Serra de Tramuntana

This is the largest group of mountains in Mallorca, of great environmental and cultural value. For this reason it has been named Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Running along the eastern coast, the road over these mountains is one of the most fascinating in the whole of Spain. For ninety kilometres, from the Cabo de Formentor in Pollensa to the Cabo de Sa Mola in Andratx we can admire rugged scenery and beautiful towns such as Andratx, Valledemosa, Deia, Soller, Biniaraix, the Monastery of Lluc and Pollensa.

From the road there are spectacular views of the mountains, the countryside and the sea. Huge rocks, terraced vineyards, rust coloured pine forests and impressive gorges when the road approaches the sea and a profusion of orange, lemon and fig trees when it crosses a valley. Where the mountain is over 1000 metres high, there is snow in the winter. So many variations in the climate in such a small area.

The cultural heritage is equally varied. Romans and Arabs have have left their mark on the this part of the island with canals for water which are still used today, windmills, terracing for growing vines and olive trees, all of which have been a part of the Mallorcan way of life for many centuries.

This mix of cultures and civilizations has produced a specific local lifestyle of great value and which is reflected in the place names, myths and legends and more tangibly in the gastronomy, craftwork, traditional dress and language of this area.

From South to North:

Valldemossa

Unmissable on anybody’s tour of the island, this stunningly beautiful town is surrounded by towering mountains and pine forests and a stroll through the small historic centre is pure enchantment. In the charming little streets there are lovely houses with brightly coloured flowers in pots and picturesque little squares like the one in front of the church. La Cartuja is an essential visit and is famous for the time spent there by Chopin and George Sand and for its beautifully kept gardens.

Sóller

Port Soller is situated in the most perfect bay ever designed by nature. It is the largest port on the northeast coast of Mallorca. You can’t help but fall in love with this place; its small black and white lighthouse, the buzz of life on its wharfs, its steep and narrow streets and its quirky bohemian atmosphere. Moored close to the road and surrounded by bars and pavement cafes are a fabulous range of boats, from luxury yachts to local fishing vessels. Shrimps fished locally are a must on the gastronomy list in this area.

Fornalux

This town in the mountains is situated in the highest part of the Tramuntana Range, above the valley of Soller. It is known as the prettiest town in the whole of Spain. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, in its quaint streets there are stunning stone clad houses adorned with flowers in pots. The red roofs form a perfect combination with the aroma from the orange and lemon tree orchards close by and the result is a charmingly rustic atmosphere.

Monastery of Lluc

This is the spiritual centre of Mallorca with the gothic image of the Patron Saint of Mallorca, the Mother of God of Lluc dating from the XIV century. This saintly place is situated in the north, in a valley deep in the mountain range at an altitude of more than five hundred metres and surrounded by mountains. Within the monastery there is a boarding school, a botanical garden, a very interesting museum with a wide range of exhibits showing the art and traditions of Mallorca, a campsite, a picnic area, four restaurants, a shop and rooms to let. There are some very attractive mountain hikes which have their starting point at the monastery. Other routes use the monastery for overnight stays.

Twice a day the famous childrens choir “Els Blauets” add their voices to the beauty of Mass in the church.

Sa Calobra  

Between Lluc and Soller is the rugged descent to this world famous Cove. Narrow and twisting, the old road, built in 1932 employing manual labour, plunges eight hundred metres in its spectacular descent. This is a dream like location that has not been spoilt by the small number of restaurants and beach cafes situated on the cliffs. From here another piece of paradise can be reached, but only on foot, the Torrent de Pareis Cove.

Formentor

From the road which goes to Formentor you can see some of the most stuning scenery on the island. The first viewing point shows an impressive two hundred metre vertical drop into the sea from where emerges the tiny island of Colomer. A little further ahead is the exquisite little beach of Formentor. Following the twists and turns of the road from where there are the most wonderful views you reach a small lighthouse at the north point of the island with spectacular rocky vertical cliffs all around.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma Cathedral

Everything about the catedral is simply immense. It has the largest Gothic rose window in the world and the highest and most slender columns. It is situated in a privileged position, above the ancient city walls directly facing the sea in the Parc de la Mar and is the jewel of the old historic city centre. Building first started in 1229 and was finished in 1601. It was declared a historical and artistic monument of world renown in 1931.

Almudaina Palace

After conquest by the Arabs the palace was built as a fortress where the Muslim rulers resided. When the city was conquered by Jaime 1, the palace underwent changes which brought it closer to the Christian religion. Today, its interior courtyards, huge tapistries, unusually large fireplaces in the rooms, impressive furnishings and the delicate and beautifully crafted objects provide a warm and inviting atmosphere to the palace.. There are views of the Seafront Promenade from the terraces.

Bellver Castle

This fortress provides spectacular scenic views. It is a museum surrounded by beautiful woodland and a visit is highly recommended.

Beaches and coves

Cala Varques

One of the unspoilt beaches of Mallorca with crystal clear waters and silvery sand, surrounded by low mountains and reached by a path which cuts through a beautiful forest. The views are stunning and a natural erosion process has left a legacy of caves and craggy rock areas. A fantastic place to visit with friends or alone with just a good book and a camera.

Cala Torta

Also known as s’Aduaia, this small beach is only ten kilometres from Arta and tends to be overlooked by visitors. For this reason, this place, hidden among pine trees and mountain shrubs is beautifully unspoilt. Sand dunes guard its clear and sparkling water. Higher rocks to the right of the beach make a fabulous viewing point.

Cala Figuera

This part of the Mediterranean possesses a special beauty that sets it apart from the rest of the island.

The part of paradise that is Cala Figuera is hidden away among rocky cliffs. There are fishermen’s cottages that look almost as if they are carved from the rock and their boats and other small pleasure boats are all moored side by side in this narrow cove. A fantastic place to visit and which will remain imprinted on your memory for ever.

Cala Tuent

Here the sea penetrates the Tramuntana Mountain onto a semicircular beach among the rocks and surrounded by thick pine woods. Sand, boulders and stones make up this wonderful part of the shore.

The road leading to the cove is winding in its descent. Beach lovers are attracted by the stunning scenery and an excursion to this area is one of the most appealing on offer in the island.

Drach Caves

These caves are a favourite with visitors and many people consider them to be the eighth wonder of the world. To visit them is a wonderful experience and every time you come you can see some different and unique aspect.

The visit comprises two different parts. First, a walk around a cave where you can see some amazing rock formations, chambers, stalactites and lakes. The second part is in Lake Martel and this is what makes these caves so special and different, since this is one of the biggest underground lakes in the world. A concert of classical musical is performed there with special lights which make for a magical atmosphere. A boat ride on the lake marks the end of the excursion.

Nature Park of Sa Dragonera

This is formed by the islands of Pantaleu and Mitjana and the island of Sa Dragonera. The nature park occupies a surface of two hundred and seventy four hectares and has been declared, together with a large marine area, Place of Community Importance and an area of special protection for birds and, therefore, forms part of the Red Natura 2000.

Sa Dragonera, is separated from the southwest of Mallorca by a small canal some eight hundred metres wide and approximately fifteen metres deep.