Mallorca’s magnificent Serra de Tramuntana

Along the way are two lakes – the Gorg Blau and Cúber reservoirs – and the soaring peaks of Puig Major (1,445m) Teix, Massenella, and Tomir. The rural landscape is dominated by ancient dry stone terracing and walls, and nature’s own sculptures – gnarled centuries-old olive trees – but there are also towns and villages worth visiting for their cultural and historical interest (Deià, Valldemossa, Fornalutx and Sóller are all located in the Tramuntana). It’s also where you’ll find the dramatic Torrent de Pareis and the Mallorcans’ beloved Lluc monastery, as well as important country estates.

Stepping out

The Tramuntana is a combination of Islamic and Western cultures, and man’s ability to work in harmony with the natural environment. Ancient irrigation systems from the time of the Arab occupation of Mallorca still exist, and the dry stone terraces – built to create space to grow produce in a somewhat challenging agricultural landscape – are a distinctive feature of the mountain landscape.

The Balearics’ longest long-distance path takes its name from the Tramuntana’s abundant dry stone structures. The 8-stage ‘ruta de pedra en sec’, or Dry Stone Route (GR221), stretches from Andratx to Pollença, offering hikers a varied and authentic experience of ‘the other Mallorca’, and the chance to tread old cobbled paths that once linked mountain communities. Official maps and guides are available, and the GR221 has its own website. Take some binoculars if you go hiking or walking here and you’re sure to spot something of interest.

Take refuge

The Dry Stone Route’s official mountain refuges offer affordable places to eat and stay overnight. Make advance bookings through the Consell de Mallorca website. Castell d’Alaró is a unique refuge in a rugged rock-face castle. The Sanctuary of Lluc – although not a GR221 refuge – offers accommodation; book well in advance.

A family day out

The Consell de Mallorca is now a partner in the European ‘Rando pour la Culture’ (Walking for Culture) programme, promoting the traditions, culture, flora and fauna, and architecture of rural areas. The first stage offers three new family-friendly Tramuntana trails that can be done in a day, including walking routes for Alaró Castle, Deià, and s’Esquena de s’Ermita, Selva. Participants can also enjoy cultural activities in Alaró, Deià, and Selva.

Tramuntana towns

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The traditional southwest rural market town Andratx is brought to life by its Wednesday market. Visit the imposing 13th-century church of Santa Maria.

Less than 20km from Palma, Valldemossa was described by Chopin as the most beautiful place in the world. He and George Sand lodged one winter in a cell at the Real Cartuja monastery. Valldemossa is also home to an annual Chopin music festival, the humble birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomàs, and popular local delicacy ‘coca de patata’.

Surrounded by the citrus orchards of a fertile valley, the handsome town of Sóller has many Modernist buildings and French influences. A wooden train connects the town with Palma, and old trams rattle along from the town centre to the Port de Sóller. The Moors & Christians battle re-enactment in May and autumn classical music festival in the port are cultural highlights.

The charming town of Pollença – popular with artists – has a good Sunday morning market, and wander-worthy narrow streets. The town hosts an annual summer cultural festival, Moors & Christians mock battle (August), and large wine fair in spring, in the Santo Domingo cloisters. The 365 steps of Calvari hill are the setting for a moving ceremony every Good Friday.

Andratx

Discover the traditional town of Andratx, its weekly market, one of the island’s best modern art galleries, and good restaurants. Highly recommended visit!  […] Andratx

Soller Port Mallorca

 

Pollensa

Pollensa Mallorca City

Pollensa town in the north of Mallorca offers lots to see & do, enchanting surrounding areas, great restaurants and hotels plus lots more.  […] Pollensa

Picture perfect

Mallorca’s most picturesque villages nestle in the Serra de Tramuntana. For a mountainous backdrop and dreamy Mediterranean views, visit the terraced coastal village of Banyalbufar or, artists’ haven, Deià. The Habsburg Archduke Ludwig Salvator (Luis Salvador) came to Mallorca in the 19th century and acquired important estates in the Tramuntana: Son Marroig, Miramar, and S’Estaca (now owned by Hollywood actor Michael Douglas).

Son Marroig is the venue for the annual Deià International Music Festival concerts. In the Sóller valley, protective mountains surround you in Fornalutx – often touted as Spain’s prettiest village – and the hamlet of Biniaraix.

Fornalutx | Mallorca

Fornalutx

Known as the ‘Prettiest village in Spain’, with narrow, cobbled streets it is certainly worth a visit. Four hotels and a few cafes, it is a quiet spot in the Tramuntana and close to Sóller. […] Fornalutx

Rock on!

The wilder and more remote parts of the Tramuntana make an adrenalin-pumping adventure playground for extreme-sports fans. The opportunities offered by the dramatic and challenging rocky terrain have made Mallorca a magnet for activities such as coasteering, rock climbing, and canyoning – for which Sa Fosca canyon is considered Europe’s best. Several specialist adventure sport companies offer training and excursions in prime Tramuntana locations, including Rocksport Mallorca and Món d’Aventura.

There’s no skiing in the Tramuntana, but winter snow can be enough to close some of the roads through the mountains. The winter white-capped peak of the Puig Major gives a special beauty to the Serra de Tramuntana – and you can see it from across the island.

Road trip

Tackle the breathtaking Coll de Sóller bends or snaking Sa Calobra pass for a thrilling drive or ride. Tramuntana Cycling rents bicycles (the Tramuntana is used as a challenging training ground for cycling teams from all over Europe) and Albion Motorcycles offers classic motorbike tours. For your dream luxury drive, choose your wheels from Rent a Classic Car Mallorca, Rent a Classic Mallorca, or Mallorca Driving.

Blooming beautiful

Alfàbia’s gorgeous gardens were mentioned in literature at the time the Moors occupied Mallorca. The nearby redeveloped Raixa estate has a lovely garden and the Tramuntana Interpretation Centre. Visit Sóller Botanic Garden to see plants native to the Balearic Islands.

Literary links

Robert Graves, Jules Verne, Josep Pla and Villalonga are among those who have written on and about Mallorca. Their words enhance our views of the places that inspired their writing. With the the app ‘WoW! Literary Majorca’, or the Walking on Words print book, discover Robert Graves’s Deià home Ca n’Alluny, and Can Llobera in Pollença – an important part of the childhood of early-20th-century poet Miquel Costa i Llobera.

Artistic inspiration

The Tramuntana has always attracted artists and people who appreciate art in its various forms. Must-visits for art lovers include CCA Andratx, Can Prunera and Sóller Railway Station in Sóller, and Belmond La Residencia in Deià – which also has a resident sculptor and painter. Galleries and individual art studios abound.

Remote restaurants

Escape the crowds and eat out in a rural Tramuntana setting. Hideaway Bens d’Avall, perched above the Mediterranean, offers fine-dining cuisine. For hilltop hotel restaurants, visit Ca’s Xorc or the remote Posada del Marques, near Esporles. Famous for paellas, Sa Foradada is reachable only on foot or by boat. Es Guix, near Lluc, boasts a natural swimming pool, and healthy natural food Restaurante Quay, near Esporles, has an attractive garden.

Village gems

Fine dining isn’t restricted to Palma and Mallorca’s larger towns. 1661 Cuina de Banyalbufar offers delicious cuisine with a slice of village life. Deià is home to long-time favourite Sebastian, and Michelin-starred Es Racó d’es Teix. Given notice, the hilltop Valldemossa Hotel & Restaurant will prepare cuisine for vegan diners.

Linger in luxury

Wake up to the beauty of the Tramuntana by staying in a sumptuous hotel. Enjoy sea and mountain views from your room at the 5-star Jumeirah Port Soller or stylish Hotel Espléndido in Port de Sóller. Hide away at romantic La Posada del Marques, or hilltop Ca’s Xorc. Deià’s renowned Belmond La Residencia offers luxury in spades, and stylish Son Brull, in the Pollença countryside, is a haven of tranquillity.

Grape expectations

Despite what may appear to be a challenging terrain and winter climate, this region has quite a few bodegas – some producing wine designated ‘Vi de la Serra de Tramuntana-Costa Nord’. Wineries include Ca’n Pico, Son Puig, Son Vives, Es Verger, Tomeu Isern, Mortitx, Can Vidalet, Can Axartell, and Xaloc. The highly prized Malvasia grape variety is used in a number of wines from the Tramuntana, particularly in the Banyalbufar area.

Olive gold

Many of the thousands of olive trees at Son Moragues are as much as six hundred years old. The rich history of this Valldemossa estate spans 700 years, and visiting gives a fascinating look into both its past incarnations and its present-day status as a large ecological finca producing sublime olive oil, fresh produce and organic jams.

Brew crews

Several craft beer enthusiasts have set up their own micro-breweries on Mallorca in recent years. In the Tramuntana, Sullerica is located in Sóller, and Cas Cerveser in Puigpunyent – the village that hosts an annual artisan beer fair in the autumn.

The wild side

The mountains and cliffs are the natural habitat of significant wildlife, such as the unique Mallorcan midwife toad, lizards, wild goats, small mammals, and raptors – including the world’s only island population of black vultures. The Mediterranean Wildlife Conservation Centre (HQ of the Vulture Conservation Foundation) at Campanet offers birdwatching excursions.