The most beautiful villages in the ‘Sierra de Tramuntana’

Everyone who has visited Mallorca will tell you that the landscapes are truly breathtaking. And they’re most certainly right! But while most people associate the island with turquoise seas and golden beaches, some of the most spectacular locations are the charming villages nestled deep into the Serra Tramuntana mountain range – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Think winding cobbled streets, stone clad buildings, romantic little cafés and restaurants and tiny boutiques selling local produce and artisanal goods. Sounds dreamy? Well, it is. To kickstart your Tramuntana adventure, we compiled a small list of our favourite villages to visit. So, sit back, kick up your feet and start planning!

Valldemossa – the ultimate Mediterranean gem

Only a stone’s throw away from the capital Palma, Valldemossa is a gem perched atop a hillside with sweeping views of the sea beyond. Every building in this town is steeped in history, having welcomed many famous artists, writers and composers over the centuries who drew inspiration from the peaceful surroundings. Visit the world-renowned Royal Carthusian Monastery, the Chopin Museum or simply drink in the vibrant atmosphere from one of the many cafés lining the street.

Valldemossa also calls to hiking enthusiasts, who seek to conquer the famous Puig des Teix peak. If you’re looking to return home with a special treat, you can visit the Son Moragues agricultural estate on the edge of town and stock up on organic jams and olive oil.

Deià – a mountainside town bursting at the seams with charm

The award for the most picturesque town on the island goes to Deià. It’s equally as stunning as Valldemossa, but with that extra special something – a winning combination of culture, scenery and lifestyle. Indeed, we love visiting Deià for its unique cultural offering, which includes a trip to the home of legendary poet Robert Graves. With art and craft being at the heart of this town’s identity, it’s no surprise that you will find an eclectic mix of boutiques selling jewellery, paintings and local pottery.

The culinary scene in this town is also legendary, with some of the island’s most famous restaurants located here. Just outside of Deià, we recommend a sunset visit to Son Marroig, from where you can admire one of Mallorca’s best views.

Sóller – a classic stop on the sightseeing trail

Everything about Sóller screams authenticity. The town itself is nestled in the ‘valley of oranges’ – one of the greenest and most vibrant stretches of land on Mallorca. For us, the perfect day out in Sóller usually begins with a visit to the Plaza de la Constitución – the main square – where we drink a coffee and watch the tram pass beneath the spectacular Sant Bartomeu church. For the more adventurous traveller, we suggest tackling part of the iconic GR221 trail, also known as the Dry Stone Route, where you will be able to admire the scenery surrounding Sóller.

Banyalbufar – nestled between vineyards and sea

Banyalbufar is a villages with a distinct agricultural heritage, something which is felt even today through the presence of countless farms and vineyards. Unlike the other towns in the Serra de Tramuntana, Banyalbufar is a well-kept secret, and thus less busy – even at the height of holiday season. Wine lovers in particular will fall in love with Banyalbufar and it’s around 2000 terraces hewn into the slopes by the Moors in the 10th century. All these town have their own unique charm, and we honestly couldn’t say which one we love most. But one thing we can promise you is that they are all definitely worth a visit!