What better way to explore the island then to rent a car, motorbike or scooter and drive the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana, the 89km long mountain range spans from Andratx in the Southwest to the most northern tip of Cap d’ Formentor. The thrilling drive winds through the rugged mountain range offering a combination of rural farmlands, idyllic villages, fresh water catchments and sensational panoramic sea views below.
A drive through the Tramuntana really emphasises the diversity of Mallorca and helps explain how it got the nickname, ‘the island of a thousand faces’. Every stretch of winding road offers something unique and will immediately have you planning your next journey on this coastal rollercoaster.
It is possible to do the entire drive in one day but to fully capture the experience, we suggest you do one stretch at a time. Or if you are lucky enough to have a few days off, plan a road trip and stop off along the way.
There are enough activities, towns and villages to keep you going for a lifetime and you are bound to keep discovering with every returning visit.
Suggested Stops:
Valldemossais a mere 15 minutes from Palma and the picturesque town with a rich cultural history is a must visit. The immaculate cobbled streets are home to shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants and are decorated with exquisite stone houses and fresh flowers. Get lost strolling the streets, stop for coffee/lunch or visit the intriguing Monastery, steeped in history.
Deiais situated 15-minutes North of Valldemossa and is another must-see town. Learn more about Deia and what it has to offer.
Sa Calobrais a scenic beach tucked away between two dramatic cliffs on the Northwest coast that backs into the Torrent de Pareis gorge. The tiny beach has developed into a tourist hot spot in the summer months and has unfortunately become overcrowded in peak season. However, there is a lot more on offer at the bottom of the winding road cut into the rugged mountain side. We advise driving with caution, not only to appreciate the natural beauty but also due to the narrow roads, steep drop-offs, lack of barriers and number of cyclists on the road. Follow the signs to La Calobra and you will find a large car park at the bottom, do not leave valuables in the car. You will walk through a tunnel to reach the small pebbled beach, take a few pictures and enjoy a swim but make sure to walk in the opposite direction through the gorge before leaving. The dramatic scenery and natural acoustics make for an unforgettable experience. This gorge also offers a fantastic hiking trail. Additionally, there is rock climbing and cliff jumping on offer for the more adventurous.
Cap d’ Formentoris the Northern tip of the island and represents the point where the Tramuntana meets the Mediterranean Sea. Although there are not many activities on offer up here, the drive is spectacular and is worth doing at least once. The views from the rocky outcrop are quite magnificent and you can enjoy walking around the lighthouse and reading some interesting historical facts about Mallorca. Playa de Formentor on route to the top is one of the best beaches on the island and is well worth a visit, there is plenty to explore here as well as magnificent mountain views.
These are just a few of the stops along the way and there is so much more to see, for example; Soller, Pollensa and Fornalutx are also worth checking out. If you are interested in driving the Serra de Tramuntana we recommend doing some research of your own and of course getting lost along the way.
FIND CAR, SCOOTER AND MOTORBIKE RENTALS ON THE ISLAND
