Hiking Trails in Danger? Military Plans for Cap Pinar in Alcúdia Spark Concern

Cap Pinar: A Piece of Mallorca with Uncertainty

In the far north of the island, where the wind tends to blow harsher and the paths become steep, lies Cap Pinar. For many locals and visitors, the area is a refuge: in the morning you meet the first hikers with thermos flasks, in the afternoon mountain bikers roll down the gravel tracks. Now the whole thing faces a change: Madrid apparently plans to greatly enlarge the military zone at Cap Pinar.

What is planned

According to the information we have, the roughly 145 hectares large area, which has so far served as a maneuver and firing range, would officially be designated as an area of “national defense interest”. The expanded zone would stretch from the tunnel entrance to the viewpoint Niu de s'Àguila toward the Bay of Pollença. The Ministry of Defence justifies the step with the need for disturbance-free training areas.

The complaints from Alcúdia

The town hall in Alcúdia has explicitly announced objections. The concern is real: popular routes to Penya de Migdia or to Niu de s'Àguila could suddenly be closed or only accessible with permission. Also the small chapel, the campsite, the youth hostel and the restaurant on the beach of s'Illot are at stake. Politically, the municipality demands to be consulted before decisions — and that religious and cultural events, for example the Mare de Déu de La Victòria celebration in early July, should not be restricted.

What the people on the ground say

“When I walk up the steps to Victòria with my dog in the morning, I don't want soldiers in the way,” says a woman we met at the parking lot. A tour operator fears that guided hikes will be more strictly controlled in the future and thus fewer visitors will come. The local gastronomy is nervous: fewer hikers, fewer plates of pa amb oli.

Possible consequences

Concrete measures are still open. Temporary closures during exercises, general access restrictions, or a system with special permits are possible. By the way, since 2012 there is a civil-military agreement that allows coordinated tours — this arrangement could be renegotiated.

The island administration and the Ministry of Defence now face a weighing of security interests against leisure, tourism and monument preservation. For many locals, a compromise is required, otherwise Alcúdia loses a piece of everyday life that many consider self-evident.

I will stay on top of it — and for those who like to walk to Niu de s'Àguila on weekends: better check the notices at the tunnel entrance twice. Details can change quickly.