Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana is the mountain chain that runs along the north-west coast of Mallorca, reaching from Andratx to the Cap Formentor.
Cities
- Andratx: wonderful scenery and popular with the rich
- Calvià
- Deià
- Lluc
- Magaluf
- Pollença: in the north-east some call it the second capital of the island
- Port de Pollença: a beautiful and quiet beach resort
- Sóller: one of the most popular destinations on the northern coast of Mallorca
- Valldemossa
Other destinations
Understand
The Serra de Tramuntana runs along the north-western coast of Mallorca. From Andratx in the west to Cap Formentor in the north-east it has a length of about 50km and a width of about 7km. It elevates up to 1,445 at Puig Major (which is not accessible for the public). The scenery is characterized by bizarre shaped limestone rocks, pine woods and grass, with some partly abandoned fincas in between. The most stunning feature is the many kilometers of dry stone walling, and the gnarled old olive trees some of which may be over 1,000 years old. The coastline is steep and has very few beaches. Limestone walls fall directly into the sea from a height of about 300 to 500 metres. The Serra de Tramuntana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape in 2010.
Get in
By car
This is the best option to travel in the Serra de Tramutana. The R710 on its run from Andratx to Pollenca is by far the most scenic drive on Mallorca and many places are only accessible by car / your own transport.
By bus
Public transport into the Serra de Transmuntana is good along all major arteries via TIB bus. From Palma de Mallorca buses run to Soller and via Andratx, Soller and Lluc to Pollenca on the R710. There are buses from Palma to many destinations in the Traumantana, Esporles, Galilea, Puigpunyent, Valldemossa, Soller etc. It is possible to access the southern part of the coast (estellence and banyalbufar) via TIB bus from Palma via Esporles. There are buses to the northern locations (Lluc, Sa Calobra, Puig Major) via Inca and Soller.
By train
A tourist train runs between Palma and Sóller several times a day and is one of the islands main attraction. It's a scenic drive and a nice option for a day-out of Palma.
Get around
As public transport is rare a car will be the best option. Car rental is available at nearly every town and prices are relatively cheap.
See
- Take a scenic drive along the R710 with some wonderful views of the rough mountain scenery and the coast.
- Start your day in Andratx and wonder why all these people have so much money.
- Visit the Monastir de Lluc.
- And don't forget a visit to Pollenca for a break at the nice market.
- Sa Calobra: probably the island's if not Spain's most famous road; do the drive and find out why they built it.
- La Granja (near Esporles, in the west of Serra de Tramuntana), ☏ +34 971 610 032. Summer 10AM-7PM, winter 10AM-6PM. A 18th-century finca in the mountain. Really charming as the finca still lives today. The interior is filled with a beautiful collection of artefacts which recreate the life of the farm at the end of the 19th-century. Learn how your great-grandparents dyied tissues and how they made perfume. See how they harnessed the power of water to grind, to saw wood and even to produce electricity. In the surrounding park live farm animals and interesting plants. Don't forget to taste the delicious home-made cookies sold in the old kitchen. And eat at the excellent restaurant if you have time (about €30 for a two courses Majorcan meal with wine). Adult €10, child €5.
- Puig de Pollenca and Cap Formentor (near Pollenca)
Do
Hiking
The central point for mountain hikes is the place of pilgrimage named Lluc. Other good places are Soller and Pollenca.
Respect the private property and don't cross grounds if not permitted. If you pass a gate, leave it in the state you have met it, i.e. leave it open if it was open (otherwise the cattle cannot get to their drinking place) and close it, if it was closed (otherwise the cattle will escape.)
Biking
Rent a bicycle and cycle around the island
Buy
- Stop for a coffee at the nice market in Soller.
Market days
Eat
Many restaurants offer their services in Andratx, Soller, Valldemossa and Pollenca but cater mostly for the tourists.
Drink
Don't forget to stop for a drink in one of the many cafes at Pollenca's and Soller's market places. In the port of Andratx there is an old homemade ice cream shop called "Gelateria Capri". They make great natural ice cream and milkshakes, the locals say its the best on the island and some tourists say its the best of the world...
Sleep
Budget
- The Campside of Lluc is the main camping facility in the Serra. It offers basics like toilets and cold showers and has a lot of fireplaces usable for barbecue. If you are lucky, you will find some wood prepared for burning. An axe is helpful. Like all Mallorcian campsites, it's for free.
- Between km 16 and 18 on the road from Pollença to Lluc, there are some more recreation areas where camping is allowed.
Mid-range
- Lluc, a fine and large double room for about €30. Single rooms are less.
Splurge
- Hotel Es Moli, Carret. de Valldemossa, Deia, ☏ +34 971 63 90 00, fax: +34 971 63 93 33, ILAEsMoli@ila-chateau.com. An idyllic luxury 4 star hotel with private sea-bathing cove facing the picturesque village of Deia, in sublime gardens and with spectacular views. Euro: 196-340.
Fincas
- Son Mercadal, Camí de Son Pau, s/n, ☏ +34 971 181307, fax: +34 971 181300, info@son-mercadal.com. Authentic rural finca or farmhouse in Porreres.
Stay safe
Crime is no problem but the weather is! Keep in mind that weather changes may occur every time so take a jacket and warm clothings with you. The hiking trail along the Torrent de Pareis is especially dangerous after rainfalls so inform yourself about the weather. And don't forget to take something to drink.
Leave no valuables in your car at popular sites such as the view points (Miradors) near Formentor or elsewhere.
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