A stay in Mallorca allows you to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean. Travelers will be all the more convinced of this when they take the time to explore the Serra de Tramuntana, a mountainous area located on the northwestern part of the island. It is a paradise for hikers who discover a real balcony on the Big Blue, with steep slopes, hills designed in dry stone terraces and green orchards. Various itineraries allow you to make the most of these wonderful landscapes. The stopovers are made at the refuges with stone architecture and which offer breathtaking views. The heritage is the other richness of this territory classified by Unesco. So don't miss a stop in some absolutely picturesque villages! Landscapes, outdoor or unusual activities, gastronomy, remarkable buildings, there are many reasons to discover the Serra de Tramuntana. Here are 10 of them to make you want to pack your bags and take off.
1- Traveling the routes that cross the Serra de Tramuntana
To enjoy the beauty of the Serra de Tramuntana, you can start by boarding a vintage train from Palma de Mallorca to Sóller. You will cross the most emblematic landscapes of the territory, with, in turn, fields of carob trees, almond trees, olive trees, pine forests and holm oaks. Tunnels, bridges, viaducts and large rural houses adorn these lands that invite infinite contemplation. In the background, always the imposing reliefs of the Serra de Tramuntana.
The GR221, also known as the dry stone route(Ruta de la pedra en sec in Mallorca), is another superb itinerary to marvel at the region. Far from the clichés of the beaches that Mallorca is known for around the world, the route that connects Andratx to Pollença reveals to hikers the dry stone walls typical of the Mallorcan countryside, and a nature that alternates between coastline, forest, mountains and scrubland. We take advantage of the route to admire the local fauna and flora. Villages, fincas and stops in refuges complete the picture.
2- Combine landscapes, heritage and literature between Valldemossa and Pollença
Theroute that connects Valldemossa to Pollença will not fail to seduce literature lovers. You can visit the Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa, where George Sand and Frederic Chopin stayed; the monastery of Miramar, a place of remembrance in memory of Ramón Llull and Ludwig Salvator, with incredible views of the sea; Son Marroig, a house-museum dedicated to Archduke Luís Salvador of Austria, who did incredible anthropological work on the island; the splendid village of Déià and its house-museum dedicated to the English poet and writer Robert Graves; the Formentor peninsula, where the eponymous hotel hosts renowned literary events. All of these places combine architecture, art and nature, and reveal splendid views of the Serra de Tramuntana.
3- Discover a rich heritage
If the paths and roads that cross the Serra de Tramuntana are exceptional for the views offered on a grandiose nature, they are also exceptional for the presence of a heritage that does not fail to amaze the lovers of beautiful stones. Several constructions, some of which date back to the 13th century, show how ingenious men have been in extracting, distributing and storing water in the heart of the winding landscape.
The possessions, large and prestigious rural properties of the Serra de Tramuntana, form a notable heritage in the area. Places of agriculture or livestock, some have been transformed over time into fortified places like the estate of San Marroig, or Baroque or neoclassical palaces, as in Alfàbia and Raixa.
It is also worth noting the presence of incredible defensive towers, and this since the sixteenth century. They were built to keep a close eye on pirate attacks. Towers such as those of Albercutx in Pollença or La Pedrissa in Deià, are today lookouts that reveal beautiful views of the Serra de Tramuntana and the sea. And what about the presence of ruins of ancestral castles, such as those of the castle of Alaró.
During a stop in the village of Escorca, lovers of architecture will be fascinated by the sanctuary of Lluc, magnificent with its baroque style and one of the most emblematic sacred places of the Balearic Islands.
4- Visit one of the most beautiful properties: Raixa
One of the most elegant properties in Mallorca, Raixa, is located in Bunyola. Located at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, it reveals 800 years of history. It was Cardinal Antonio Despuig in particular who gave it its present-day splendor, giving it an Italian style. Its loggia with 10 arches is simply sublime! Its gardens are an invitation to enter a bubble made of romanticism and poetry. A stroll through the Orange Garden, the Apollo Garden or the Romantic Garden is an opportunity to contemplate the many plants, but also the stairs, statues and fountains. La Raixa also has one of the largest water reservoirs in Majorca.
5- Marveling at the magnificent nature
Hiking in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana is an opportunity to take in the sights. The mountain range is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including endemic species, such as the Mallorcan toad. Some landscapes have been protected because of their obvious ecological value. Among these are the island of Sa Dragonera, now a nature park; the Torrent de Pareis, a steep canyon and one of the most spectacular natural areas in Mallorca; and Ses Fonts Ufanes, natural underground springs that only appear after heavy rainfall over several days. The latter have been recognized as a natural monument since 2001. The best way to discover the Serra de Tramuntana is to walk along its hundreds of paths, often linked to the GR221. Recreation areas and other interpretation centers offer detailed information about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
6- Escape to the island of Sa Dragonera
Let's stop for a moment on theisland of Sa Dragonera. This jewel of the Serra de Tramuntana, which is a natural park, is a paradise for hiking and wildlife observation. There are many birds and an endemic lizard, which makes it a favorite place for reproduction. Once arrived on the port, 4 marked out paths open to the walkers to discover the steep landscapes of the island, and a remarkably preserved nature. You should not miss the lighthouses of Na Popia, Llebeig and Tramuntana, which offer breathtaking views of the mountains and the Mediterranean.
7- Stop in some of the most beautiful villages
The Serra de Tramuntana is rich in the presence of absolutely picturesque villages. Alaró, with its high castle and streets full of history and beautiful stones. How can we not fall under the spell of Banyalfubar? One of the most beautiful villages of the island, perched between the mountain, the vineyards and the sea. We also like to stop in the town of Lloseta, where the streets surrounding the neoclassical church and the palaces of Aiamans invite you to get lost or to stop for a few moments to taste a rich gastronomy, including the Cardenal de Lloseta, the local cake. In addition, the nature around the village is dazzling. Let's finish with Puigpunyent, where the heritage is once again matched only by the beauty of the nature that surrounds it.
8- ... and in the most emblematic towns of the Sierra
Let's continue the stops in the most beautiful towns of the Serra de Tramuntana with Andratx and its modern and charming port. The waters are translucent and the atmosphere is always cosmopolitan and cheerful. A perfect place to go out in the evening. The surrounding streets are home to a number of art galleries and stores. Another must-see is a visit to Sóller, with its narrow streets full of typical houses and stores. You can find a Surriel de Mallorca, small clay figurines made and painted by hand. The village is also rich in museums and the train station houses two permanent exhibitions with rare ceramics by Picasso and reproductions by Miró. Finally, we will take the time to stop at the port of Sóller, picturesque, colorful and with two beautiful beaches nearby. Then we go on to Pollença, which also has a notable heritage. The church of Nostra Senyora dels Angels, the convent of Santo Domingo and the endless steps of the Calvary make it an excellent stop in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana.
9- Take part in active-sports tourism in Sóller
Visitors who decide to spend a few days in Sóller find in this village the ideal place to enjoy varioussports activities. It is a starting point for many hikes through the steep landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntana. But you can also vary the pleasures and practice tennis, scuba diving, cycling, golf, paddle, canyoning and sailing trips. It's simple, there's something for almost every affinity. With its mountains, sea, streams and ravines, the setting is more than conducive to sports and physical fitness. Notice to the amateurs!
10- Taste the PDO olive oil of Mallorca
Theolive oil of Mallorca has held the label "Denomination of Origin" since 2002. All the conditions are met in the Serra de Tramuntana to produce an oil of high quality. It is the animals that fertilize the fields of this sunny mountain territory. A stay in the area is an opportunity to admire the olive fields, but also to stop at the producers for tastings. In the restaurants or in the village stores, you will quickly notice that olive oil occupies a central place. The good idea: fill up on the way home and please your loved ones.
