Majorca archivos - Page 2 of 3 - VOLARE MAGAZINE

Let’s continue our trip through the Sierra de Tramuntana, as our great adventure unfolds through these postcard landscapes of Mallorca. Get your five senses ready and carry on enjoying this trip with Volotea. Buckle up, and let’s jet off!

I hope you’ve had the chance to enjoy a tasty ice cream from Sóller as you stroll around the port, admiring the sort of twilight you’d see on the big screen. Now I’d like to show you even more spectacular locations.

Unmissable, quaint towns nestled in the Sierra De Tramuntana

Our next stop is famous for being one of those places you have to get a snap of.

FORNALUTX

The best way to describe it is as a town with a special, captivating charm. Once connected to the town of Sóller, the town’s constitutional rights as an independent municipality were recognised in 1837.

In 2017 it was chosen as Mallorca’s Most Beautiful Town, an honour that was officially recognised and bestowed on it by the Asociación de los Pueblos más Bonitos de España (The Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain). You’ll no doubt be wondering: what makes it so special?

Well, it has a landscape with captivating views so beautiful they’ll make you slam on the brakes… I guarantee it!

Park up and get walking. The first thing you’re sure to notice is the feeling that time has stopped here. The cobbled streets and stone houses complement each other perfectly. Make the most of your time here and get lost in the elevated area of the town where its most picturesque streets are.

In the outskirts of the municipality, look to the rooftops of the houses are discover one of Fornalutx’s most definitive architectural characteristics: the painted roof tiles. Are you superstitious? These painted roof tiles held symbolic value, one of their purposes being to protect the residents of a given house from any kind of attack.

If you want to know more about the history of this idyllic town, I highly recommend visiting the Can Xoroi Cultural Centre.

After the breath-taking beauty of Fornalutx, we continue our journey along the very road that’ll take us to the town of Escorca (the MA10). But first, stop and take a moment to take in the views from the Ses Barques lookout.

ESCORCA

This is the greatest expression of Sierra de Tramuntana’s spectacular beauty. If you enjoy canyoning, hiking, photography, or simply being in the heart of this natural landmark, you’ve come to the right place.

Our first stop brings us to Mallorca’s two reservoirs, Gorg Blau and Cúber. Naturally the area around us here is unique, but imagine climbing one of the 1000-metre peaks surrounding it…

Now, I’d suggest a change of course towards two other must-see, symbolic locations. Descending along a winding, narrow road you’ll arrive at Torrente de Pareis, declared a Natural Monument in 2003; and very close by you can visit one of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca, Tuent Cove.

If mountains are more your thing, there’s a very easy-going hike close to the cove that takes less than an hour: the Sa Mola de Tuent climb. Why am I recommending it to you, you ask? A picture’s worth a thousand words.

Right, now it’s time to begin the ascent up the narrow road. Don’t floor it, be really careful!

Escorca is another sacred location that for many is a destination of pilgrimage, as this is the location of the Lluc Monastery, where you can find one of Mallorca’s most worshipped images, the Virgin of Lluc. If the winding trail has got you hungry, allow me to suggest a visit to the Sa Fonda restaurant which you’ll find in the same monastery, where you can savour some delicious Mallorcan cuisine; I recommend ordering the the Sierra de Tramuntana wine, in particular, from the vineyards of Mortitx.

POLLENSA

We’re at the end of our trip, but I’d still like to show you one final must-visit stop: Pollensa, a medieval town heavily influenced by the Templars. As you stroll along its streets, you’ll notice their influence can still be felt to this day. Start from the Santo Domingo Convent, dating back to the 16th century, found right next to the Joan March Gardens. There are two key locations in Pollensa: Rooster Fountain, which is found in the plaza (called La Almoina) where they celebrate re-enactments of the battle between the Moors and the Christians; and the 365 steps of the Calvary.

fuente del gallo pollenca — Fuente del Gallo

If you fancy a break after all that, indulge at the Ca’n Butxaca ice-cream parlour and enjoy some of the best ice cream Mallorca has to offer.

Now allow me to show you the perfect ending to a dream trip. Jump in the car and head for the Formentor peninsula, where I’ve always felt like I’m ‘walking amongst giants’. Carry on until the road ends and you’ll arrive at Formentor lighthouse, a feat of complicated clifftop construction that has inspired many a great artist.

I’ll leave it at that, this location never fails to leave me speechless.

How’s that for a trip? This brings us to the end of our great adventure through picture-perfect landscapes, and I hope these two instalments will accompany you on your future travels.

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.

Are you planning to travel to the Balearic Islands? Explore them before you go with the playlist we’ve prepared personally for your trip; it will spirit you away to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean in the blink of an eye.

Singer Maika Makovski’s compositions are inspired by her island. She breathes in the ocean air while enjoying seafood in Portocolom and strolls around Esporles listening to her songs. Who better to ask for some recommendations and about where to lose yourself in these islands?

Hello Maika, how would you introduce yourself to Volotea passengers who don’t know you?

Hope you’re having a good flight, everyone, I’m Maika and I write songs that I record, and I go on tour. I present La Hora Musa on the La2 music channel, I’ve released seven albums and, above all, I love to take on a good challenge.

Do you think Mallorca has influenced your music in any way?

Mallorca helps me to compose. I’m far away from Palma so I don’t have any distractions. The tranquility I have there helps me to organise my experiences and transform them into songs.

What advice would you give to someone who’s just booked a flight to the Balearic Islands but doesn’t know where to start?

Let your pulse slow to the rhythm of the islands and go with the flow. Not everywhere lets you be so carefree, make the most of it!

Which museums or galleries are totally unmissable?

I studied fine art so I really like visiting the CaixaForum to see Anglada-Camarasa’s brilliant works again.

Which are your favourite three places for eating and drinking in Mallorca?

I enjoy the breakfast at Mama Carmen’s in Santa Catalina (Palma), the fish at Sa Sínia in Portocolom, the views and the cuisine at Es Mirador de Monnaber in Campanet…

Where would you go to listen to live music or dance?

I went to my first concerts in the Auditorium, so sitting in its seats and enjoying a concert there is always a pleasure. The Teatre de Lloseta is a magnificent option too.

Which event in Mallorca wouldn’t you miss for the world this year?

Mallorca Live! And, in fact, I’m not going to miss it, because I’ll be there this year, playing with my secret band: The Mani-las!

If you wanted to take a morning or evening stroll, where would you head to?

There are incredible walks in Esporles, so I’d head there!

Which beaches are at the top of your favourites list?

The Colonia de Sant Jordi beaches, which still have virgin sands thanks to s’Avall. We all know that if it were up to the people who grant construction permits, they’d be ruined, like so many others.

If you had to buy local design, crafts or clothing, which shops would you go to?

Artesanía textil Bujosa in Santa Maria del Camí. They’ve been making fabrics using 100% artisan techniques since 1949 (even the colours are hand-made), preserving the tradition and making our exquisite “telas de lenguas” fabric, along with other beautiful, natural fabrics.

Which other Volotea destination would you like to visit and why?

My father is from Yugoslavia (that’s where he was born, it no longer exists), so I’d go to Dubrovnik. I’ve been there before but I always feel that the area (and its people) has so much heart, you can visit over and over and it’s always got more to offer.

The Catalan abstract artist Joan Miró lived on Majorca for most of his life, and his house and studio, in the rarely-frequented Palma suburb of Cala Major, have now been turned into a museum of his work. The Pilar and Joan Miró Gallery is striking for its spacious, angular interior, using water, concrete and light to juxtapose Miró’s

bold canvases of intense primary colours. His studio has remained almost untouched since his death in 1983, with incomplete canvases and open tins of paint. The small, tranquil garden contains several sculptures, and a café where you can sit and ponder your thoughts.

In recent years Majorca has shaken off its cheap and cheerful image of the kiss-me-quick package holiday. Those willing to leave the tourist-courting coastal resorts will find an idyllic and unspoiled island, blessed by a perfect Mediterranean climate. Capital city Palma counts among Europe’s most fashionable cities – a pocket-sized Barcelona with a lively café society, designer boutiques and a flourishing arts scene. By contrast time appears to stand still in Majorca’s rural interior, with its honey-coloured villages, welcoming people and astonishing breadth of scenery. From craggy mountains and citrus groves to deserted coves, photogenic fishing harbours and marshy wetlands famed for rare birdlife, little wonder Majorca is the Mediterranean’s most popular holiday island.

For serious travellers, Valldemossa is the place you must visit in Mallorca. Set in the Sierra de Tramuntana, the village is an enchanting maze of narrow streets, cobbles and pine trees, decorated with traditional tiles and earthenware, and leafy vegetation that lends the whole place a feeling of tranquillity

and calm. Chopin famously lived here with his partner, the writer Aurore Dupin (aka George Sand) in the Real Cartuja monastery, and it’s easy to see how this place can inspire art and culture; a delight all year round.

This tiny cove, Cala de Deià, is one of the island’s hidden gems, tucked away on the north coast of Mallorca. Off the well-trodden tourist track, down a steep, wooded ravine, and sheltered by the jagged cliffs of the Punta de Deià promontory, this pint-sized shingle cove with its pebbly beach and deep, clear water is perfect

for a cooling swim on a hot summer day. It even has its own ramshackle bar and restaurant, perched precariously on the rocks, where you can sit and soak up the picturesque setting over a tasty plate of locally-caught swordfish, prawns or squid.

Cala Llombards is a tiny crescent of silken white sand on the fjord-like coast of south-eastern Mallorca, near the town of Santanyí. Away from the big resort beaches where people often find themselves tightly packed together on towel-sized patches of sand, this lovely cove is rarely crowded. Framed by fragrant pines and sheltered by steep cliffs, its clear, turquoise water is shallow leading off the beach, making it popular with young families in the know, but also ideal for snorkelling or for diving off the rocks.

Hidden amidst the narrow sun-baked streets of Palma de Majorca’s old town, Can Joan de S’Aigo is a 200-year-old local café-cum-chocolatería, with a tiled floor, gilt-mirrored walls and marble tabletops, and is well worth the hunt. Their specialty hot chocolate is rich and smoothly delicious; or for something more

refreshing, try a chilled almond milkshake. Accompany it with a sweet ensaimada pastry dusted with icing sugar, or a generous slice of almond cake, made the traditional way, without flour. Can Joan’s homemade almond ice-cream is also reputedly Majorca’s best.

For a unusual memento of Majorca, visit Artesanía Textil Bujosa, a family-run textile workshop off the beaten tourist track, where you can find a fine array of distinctive Majorcan roba de llengües (fabric of flames) – the hard-wearing linen cloth in colourful red, green or blue stripes, used all over the island for curtains,

bedspreads, table furnishings, upholstery and giftware. The Bujosa family have preserved the traditional fabric-dying techniques, and you can visit the workshops to see the fabric being woven on ancient looms.