The Serra de Tramuntana is a 90-kilometre long mountain range, extending from Andratx in the southeast to Pollença in the north of the island. In 2011, this natural wonder was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its historical, cultural and environmental importance, a perfect balance that has existed for centuries.
I have always been fascinated by how the Serra de Tramuntana has long retained its appeal to visitors, who come to enjoy its landscapes with all five of their senses:
- TO SEE that enchanting scenery and those picture postcard towns.
- TO HEAR its sounds.
- TO SMELL its aromas.
- TO TASTE its food.
- TO FEEL transported to another era. There are times when it seems that the clock is standing still.
Fancy finding out more? Strap on your seat belt and we’ll begin the first stage of your trip.
Discover the most beautiful villages in the Sierra de Tramuntana
VALLDEMOSSA: THE BEST KNOWN TOWN IN THE SERRA DE TRAMUNTANA
It’s a long journey to the Serra de Tramuntana, so it’s best to set off early in the morning. Palma is quiet at this time so you can get on the road to your first destination without any problems. If you’ve left your villa or hotel without breakfast…no worries. Are you hungry? I suggest you fortify yourself at Ca’n Molinas bakery (Calle Blanquerna, 15).
Here, you can try coca de patata, the sugary potato rolls that are one of Majorca’s most delicious traditional pastries and for which the town is renowned. In summer, you can enjoy it with a granizado de almendras (a semi-frozen almond drink) or a Laccao, a cocoa milkshake made in Majorca.
Once you’ve refueled, you’ll be ready to lose yourself in the narrow stone streets and visit the Jardines del Rey Juan Carlos I gardens, which can be found right next to somewhere you simply must visit: the Palace of King Sancho, the son of James II of Aragon, which is also commonly known as the Cartuja de Valldemossa. The renowned composer Federico Chopin and French novelist George Sand both lived here.
The Serra de Tramuntana offers a wealth of places for keen photographers like me to capture some truly idyllic sunsets and, since you’re in Valldemossa, I can’t resist the temptation to fill you in on my favourite vantage point, mirador des Puig de Sa Moneda, which is located in the residential area of George Sand. What do you think of my choice?
Let’s just take a break from our journey here. If you like picture-perfect sunsets, I can’t fail to recommend one more place that is special to me; a tower in the town of Banyalbufar, very close to Valldemossa called the Torre des Verger or the Torre de ses Animes.
Continuing the journey, we arrive at Son Marroig, which is surely one of the reasons for which the Serra de Tramuntana was chosen as a World Heritage Site. This mansion in the enchanting village of Deià dates back to the sixteenth century and has been owned by a number of illustrious figures including Archduke Louis Salvador of Austria.
From Son Marroig, we can see the ultimate fusion of nature and heritage; the natural monument of Sa Foradada bathed in the immense Mediterranean sea. This is the second spot I recommend if you’re wanting to watch a sunset you’ll keep in your heart forever.
DEIÀ, A PICTURESQUE VILLAGE NESTLING BESIDE THE SEA AND MOUNTAINS
Generations of artists have revelled in the beauty of this village where some, indeed, will stay for the rest of eternity. Poet and author Robert Graves is a prime example of why there is a hiking route named el camino de los pintores (the artists’ route).
Every time I visit this picture postcard village, I like to leave my car on the outskirts. A wooden bridge makes the best possible starting point for experiencing its stone houses, alleyways, slopes, the sound of water from the Des Racó river and the verdant countryside surrounding the village.
When I’m soaking in the atmosphere of the towns in these mountains, I always experience the same sensation. Everything seems to slow down. It’s easy to become ensnared by this peace and quiet, which you will be loathe to leave. Imagine yourself living in a place like Deià – that’s why we Majorcans are so relaxed.
Now it’s time to put your legs to work a bit and climb to the top of the village. At the top, you’ll find a viewpoint called mirador de los cañones from where, in the days following heavy rainfall, you can see the water tumbling in cascades from various spots on the mountain.
You should also visit the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, the bell tower of which was once used to defend the village. The poet and author Robert Graves is buried in the graveyard. His house has been turned into a museum, which is another place you really must see.
Another obligatory stop is Cala Deià. This small beach is around 70 metres long and made up of pebbles and stones. If you start to get hungry, you can kill two birds with one stone as there are some excellent restaurants here, especially if you like seafood.
SOLLER, THE TOWN OF THE SEVEN RIVERS
Sóller lies in a valley where orange groves have been, are and always will be the defining feature. The abundance of water, the extremely fertile soil and the dampness makes this an ideal location for the type of oranges grown here, introduced by the Arabs in the tenth century.
Did you know that in days gone by living in Sóller meant being practically isolated from the rest of the island? A perfect illustration of this is the fact that the town used to trade much more with some cities on the French coast than with other parts of Majorca. The train from Sóller helped to break this isolation and improve communications, especially with Palma.
Plaça de la Constitució, the main square, is the beating heart of the town. Sóller train station is a few hundred metres away, towards the Plaça d’Espanya. If you’re interested in architecture, you’ll love to see how the modernist style of the bank of Sóller coexists in perfect harmony with the Gothic style of the church of Sant Bartomeu, which dates back from the year 1236.
If you fancy doing some shopping, head towards Carrer de sa Lluna. Recommendation: Look up, walk slowly and keep an eye out for all the fascinating details you’ll spot. Do me a favour and cast your eyes on this photo.
If like me, you’re more of a meat eater than a seafood fan, let me recommend Cas Carreter (Carrer de Cetre, 4). For dessert, I recommend a different plan, so hop in your car and head to the port. Enjoy a delicious ice cream made in Sóller, and, of course, make it an orange flavour one. Savour it as you take a stroll and watch a picture-perfect sunset. Like I said at the start of our trip, let your senses flow.
How was your trip? Don’t think it’s over. Your great adventure through these picturesque landscapes has just begun. I am a traveller on my own island and I still have so much to show you in the Serra de Tramuntana. Let your imagination fly, or even easier, turn it into reality with Volotea.
