Serra de Tramuntana

A dramatic UNESCO-listed mountain range stretching along Mallorca's northwest coast, with terraced villages and winding roads. It offers some of the best hiking, cycling, and scenery in the Mediterranean.

Things to do

• Hike the Camí de S'Arxiduc — Follow this historic mule track built by Archduke Ludwig Salvator through pine forests with sweeping sea views between Valldemossa and Deià.
• Explore Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis — Drive the dramatic switchback road down to this cove where a spectacular limestone gorge meets the sea.
• Wander Deià village — Stroll the honey-stone lanes of this artists' village once home to Robert Graves, ending at the cliffside cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Ride the vintage train to Sóller — Take the century-old wooden train from Palma through the mountains, then continue by antique tram to Port de Sóller.
• Walk the Barranc de Biniaraix — Climb the ancient stone-paved ravine trail lined with terraced orchards, a classic Tramuntana hiking route.
• Visit Monestir de Lluc — Explore Mallorca's most important pilgrimage sanctuary, tucked in the mountains and home to the revered Moreneta statue.
• Tour the Royal Charterhouse in Valldemossa — Visit the monastery where Chopin and George Sand once wintered, filled with period rooms and courtyard gardens.
• Cycle the MA-10 coastal road — Pedal the legendary winding highway favored by professional cyclists, with hairpin bends and panoramic viewpoints like Mirador de Ses Barques.

Food to try

• Sóller oranges — Sample the sweet citrus grown in the Sóller valley's terraced groves, often sold fresh at roadside stands or as juice.
• Sobrassada — Try this soft, paprika-cured pork sausage spread on bread, a staple of Mallorcan charcuterie.
• Ensaïmada — Enjoy the light, spiral-shaped pastry dusted with powdered sugar, best with a morning coffee.
• Pa amb oli — Order this simple rustic dish of bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, often topped with local cheese or ham.
• Tumbet — Taste the layered vegetable dish of potatoes, eggplant, and peppers baked in tomato sauce, a Mallorcan comfort food.
• Herbes de Mallorca liqueur — Finish a meal with this herbal digestif infused with local mountain herbs, served chilled.

Local customs & good to know

• Drive the mountain roads with care — The MA-10 and village roads are narrow and full of hairpin turns, so allow extra time and watch for cyclists.
• Expect quiet Sundays — Many shops and restaurants in smaller villages close on Sundays and during the midday siesta hours.
• Wear proper hiking gear — Trails can be rocky and steep, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential even for short walks.
• Respect the terraced farmland — Much of the land is private and cultivated, so stay on marked paths and close any gates you pass through.