If you’re heading to Mallorca, one of the most photogenic areas to visit has to be the Tramuntana mountains.
The coastal road spans the whole of the Northwest coastline from Andratx to Pollenca and you can access this at different points (via Esporles, Valldemossa or Soller) if you don’t have the time to drive the whole length. There’s so much to see and experience in this area, so we’ve detailed the highlights to help you get the most out of your road trip:
Valldemossa
This is a picture postcard village with charming cobbled streets and the highlight is the royal monastery, the Reial Cartoixa. Beautiful Valldemossa was put on the map by its famous and talented visitors George Sand and Frederic Chopin and it is definitely worth a visit.
Where to eat:
Try tapas and local produce at the cosy Quita Penas Valldemossa.
If you’re just after a snack, head to one of the local bakeries to try the cocas de potatas, Valldemossa’s famous biscuits.
Where to stay:
Valldemossa Hotel is a luxurious hotel with stunning views and immaculate surrounds.
Mirabo Hotel is an understated stylish country house, situated in secluded peaceful surrounds with views across to Valldemossa.
Son Viscos is a super stylish and good value B & B with lovely views to match.
Deia
This picture postcard village sits perched on a hill top with views to the sea. Once home to Robert Graves, it continues to be a hub for writers, artists and creative types.
Where to eat:
There are so many fine dining restaurants to choose from in Deia and the surrounding area that it is also a popular spot for foodies. Here are details of some of the best restaurants, but you can’t go far wrong with any of the local establishments. Try Bens D’Avall, Es Raco d’es Teix and Sebastian for some delicious food (often accompanied by beautiful views).
For lunch, head down to Cala Deia to the restaurant Ca’s Patro March perched in the water (& famed for its appearance in the Night Manager).
Where to stay:
Sa Pedrissa Hotel is a tranquil adult only hotel with views along the dreamy coastline from many of the terraces, rooms and pool.
Belmond La Residencia Hotel offers understated glamour & luxury in the heart of the village. With old style elegance and two excellent restaurants of its own, guests don’t tend to wander too far.
S’Hotel des Puig has tasteful and good value rooms and apartments right in the heart of bohemian Deia.
Soller / Port de Soller
Picturesque Soller Old Town gently thrums with the everyday workings of a small town. The main square is the central area for restaurants, cafes and people watching and the architecture is something to be admired.
Can Prunera house, museum and art gallery is worth a visit just to see the art nouveau interiors of bygone eras (plus there’s plenty of beautiful and acclaimed art on the walls to admire).
Where to eat:
Casa Alvaro sits just off the main square and uses freshly sourced local ingredients with specialities of tapas and paella.
Head to Hotel Salvia for excellent food in pretty surrounds.
Can Boqueta offers fine dining at good value with a lunchtime menu del dia.
Another favourite spot in Soller provides a quick shot of (free) art and is the Museum de Tren Art which houses a beautiful selection of Picasso ceramics and works by Miro.
It’s also good to peruse whilst waiting for the old style train to take you through stunning scenery on a trip to Palma.
Where to stay:
L’Avenida Hotel has stylish surrounds and pool in the centre of old town Soller.
Cas Sant Hotel is a charming former finca converted into a peaceful and pretty boutique hotel within easy walk of the town centre.
Can Quatre Hotel and villas is a former farm estate surrounded by orange groves and tranquil spacious grounds. Despite the countryside location, the old towns cafes and restaurants are just a short walk away.
Not to be missed is the Port de Soller and the easiest and most charming way to arrive at the seafront is via the old style tram from old town Soller.
In the Port de Soller, make sure you try out one of the many seafood restaurants, dip your toes in the sea and laze on the sand.
Where to eat:
Try Can Ribes for excellent seafood.
For tasty homemade icecream head to Io Gelats Artesans, which is handily positioned near to the tram stop.
Where to stay:
Hotel Esplendido offers laidback and stylish seaside luxury and has two pools and a small private beach complete with comfortable loungers.
Jumeriah Soller Hotel & Spa is a glamourous luxurious hotel that sits perched on the cliffs with stunning views.
For easy access to the seafront at the Port de Soller, the contemporary Aimia Hotel with a pretty decked pool area is a good choice.
Fornalutx
This village has been voted the prettiest village in Mallorca and you can see why. Tucked away within the mountains just three miles from Soller, this honeystone gem is a relaxing place to visit with a plethora of eating options for lunch and dinner.
Where to eat:
Ca N’Antuna for delicious Mallorcan specialities and stunning views.
Cafe Med is set down a pretty side street, with friendly owners and delicious local food.
Where to stay:
Sa Tanqueta Aparthotel has picture postcard views and these pretty adult only apartments provide a peaceful retreat to take in the surrounds.
Can Verdera Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel tucked away in the streets of Fornalutx and offers more adult only tranquility.
For real old townhouse charm try Can Reus Hotel.
For further exploring:
Visit the beaches Cala Tuent and Torrent de Pareis – if you love challenging driving (or cycling) then the MA-2141 (Sa Calobra) is the road for you with endless hairpin bends down the a hillside that leads you to your prize of some of the prettiest beaches in Mallorca. If you’re not so enthralled by hairpin bends, there is another option of the boat from Port de Soller. We also like hiking there and then enjoying the well earned boat trip back.
Another favourite and magical spot is Lluc Monastery perched on its own amidst the mountains. Be there in the early evening to hear the choir sing to really enjoy an uplifting moment. Hike out along the pilgrims path for some stunning scenery or if you’d rather take it more leisurely, just enjoy lunch at Es Guix for proper Mallorcan fayre.
The Tramuntana mountains is an area for stretching your legs, with stunning mountain routes for walking and endless mountain climbs for biking. Hire a bike from Tramuntana Tours in Port de Soller, and catch up with fellow cyclists at the newly opened Reynes café, owned by cyclist Vicente Reynes Mimo to refuel and to glean any local cycling tips.
For more information on the North West Mallorca /Tramuntana Mountains and for free advice and a free hotel booking service (ABTA bonded), email us via our contact page or call us and speak directly to a travel adviser on 0800170 1020 or + 44 (0) 207 118 1020. Alternatively you can browse all our places to stay in North West Mallorca here.