Coveta de sa Coma Fosca

High in the Tramuntana mountains, a shadowy cleft yawns. This is the Coveta de sa Coma Fosca, the “Dark Cove”. The sun rarely touches the depths of this colossal ravine. Coveta de sa Coma Fosca offers a challenging, yet rewarding climb for adventurous souls. The trail begins near the old funicular platform, a remnant of a grand, pre-war vision. Engineer Antoni Parietti dreamed of whisking tourists up to Puig Major via an aerial funicular. Imagine a mountaintop observatory, an aero-beacon, a grand hotel, and even a winter sports resort. The Spanish Civil War shattered these ambitious plans. Today, only a dry-stone wall remains, marking the starting point of our ascent to Coveta de sa Coma Fosca. The path leads us to the Camí dels Cingles, offering stunning views of the gorges and the Mediterranean Sea. The Coma Fosca dominates the landscape, a dramatic gash leading towards Puig Major. This challenging climb takes us to an altitude of 1400 meters, near the Puig Major military base. The route also leads us past s’Alzina Fumadora, the “Smoking Holm Oak”. From there, we descend into the Coma de n’Arbona, a breathtaking valley nestled between Penyal des Migdia and Coma de Son Torrella. Look for the Cases de Neu, ancient snow houses built by the nevaters, who harvested and stored ice. Further down, the Font des Coloms spring offers a refreshing respite. Our journey back takes us along the scenic Camí des Binis, a long but rewarding path. We pass through the Coll des Cards Colers, named after the artichoke-like Card Coler plant. Finally, we descend back towards the Porxo Esbucat and the funicular platform, completing our loop around the Coveta de sa Coma Fosca. This challenging hike reveals the raw beauty and hidden stories of the Tramuntana mountains. Remember though, access restrictions may apply to certain areas. Always check local regulations before embarking on this adventure.