Wild romanticism, rugged rocky landscapes, breathtaking views, fresh fragrances of lavender and thyme, and space for unbridled creativity. The west of Mallorca offers everything one could desire.
Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2011. This wild mountainous landscape is home to two large lakes, Embalse de Cúber and Gorg Blau, where the region’s drinking water is stored.
Any excess water is diverted through the Torrent de Pareis canyon. Its 3,300-meter path winds through gorges and crevices, creating impressive natural spectacles. The area’s vegetation remains practically untouched, which has allowed many animal species, no longer found in other parts of Europe, to make this their home. For example, the black vulture has its habitat in the Serra de Tramuntana.
The black vulture does not hunt for food; instead, it relies on fresh carrion to survive. In these mountains, it finds plenty of nourishment due to the pristine nature that continues unchanged.
The romantic and wild landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana offers a variety of hiking trails that are unmatched in this mountain range. There are routes for all levels, from beginners and families with young children to longer trails that can take several days. This environment has something for everyone.
Sa Calobra Road (the Snake) winds its way through the Serra de Tramuntana, descending in sharp curves from a height of 800 meters to the sea. It branches off from the picturesque west coast road C-710, which stretches from Andratx to Pollença. The rocky nature, with its abrupt and bizarre formations, is ideal for letting your thoughts wander.
The best way to start this adventure is early in the morning to avoid being abruptly awakened by the avalanches of tourists. After descending towards the bay, the Torrent de Pareis canyon, with its twisted limestone walls, invites you to dream again.
Delight in endless views
The west coast is dotted with numerous talaies (watchtowers). In the 16th century, they formed an ingenious warning system using smoke and fire to protect against pirate attacks.
Today, tourists visit these natural Mallorcan stone monuments to enjoy unique panoramic views of the sea, the Tramuntana mountains, and the vegetation. In the 19th century, the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator restored many of these watchtowers on his Tramuntana estate, including the well-preserved Mirador de Ses Animes.
From here, you have a five-star view of the sunset over the hanging gardens of Banyalbufar. You can also enjoy breathtaking views from the Archduke’s former estate, Son Marroig, between Deià and Valldemossa. Tip: Keep your camera ready! Each view is more beautiful than the last.
Discover places on the West Coast
The artistic village is located on a hill at the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana.
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Fornalutx is a place you will fall in love with.
Throughout the year, the charming town of Sóller, along with its port, Port de Sóller, is in full high season.
As the refuge of George Sand and Frédéric Chopin, Valldemossa has always been a magnet for tourists.
Embark on an expedition in the world of scents
The west is a paradise for the sense of smell. In this oasis of endemic plants and aromatic herbs, numerous olfactory sensations can be experienced. From Aleppo pines to lavender and thyme: let yourself be captivated by Mediterranean aromas. In every corner, there are new scents to discover.
Cooling off in cool oases
Who doesn’t love the wonderful romantic tales of One Thousand and One Nights? In the Jardins d’Alfàbia (Ctra. Palma-Sóller, km 17, Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30, Sat 9:30-13:00), the mysterious world of the Moors comes to life. Open sesame!
Upon entering this dreamlike oriental world, everyday stress is left at the door. The terraced Arab gardens house very special plants and are a source of freshness, especially in the hot summer. Amidst the cool fountains and lush greenery, energies are renewed.
If you wish to see more examples of Moorish gardening, you can continue to the Jardins de Raixa (Ctra. Palma-Sóller, near Bunyola, Wed/Fri/Sat and Sun 11 am-6 pm).
Travel through the valley of oranges
Loud whistles, lots of steam, and fresh wind on your face! Experience nostalgia on wheels with the Red Lightning (Palma-Sóller train) and the Orange Express (Sóller-Port de Sóller tram). Inaugurated in 1912, the Red Lightning slowly travels along a 27.6-kilometer narrow gauge for an hour, from Palma to Sóller.
Nowadays, Spain’s only private train no longer carries the old export oranges, but mostly tourists. Its nickname is a bit misleading: the nostalgic train is brown and very slow. Fortunately, this allows you to fully enjoy the postcard scenery passing by the window and the interior of the cars, with mahogany panels, fine leather seats, and elegant luggage racks in first class.
Almost as old as the Red Lightning is the Orange Express. Since 1913, Mallorca’s only tram has been incessantly running between the Sóller station and the port, passing very close to orange and lemon trees. On sunny days, the gardener carts (open wooden wagons) are attached to the locomotive.
Pilgrimage in a marathon to the Monastery of Lluc
From Palma to the Monastery of Santa María de Lluc (open from 10 am to 6 pm) is about 48 km. This extensive route is traveled every year, on the night of August 2nd to 3rd, by around 18,000 pilgrims in a nighttime walk called Marxa des Güell a Lluc a peu.
The starting point has always been Aragón Street 74, the former address of the Güell bar. The owner, Tolo Güell, began this pilgrimage in 1973 as a gesture of gratitude for the happy outcome of an accident his daughter suffered. The following year, he repeated the walk with 30 friends. More people joined each year. Today, the march could almost be considered a popular Mallorcan movement.
The sacred destination lies in a wooded valley, and the path offers breathtaking views of the wild and romantic landscape of the Sierra de Tramuntana. By the way, everyone can join in this event (food and support buses are provided).
The Monastery of Lluc is the most important pilgrimage site on the island. According to legend, it was built here because the famous statue of the Black Virgin—despite being moved several times to the church of Escorca—always reappeared there. It’s worth visiting the monastery at any time of year; it can also be reached by car.
Every morning at 11:15 a.m. (Sundays at 11:00 a.m.), the Blavets children’s choir sings. In the monastery museum (open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), you can see archaeological finds, ceramics, and many monastery utensils. You can stay affordably and comfortably in the old monastic cells. Tip: Book in advance, Tel.: 0034/971-871525, E-Mail: info@lluc.net.
Enjoy passionate sounds
In the winter of 1838/39, the French writer George Sand spent her honeymoon in Valldemossa with the famous Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. This beautiful love story continues to captivate tourists from all over the world.
In the cells of the old Carthusian monastery (open daily: Nov.-Feb.: 9:30-16:30, Mar.-Oct.: 9:30-18:00, Sun. always from 10:00-13:00, last entry 30 min. before closing), where the couple of lovers stayed, there is a charming collection of their biography, including many love letters, drawings, and even bouquets of flowers. In the nearby Palace of King Sancho, Chopin piano concerts are held daily.
Tip: Every year in August, Valldemossa immerses itself in the Chopin Festival. Music lovers from around the world gather to hear the harmonies of Chopin’s compositions, performed by internationally renowned virtuosos.
After enjoying the magic of this passionate love story and the musical chords, a stroll through the small and dreamy town, with its narrow streets and typical island houses, becomes even more romantic.
Inspire with the muse
Deià is the Mallorcan home of artists. Many have been inspired by the charm of this small village, including the famous writer Robert Ranke Graves.
The idyllic village sits on a hill above the rocky coast, surrounded by twisted olive trees, cacti, citrus trees, and cypresses. The little stone houses and narrow streets adorned with flowers exude a Tuscan air, an ideal place for limitless creativity.
If the muse doesn’t visit you right away, you can admire and acquire the works of local artists in the exhibition hall of Hotel La Residencia and in the town’s galleries.
Enjoy the cuisine in the most beautiful village on the island.
Many travel guides consider the small mountain village of Fornalutx, near Sóller, to be the most beautiful place on the island. The natural stone houses, carefully restored and meticulously maintained, could be contenders in a façade contest.
A fairy tale setting to enjoy an authentic Mallorcan delicacy! Tip: Reserve a comfortable spot on the terrace at the Ca’n Antuna restaurant (C/. Arbona Colom 7, Tel.: 971-633068, kitchen hours: 12:30-16:00, 19:30-23:00; note: closed from mid-November to the end of December). María Bisbal prepares delicious traditional island dishes here, following old family recipes.
