The tower was part of a network of 85 defensive towers built across Mallorca to monitor North African corsair activity.
Its construction was financed by the local residents of Sóller, who were particularly vulnerable to maritime attacks.
The structure is cylindrical, measuring approximately 11 meters in height and 8 meters in diameter.
It was strategically positioned to maintain line-of-sight communication with the nearby Torre de Sa Pedrissa and other coastal fortifications.
The interior vault is supported by a central pillar, a common architectural technique for these towers to bear the weight of the upper terrace.
Torre Picada is a 17th-century defensive watchtower located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Sóller, Mallorca. Constructed between 1614 and 1623, the circular stone tower was part of a coastal alert system designed to defend against pirate raids. It stands at an elevation of 130 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Tramuntana coastline and the island of Sa Dragonera in clear conditions. The structure is built with local limestone and features a vaulted interior chamber and a terrace accessible via an external staircase. It served as a strategic communication point using smoke signals by day and fire by night to warn the nearby town of Sóller of incoming threats. The tower was restored in the 21st century to stabilize its masonry and preserve its historical integrity.
The terrace at the top of the tower provides a 360-degree view of the sea and the rugged Tramuntana mountain range.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the path consists of uneven, rocky, and inclined terrain.
Carry sufficient water, as there are no amenities or shade sources along the trail leading to the tower.
Visit during clear weather to maximize visibility of the Balearic coastline.
Do not attempt the hike during the heat of midday in summer; avoid straying from the marked path into the dense scrubland.
Respect the historical structure by not climbing on the exterior walls; maintain a quiet environment for other hikers.
