rich in history. Indeed, this is one of the most all-encompassing mountain routes in the Serra de Tramuntana.
This route starts in the town hall square (Plaça de l’Ajuntament) just in front of the town hall building. It goes down Passeig del Rei to Carrer Joan Riutort, up Son Tries hill and along Carrer Quarter and Camí des Rafal. The track, which no longer has a tarmac surface, reaches Es Rafal des Capellans estate buildings, documented as existing in the 16th century. Then it travels up the first part of Camí de Son Ferrà, crossing over Carretera des Verger road and taking you up to Coll de S'Heura hilltop along a lovely cobbled section.
The track passes close by Son Ferrà estate buildings, one of the most emblematic estates in Esporles. Documented as existing in the early Middle Ages, the estate was divided up in more modern times among different members of the Ferrà family. In 1879, owner Margalida Rosselló i Ferrà donated a piece of woodland for the construction of a hermitage.
Two bends further up, the estate's big irrigation pond can be seen. After going through the gate of the wood, a steep section of path is reached. Following a patch of rough, rocky terrain, there is a natural vantage point with breath-taking views of the town and valley.
This section of cart track is beautifully made. On one bend of the track, the path to the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus can be found, inaugurated in 1940 at the initiative of parish priest Father Mateu Togores i Maimó.
The track climbs upward until it reaches the plain where Maristel·la hermitage stands. Its construction began in 1890 when a congregation of Tertiary Carmelite monks accepted the donated land from the owner of Son Ferrà. There was never a large community of hermits there and, in 1926, they abandoned the site. Beside the building, there is an irrigation pond with a hand-pump.
From plain where the hermitage stands, the path continues to Ermites Velles. This is a little building where the hermits lived before the main building was completed. It was renovated a few years ago.
To return to Esporles, go back along the same route.