ANDRATX
Andratx is a wonderful area found in a beautiful green valley about 8 km inland from the coast. Andratx is a great choice of destination if you are looking for a nice blend of local charm and natural surroundings. The typical travelers are couples or groups looking for an authentic and relaxing base from where they can explore the island at their own pace. With direct access to the many hiking routes and road networks leading about in the Tramuntana, Andratx is highly suitable for active holidaymakers.
BANYALBUFAR
Banyalbufar is a picturesque and iconic area of the Tramuntana mountains located directly on the slopes facing the azure coastline. Banyalbufar is a great choice of holiday destination if you are looking for a tranquil and charming area with full of serenity and peace. Banyalbufar is an adult friendly destination, only families with infants should choose this area, as there are no child-friendly facilities or activities to go for. The village itself looks just like it did when it was built back during the Middle Ages, with cobblestone streets and rustic building facades, which makes it incredibly authentic to be in.Here are a handful of great restaurants serving traditional Mallorcan and Spanish dishes made from local produce. Staying in Banyalbufar requires a car, it takes more than an hour to get here from Palma because of the narrow curvy mountain roads.
BUNYOLA
Bunyola is cosy and tranquil mountain town located in a scenic and beautiful green valley in the Tramuntana mountains. Bunyola has a long history of being a prosperous area that used to belong to noble people like counts and emirs. Bunyola offers a fine selection of finca escapes situated on the green mountain slopes of the valley offering magical views and great location when you are of to your daily adventures, or just want to rest by the pool and take in the views and feel the inner peace spread throughout your body. Despite of the modest size, Bunyola is home to several places of interest. Go see one of the most stunning examples of architecture on the island, the Raixa finca, go explore the magical Alfabia gardens, or let yourself be seduced in a 1001 nights adventure at the world-famous Son Amar finca. Bunyola is located about 25 minutes from Palma by car, and is an excellent choice of holiday base for couples and friends travelling without children.
CAMP DE MAR
Camp de Mar is a rather small holiday destination located in a beautiful enclosed cove at the feet of the Tramuntana mountains in the south-west. Camp de Mar offers a nice selection of hotels in all classes, as well as holiday apartments perfect if you are looking for a bit more space or privacy. The area has two beaches, one sandy and one rocky, both with low shallow water and completely protected from winds by the rocks enclosing the cove. Camp de Mar is a great choice of destination if you want both beach and nature, and at the same time great access to other activities such as golfing, sightseeing and restaurants.
CALA SANT VICENC
Cala Sant Vicenc is found in a picturesque corner in the north-western part of Tramuntana, in the municipality of Pollenca. Cala Sant Vicenc is a more quiet holiday destination, mainly suited for romantic couples and friends looking for a holiday base that features both beaches, wild nature and cultural offers. If you are looking for a destination and hotel directly by the sea, Cala Sant Vicenc is an obvious choice as most of the hotels here are placed by the beach front.
DEIÀ
Deià is perhaps one of the most romantic holiday destinations in all of Mallorca! It is no wonder that most honeymoons and weddings held on the island is held in Deià, the place has a natural beauty that can leave poets without words. Deià is found in a scenic valley opening to the azure coastline at the feet of Tramuntana’s west coast. From all over the area you can enjoy the breathtaking views of mountains and sea, two of the most beautiful features of Mallorca. Deià is home to some iconic places such as the Son Marroig estate, Robert Graves’ house, the hilltop church and cemetery and the many famous artists who has found inspiration here.
ESPORLES
Esporles is famous for several things in Mallorca; the Granja finca, the Maristell monastery and the annual sweets & pastry festival. Esporles is an amazing area for cycling and walking in the Tramuntana, the infrastructure and walking paths are numerous up here, thus it is fairly easy to gain access to the valley. Accommodation in Esporles mainly consist of finca hotels and agroturismos, a unique way of escaping the mass tourism and enjoy some RnR in authentic and scenic surroundings.
ESTELLENCS
Estellencs is another picturesque area on the western coastline of Tramuntana. Estellencs is popular amongst walkers, the area enjoys a privileged location at the slopes of the Tramuntana overlooking the azure cove at the bottom. Estellencs is a great area for hiking and other sports, with lots of beautiful nature to indulge in.
FORMENTOR
Formentor is the perfect holiday base on Mallorca if you are looking for exclusivity, scenic nature and direct access to the most popular sports activities of Mallorca, namely beaching, cycling and walking. Formentor has only one hotel, the 5-star luxury resort “Formentor a Royal Hideaway” situated in the hills just behind the natural beach in the wide bay. Formentor is an obvious choice of holiday destination in the Tramuntana region if what you are looking for is exclusiveness and relaxation.
FORNALUTX
Awarded 3rd most beautiful village in all of Spain, Fornalutx is sure to seduce you with its natural charm and innocence set in the most fertile valley of orange and lemon trees. Fornalutx exemplifies the typical architecture of the Tramuntana mountains that has made the villages up here so unique and preserve-worthy. Fornalutx offers a handful of charming finca hotels situated on the green slopes with stunning views over the valley, made for relaxation and romance. The great infrastructure makes it easy to get around in the local area exploring other wonderful places such as Sóller and Deià. There are numerous walking paths in the area leading you about in the mountains to find the most breathtaking viewpoints and scenic Mediterranean flora.
MAGALUF
Magaluf is perhaps mostly (in)famous for its crazy nightlife with all the bars and clubs in the town attracting thousands of young people each year. But Magaluf also has an adult side to it represented by a handful of adults only hotels, lavish beach bars and probably the best beach of south-west Mallorca. Yes, Magaluf is definitely not just a place for youngsters coming here to party all day and night, and you you like loud and vibrant this might just be a perfect destination for you. The area is nicely close to the freeway allowing you to easily go on adventures or catch the bus to Palma for some shopping or sightseeing. Magaluf is also a great place for families travelling with children. The area has a huge water park, go-karts, crazy golf and an amusement park.
PALMANOVA
Palmanova is by far one of the most versatile all-round holiday destinations on Mallorca. You may to choose Palmanova for romance, for party, for beaching, for familie fun, for fun activities or for the food. There is something for everyone in Palmanova, regardless what you are looking for for the perfect holiday on Mallorca. The recent years, Palmanova has seen a transformation where brand new modern hotels has made their entrance offering luxury facilities and sea views from every balcony. But Palmanova also have a lot of flats and highly recommended 3-4 stars hotel to choose from.
PEGUERA
Peguera is a lively and versatile beach resort at the feet of the mountains, allowing for many activity offers. Peguera offers a vibrant town life full of restaurants, bars and shopping options. Accommodation offers includes adults only hotels and apartments with stunning views over the sea. Peguera is an area with something for everyone, although adults are the main audience, moreover, Germans have really taken a liking to this specific area. Choose Peguera as your tavel destination on Mallorca for the beaches, the many restaurants and bars and the fantastic location with access to both roads and natural areas.
POLLENCA
Pollença old town, is an excellent choice of holiday base, if you appreciate good food, local culture and direct access to the mountains. Pollença has a lot of restaurants, bars and small cafeterias, located around in the narrow streets. All of these with an inspiring menu card, especially those located around the center of the town. Sitting in one of the restaurants on a warm spring day, eating tapas and doing some people watching on the main square, is like therapy to me. There’s a good collection of restaurants on the Plaça Major, where the church is. This is naturally where most tourists go for meals or snacks, but if you are here for more than a short break, do try to browse the streets of Pollença, I promise you that you will find something attractive!
Port d’Andratx
In great contrast to Andratx’s rustic exterior and green settings, Port d’Andratx has a polished face set in sapphire surroundings in a little cove nestled between steep rocky walls. Port d’Andratx offers an exclusive atmosphere perfect for couples looking for a romantic and lavish jet-setter atmosphere.
PORT DE POLLENCA
Port de Pollença is one of the mostpopular holiday destinations in Mallorca, especially amongst Brits. Port de Pollença has become famous for its lovely seafront promenade known as “The Pine Walk”, a beautiful place to walk and cycle under the many pine trees. The beach front is full of bars and restaurants which makes a lively scene every day, creating a jolly and vibrant atmosphere. Port de Pollença is beautifully nestled between the two peninsulas of Formentor and Alcanada protecting it from heavy winds but allows are cooling sea breezes.
PORTALS NOUS
Portals Nous, also known as Porto Portals, represents the most lavish side of Mallorca, and often times referred to as “Little Monaco”. This is a place to be seen, a place feel what real luxury is. The area is found at the foothills of Tramuntana in the municipality of Calviá bordering Palmanova and Bendinat. There is a lot of 5-star luxury hotels, among these the Portals Hills boutique and the Iberostar Grand Portals. Portals Nous is an excellent destination if you fancy this kind of holiday, and if you want to stay close to the vibrant life of Palma which is but a short drive from here.
PORT DE SÓLLER
Port de Sóller is located in a protected and picturesque cove on the west coast of the Tramuntana mountains. This old trading port has it all; charm, heart and soul, thus, a location that makes it worth visiting all year round. Port de Sóller has a lot to offer to a broad audience, however, it is mainly adults travelling without children or teens that will get full yield for their money here. The town has a wide selection of great restaurants and bars serving international and Spanish dishes made from high quality local produce, also, hotels and accommodation options are slightly more expensive in the particular area. Port de Sóller has two small beaches next to the old harbour, but in general not a beaching destination. You will want to consider Port de Sóller as your holiday destination if you are looking for natural charm, many activity offers and great food.
Port de Sóller holiday guide with inspiration to things to do and see
PUIGPUNYENT
Puigpunyent is found in a beautiful green valley deep in the Tramuntana mountains, yet less than 30 minutes from Palma by car. Puigpunyent is known as a bicycler’s paradise, namely because the professional team Sky stays here every year during training season. Puigpunyent is a great place to find peace and serenity, a place to relax and re-charge your inner batteries. Puigpunyent is also home to one of Mallorcas most interesting animal and nature reserves.
SANT ELM
Sant Elm is a small but very charming holiday destination located at the most south-western corner of Mallorca. Sant Elm is an old fishing village, but unlike many other of its kind, Sant Elm still partly relies on fishing as a source of income which makes it a more authentic destination to visit.
Discover why Sant Elm is the perfect holiday destination for you
SANTA PONCA
Santa Ponça is a young and still growing holiday destination at the feet of Tramuntana in the south-west of Mallorca. Santa Ponça has a stunning main beach area awarded with the Blue Flag trademark for its cleanness, plus, there are two smaller beaches for you to enjoy a more private scene.
Santa Ponça holiday guide with inspiration to things to do and hotels
SÓLLER
Sóller is the capital of “The Orange Valley” in the Tramuntana mountains, the most fertile area and famous for its production of oranges and lemons that grow all year round Sóller is a perfect destination for adults looking for quality and authenticity, thus a big palette of things to do in the local area. Beside oranges and scenic nature, Sóller is also known for its many cultural offers and stunning architectural examples only found a few places in Spain.
VALDEMOSSA
Valldemossa is known as one of the most charming and picturesque villages in the Tramuntana. Visiting Valldemossa at least once is a must when travelling to Mallorca, the area has so many stories to tell. Among these, the story of Chopin and George Sand’s winter in Mallorca, the story of the beautiful royal palace and the story of the birth of Mallorca’s patron saint. Valldemossa is located in a green valley deep in the mountains and you can look forward to accommodation in rustic fincas and on agroturismos, authenticity and charm guarenteered.
Major tourist attractions in the Tramuntana region of Mallorca
LA GRANJA D’ESPORLES
Nothing exemplifies the life of Mallorca’s social elite like the Granja finca in Esporles. This huge and impressive manor dating back from Moorish times, exhibits how life amongst the richest and their servants was up through the Middle Ages and the Industrialism.
REAL CARTUJA
Real Cartuja is the trademark of Valldemossa. This amazing old monastery with its beautiful bell tower has become synonymous with the charming mountain village located in a scenic green valley. Real Cartuja has its name from its former residents, the Carthusian monks who was granted this fabulous place by the king. The monastery became famous in the 19. century when composer Frederic Chopin and his girlfriend George Sand rented a chamber here in seek of a cure for Chopin’s deadly decease. Today, you can visit the chamber and explore all their furniture, personal items and his piano, that they left behind. In another room inside the monastery, you can explore the local museum of Valldemossa, an interesting visit that will tell you about the rich history of life in this area throughout times. It is also possible to enjoy a classical concert in the church belonging to the monastery and the unique acoustic in here.
ANTIQUE TRAIN AND TRAM
Enjoy a ride through the scenic green valleys of the Tramuntana mountains in the old mahogany train that connects Palma and Sóller. The ride takes about one and a half hour including a few stops allowing some photo shooting og the beautiful and breathtaking scenery that is found nowhere else. The line was inaugurated back in the early 1900’s and everything onboard is still as it was for more than 100 years ago. This is without a doubt one of the most authentic experiences and attractions on the island. Between Sóller and Port de Sóller, you can ride the old tram, a ride that takes you through the many stunning orange valleys to the picturesque harbour area. These are both great ways to see Mallorca’s true beauty, attractions for both children and adults.
SON MARROIG
The estate of Son Marroig is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic and iconic pieces of civil architecture found in the Tramuntana region. This impressive manor used to belong to the famous archduke of Austria, Ludwid Salvatore, who explored the island and published his experiences in a book called “Die Balearen”. He bought this estate along with several other impressive buildings on the island, and had the marvellous marble pavilion installed on the slopes over the coastline to have a place of unlimited inspiration. This pavilion is not only a unique landmark of the area, but also one of the most romantic scenes for weddings in Mallorca.
THE LLUC MONASTERY
Santuari de Lluc is one of the most famous monasteries in Europe, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visits this monastery in the Tramuntana mountains every year. The monastery is not only famous for being a religious hub, but also for its old and traditional choir school, which is believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the world. At Santuari de Lluc you can look forward to exploring an impressive collection of artefacts and items exhibiting the history and life in Mallorca all the way back from prehistoric times and up till modern days. The highlight of the visit is the Sunday morning mass where you can enjoy a concert by the choir of Lluc, some 20 children living here performing beautiful songs in the church. The entire place is impressive and bigger than you can ever imagine, a great activity for the entire family that should not be missed.