Located in a valley in Mallorca is the mountain village of Fornalutx. This Mallorcan village, known for its cobbled streets, traditional stone houses, and lush flowers in every corner, is undoubtedly a place worth visiting.
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Fornalutx is a place you can fall in love with.
Map and Location
The picturesque village of Fornalutx is located in the northwest of the island, amidst the Serra de Tramuntana. Fornalutx belongs to the municipality of Sóller and is about 35 kilometers from Palma.
About Fornalutx
In my search for destinations in the Serra de Tramuntana, I discovered Fornalutx, a small village in the northwest of Mallorca known for its unparalleled beauty. At first glance, the narrow streets adorned with flowers and the traditional ochre-colored stone houses capture your attention. You can’t help but aim your camera at all this beauty.
The care taken to preserve its cultural and architectural heritage has earned Fornalutx numerous awards, including the “II National Award for Beautiful and Well-Maintained Towns in Spain” in 1983 and the distinction as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain “One of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain” in 2017.
This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and wooded hillsides. I was impressed to see how many house entrances feature pots with oleander flowers, hibiscus, and small olive trees.
My 3 Highlights of Fornalutx
These are, for me, some of the elements that give this small town its charm:
- The Stairway to Heaven: In the center of Fornalutx, there is a staircase that, due to its simple yet unique beauty, has become one of the most photographed spots on the island. Surrounded by blooming plants and traditional terracotta pots, it is the ultimate place to be for anyone wanting to immortalize Fornalutx on their Instagram profile. I recommend visiting at sunset, as during the golden hour, the staircase shines with a completely different light.
- Culinary Delights with a View: Notable are the cozy restaurants with their romantic terraces. From there, you can enjoy local and international cuisine while taking in the beautiful Sóller valley.
- Citrus Fruits Everywhere: Fornalutx is in the heart of the so-called “Valley of Oranges.” Citrus fruits are grown in every corner: oranges, lemons, tangerines. Don’t miss out on trying local products like jams, juices, syrups, and other delights—those oranges really taste great! Good jams from the region can be purchased at the bakery “Es Pa de Fornalutx.” Keep in mind that it is closed in the low season.
Who should visit Fornalutx?
For those who appreciate the beauty of authentic villages, Fornalutx is a must-visit. Visitors can spend a relaxing day wandering the beautiful streets and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the village.
For hikers, Fornalutx is also an excellent alternative to beach vacations or visiting tourist attractions. The village is easily accessible and compact enough to be explored in a day without feeling like you’ve missed something. Its characteristic narrow streets, historical buildings, and stunning landscape offer everything necessary to make a visit here unforgettable.
Those who are fortunate enough to rent a country house near Fornalutx not only enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Mallorcan countryside but also have the advantage of being close to the center of this beautiful village. I was particularly impressed by the small supermarket in Plaza España, which offers an excellent selection of local and international wines.
Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in Fornalutx. From the famous staircase, which serves as a backdrop for summer fashion photos, to breathtaking views.
You can visit Fornalutx in an hour, but you can also spend the whole day there and discover something new around every corner.
Fornalutx surprised me: every corner is a picture, every meal a celebration.
Agostina Marzullo
The Best Time to Visit Fornalutx
In my opinion, spring and fall are the best times to visit Fornalutx. During these months, the weather is mild, ideal for hikes and walks around this beautiful village. Spring transforms the landscape into a sea of flowers, while fall, with its range of warm colors and soft light, offers an especially picturesque setting. A trip into the surrounding nature can be perfectly combined with exploring Fornalutx.
With summer, temperatures rise along with the number of visitors, giving the village a special energy and vibrancy. However, it’s important to note that it can be especially crowded on summer weekends, as many tourists want to visit the village.
Winter, on the other hand, is more peaceful and allows for a more authentic experience of life in a Mallorcan village. Although the weather is cooler and some facilities have limited hours, it’s worth a visit.
Accommodation in Fornalutx
Those looking to escape busy cities like Palma de Mallorca and Alcúdia will find several rural houses and accommodations in Fornalutx where they can spend a few relaxing days.
Among the most recommended accommodations in the village are:
- Fornalutx Petit Hotel: Formerly a convent for nuns and later a school, this hotel now welcomes its guests in tastefully decorated rooms equipped with modern amenities such as satellite TV and Wi-Fi. Located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, guests can also enjoy the hotel’s pool and views.
- Hotel Apartament Sa Tanqueta: This aparthotel offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens and is ideally situated for outdoor activities, with many hiking and cycling trails right at the doorstep. A full buffet breakfast is served each morning in the dining room, and the surroundings offer picturesque views.
- Hotel Can Verdera: This accommodation offers elegant rooms, some with terraces, and features an outdoor pool and bar. It is ideal for those who value comfort and a centrally located yet tranquil setting.
These hotels are located in a stunning natural setting and offer excellent value for money.
Activities and Attractions
The appealing thing about this place is that you can visit all the main attractions in one or two days, depending on how active you want to be.
I recommend the following attractions and activities to tourists. My personal highlight was the hike from Sóller to Fornalutx. Simply unique!
- Trail from Sóller to Fornalutx: Starting from Sóller, this scenic path winds through orange groves and olive trees directly to Fornalutx. It’s an easy to moderate hike that takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on your pace. Don’t worry; there’s plenty of shade along the way, and the views are worth every step.
- Parish Church of San Bartolomé: Located in the heart of Fornalutx, this church stands out for its impressive architecture and distinctive bell tower. Admission is free, and visitors can admire the peaceful atmosphere and artistic stained glass windows inside.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking: Fornalutx offers ideal conditions for these activities. The village’s location directly on the famous GR221 long-distance trail (also known as the “Ruta de Pedra en Sec”) and near Puig Major, the highest mountain in Mallorca, makes it an excellent starting point for excursions through the surrounding mountainous landscape. Both light walkers and those seeking challenging mountain hikes will find what they’re looking for here. The combination of well-maintained paths, stunning views, and immediate proximity to nature makes this mountain village a “El Dorado” for outdoor activities.
Restaurants
The culinary diversity and quality in Fornalutx are compelling reasons for a visit. Here are some of the best places to eat in the area:
- Restaurant Ca N’Antuna: Located on Carrer Arbona-Colom, this place is known for its authentic Mallorcan cuisine. Diners can enjoy traditional dishes like roasted lamb or tumbet in a charming garden. The terrace offers a stunning view of the mountains. Main course prices range from €20 to €30, which is considered moderate.
- Es Turo: For lovers of traditional Mallorcan cuisine in an authentic setting, Es Turo is the perfect choice. This rustic restaurant offers regional specialties, from paellas to fresh fish and hearty meat dishes. Additionally, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Serra Tramuntana and the typical terracotta roofs of Fornalutx.
- Café Med: During my visit to this café, I had the pleasure of trying one of the main dishes: tender Fornalutx lamb, served with seasonal vegetables from the area. The lamb was so well-prepared that it melted in my mouth. I highly recommend it.
Fornalutx with Children
Fornalutx is an ideal spot for a day trip with the whole family. This charming village stands out mainly for its manageable size. It’s like a small wonderland for children, where even everyday things are something special. Kids can easily feel as though they’re in a medieval town and see themselves as knights or princesses in a fabulous legend.
Moreover, except for the main street, hardly any cars can be seen, and most of the paths and streets are completely pedestrian.
On the edge of the village, there’s a water channel that provides the perfect setting for little explorers. There, you can find friendly cats basking in the sun. Fornalutx has a special charm for everyone traveling with children.
My advice:
A visit to Ecovinyassa, a farm located between Fornalutx and Sóller, is highly recommended. It’s an ideal destination, as children will greatly enjoy the animals at Ecovinyassa. Some good news: during harvest season, orange or mandarin tastings are included. At the end of the visit, you can also taste and purchase local products at the farm’s store.
Events
In spring, Fornalutx celebrates the festival of the Correbou (also known as the “Baixada del Bou“), a living demonstration that ancient traditions are still alive in the village. Originally, the festival included the sacrifice of a bull, a practice that has already been abandoned in other parts of the Balearic Islands. During the celebration, the bull was decorated with flowers and paraded through the mountain village. Traditionally, the ceremony ended with the slaughter of the animal and the distribution of its meat among the inhabitants.
However, repeated protests from animal rights groups have led to the festival in Fornalutx being celebrated in a modified form for some years now. Instead of the previous practice, during the “Baixada del Bou,” a laurel crown is now placed on the bull at the end of the parade. Then it is displayed in a pen for visitors to admire.
I am truly glad to see how Fornalutx adapts its traditions to respect the well-being of animals. As someone who opposes animal cruelty, I find it encouraging that these festivities can still be celebrated in a way that honors both the culture and the animals. This shows that it is possible to continue traditions with care and responsibility.
How to get there
Arriving in Fornalutx is part of the experience and offers the first impressions of the Mallorcan landscape. There are several routes to reach this little village:
- By Car: The journey from Palma de Mallorca to Fornalutx takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes. You follow the Ma-11 toward Sóller and then take the Ma-2121 directly to Fornalutx. Parking in Fornalutx is very limited, especially in summer, but there is a public parking area on the outskirts of the village that serves as a starting point for a walk into the center. Parking costs vary, but they are usually around €2 per hour.
Tips for Parking:
- It is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot, as these can fill up quickly (especially in summer).
- You can also park in the nearby town of Sóller and take a beautiful walk.
- By Bus: Regular buses leave from the bus station in Palma (Plaza España) to Sóller (line 210), from where you can take a local bus (line 220) to Fornalutx. The entire journey costs about €5-7 each way and offers an economical alternative.
- Hike from Sóller: For the adventurous, the hike from Sóller to Fornalutx is an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The path is well-marked and takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on your pace.
History & Culture
The history of Fornalutx is closely linked with the Moors, who many centuries ago dominated the Balearic Islands and founded this picturesque village. The Moorish influence is still visible in the narrow streets and in the well-preserved stone houses. In some corners of the village, it seems as if time has stood still, so authentic is its historical charm. The abundance of stone houses gives the place a very special charm.
Interestingly, Fornalutx and Sóller were under joint administration until the 19th century. In 1837, Fornalutx gained its independence and has since changed little in size.
The remarkable high percentage of international residents is explained by the fascination that Fornalutx exerts. Many have been captivated by the village’s charm and have decided to settle there or nearby.
The Surroundings of Fornalutx
The surroundings of Fornalutx also offer many opportunities to get to know the northeast of the island better. After just a few minutes’ drive, you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
Here are some of the attractions that impressed me the most:
Sa Capelleta: The small chapel Sa Capelleta is located in a peaceful and natural setting, about a 5-minute drive from Fornalutx. Entrance is free, though small donations for the chapel’s maintenance are appreciated.
Port de Sóller: It’s roughly a 15-minute drive from Fornalutx to Port de Sóller. Once there, besides the picturesque harbor, there are numerous cafes and restaurants. You’ll need a bit of patience to find parking; the rates are moderate. A ride on the historic Sóller Train tram from Sóller to Port de Sóller is a special experience and highly recommended. I took some of the best photos of my trip there. The route passes through beautiful orange groves.
How to pronounce Fornalutx:
The correct pronunciation of Fornalutx can be a bit challenging for those who aren’t Mallorcan. In Catalan, the local language of Mallorca, the name sounds something like “For-na-LOOTSCH,” where the “x” at the end forms a soft sound, similar to the “ch” in ‘Bach.’ It’s helpful to remember that the emphasis is on the second syllable.
Conclusion
For me, Fornalutx was love at first sight! On my visit, I immediately fell in love with this small village. Simply a dream! It is so clean, utterly romantic, and simply charming.
Is Fornalutx the most beautiful town in Spain? Well, the town isn’t without competition, but it’s high up on my list.
If you’re thinking about visiting the place, don’t hesitate. You’ll love Fornalutx!
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