Palma de Mallorca is taking centre stage of a new chapter in one of the world’s most iconic pilgrimages, the way of St James or El Camino de Santiago which sees would-be-pilgrims flock to Spain from all over the world. The island has now formalised the ancient route as a 67-kilometre trail starting in Lluc Sanctuary and ending in the spiritual church of Sant Jaume in the centre of Palma, offering travellers the chance to embark on an iconic journey to Santiago de Compostela, beginning in the Balearic Islands. Acting as an esteemed bridging point between the Balearics and the mainland, Palma de Mallorca emerges as the symbolic and experiential highlight of the New Way of St James.

A Journey of Tradition, Landscape, and Discovery

The new iteration of the pilgrimage, known as El Camino de Lana (The Wool Way), offers a blend of spiritual discovery and laidback Mediterranean lifestyle. Along the route, pilgrims pass through ten municipalities, experiencing Mallorca’s diverse landscapes, heritage sites, and local culture before arriving in the final destination of Palma de Mallorca. One of the most symbolic elements of this project is the creation of a specific seal for each town or village, allowing pilgrims to stamp their passport according to the Jacobean tradition.

A typical four-day route may look like:

·       Stage 1: Santuari de Lluc – Caimari (~18km)

·       Stage 2: Caimari – Lloseta (~18km)

·       Stage 3: Lloseta – Santa María del Camí (~15km)

·       Stage 4: Santa María del Camí – Palma (~15km)

A Historic Finale in the Heart of Palma

It is not until the travellers reach the capital of the Balearics that the journey takes on a new dimension. Bursting with cosmopolitan spirit, world-class gastronomy, and spiritual sites, such as the 13^th century Church of Sant Jaume which pilgrims will have firmly marked on their maps before setting out on their journey, Palma makes the perfect pit stop before continuing to the mainland. After four days of trekking across Mallorca, the capital city offers some well-earned respite and reward whether its visiting one of the numerous art galleries, museums and noble houses or sipping a cocktail in one of the many plazas. Serving as both the destination and the gateway, ferry connections to the Valencian Community are abundant allowing pilgrims to pick up their trail on the mainland in the journey onward to Santiago de Compostela.

Spirituality in the Heart of Palma

The Camino de Lana culminates at the Church of Sant Jaume, where visitors can pause to reflect and explore one of the capital’s oldest parishes. Standing to this day in its original structure, Sant Jaume is a space of great simplicity and beauty. The building is a testament to Gothic architecture, featuring a single cross-vaulted nave and its iconic rose window. The building has undergone no subsequent modifications, and the keystones still have the coats of arms of the benefactors who propitiated its construction. The church is dedicated to the same apostle, St James, as the Camino itself making it the natural symbolic endpoint for pilgrims who only plan to undertake the journey through Mallorca ending in Palma.

A Pilgrimage Best Experienced in Tranquillity

This expansion reflects growing interest in alternative Way of St James routes, offering travellers the chance to begin their journey in a setting that combines natural beauty with cultural depth. The mild temperatures of Mallorca throughout the off and shoulder seasons provide ideal conditions for walking and exploration as well as avoid the crowds that follow the warmer weather. The route itself is particularly well suited to those seeking a quieter, more reflective experience. Journeying through the UNESCO Serra de Tramuntana to the Gothic Church of Sant Jaume, Mallorca’s Way of St James is the new way in which to appreciate Palma de Mallorca in 2026.

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.

1. Galicia’s Atlantic Forest

The Fragas do Eume Natural Park is among the best-preserved ancient Atlantic forests in Europe. Fewer than 500 people live within its 9,000 hectares of untouched forest, making Galicia’s shaded greenery the perfect escape for those looking to experience nature without the crowds.

The lush park is home to 200 species of fern, 20 species of lichens, and 103 bird species, all of which are best viewed from any of the eight signposted hiking trails winding across the landscape. Alternative experiences can also be enjoyed by kayaking along the River Frei Bermuz to its confluence with the Eume, or from visiting the monastery of Caaveiro, the ancient place of worship hiding over 1000 years of history within the dense shrubbery.

2. La Rioja's Dinosaur Trail

La Rioja is famous for excellent wine, with over 500 wineries offering internationally renowned wine tasting. Lesser known is the 1,400 dinosaur ichnites (fossil footprints) spread across the region. In the south of La Rioja lie some of the best-preserved ichnite sites in Europe, dating back millions of years to the Cretaceous period.

The “Dinosaur Route”, a clearly signposted trailing following the upper Cidacos Valley from the village of Enciso, takes hikers to three of the most important paleontological sites in Western Europe. The short trail is just 7km yet covers hundreds of fantastically preserved footprints and passes several visitor centres with information and life-size reproductions of the extinct raptors, making the Cidacos Valley perfect for adults and children alike.

3. Aragon’s Nature Monastery 

A true hidden gem, the Monastery of Piedra lies within the unassuming province of Nuévalos, Aragon, and is a beautiful 12th century monastery founded by Cistercian monks. Unlike most religious cultural heritage sites in Europe, its unique allure is not man-made. Instead, it’s charm comes from the waterfalls, caves, and plunge pools which surround it, creating an almost mystical space where art and nature co-exist.

The Piedra River circles the monastery within the natural park, with the sound of water springs heard echoing across the grounds. The most famous waterfall is known as the Horse Tail, which hides a large natural cave with stalactites formations behind its cascading water.

4. Navarra’s Adventure Gorge

Lumbier Gorge, declared part of a Natural Reserve in 1987, is in the foothills of eastern Navarre’s Pyrenees. The stunning, ragged landscape, carved out by the Irati and Salazar rivers over millennia, is just 40km form Pamplona. Despite appearances, the gorge is easily accessible by foot or bike and various activities are possible below and above the 150-metre canyon.

Several hiking routes are possible across the gorge, including the short Irati Rail Trail which ends with Puente del Diablo (Devil’s Bridge), a ruined bridge destroyed in the Spanish War of Independence. Along the way, hikers will see a range of birds, including golden eagles, griffon vultures and alpine swifts. Visitors can also raft or swim in the clear Pyrenees waters of the gorge below to cool off after the trek!

5. Asturias' Silent Beach

Asturias is famous for beautiful rolling hills, the Picos de Europa mountain range, and of course world renowned cheese. Lesser known is the 145km of Atlantic coastline known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast) with hundreds of pristine golden beaches and hidden coves. One such beach, appropriately named Playa del Silencio (Silent Beach) is a 500 metre long stretch of beach without a building in sight.

The  clear waters are without a crowd in site, and form part of the Western Coastline Protected Landscape. The coast is perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers to marvel at unspoilt marine wildlife. Despite it's tranquillity, the beach is easily accessible at just a 15km drive from the popular Cudillero village. The coastal fishing village of Cudillero is consistently rated among the most beautiful villages in Spain,  making it the perfect accompaniment to an escape to the Playa del Silencio.