Explore Serra de Tramuntana - Mallorca UNESCO Site
Serra de Tramuntana: Majestic Mountains in Mallorca
The Serra de Tramuntana is a wildly rugged mountain range in the north-west of the Balearic island, which was included by UNESCO in the list of World Natural Heritage sites in 2011 due to its scenic diversity. If you would like to use your Mallorca holiday for a hiking holiday or prefer a cycle tour to the beach, this region will cast its spell over you.
Bizarre Rock Formations and Deep Canyons
The Tramuntana mountains extend over a length of almost 90 kilometres in the north-west of the Balearic island and have a decisive influence on the landscape of the Mallorca west coast.
Bizarre rock formations and deep gorges shape the face of the mountain region in the northern area, while the mountain slopes gently taper off in the south. With a height of 1,445 m, Puig Major is the highest mountain in the Serra de Tramuntana. In total, more than 50 peaks in this region are higher than one thousand metres.
A cold north wind often blows over them. Snowfall is not uncommon in the summit region in winter. The islanders once used snow and ice from the mountain region to cool food. The so-called snow houses near Massanella are a relic from centuries long past and can still be visited today.
Besides Puig Major, more than 50 other peaks reach a height of over 1,000 m. The highest peaks lie in the very north of the mountain range.
Between them are canyons with well-developed paths that invite you to enjoy a hiking holiday or a cycle tour In some canyons such as the Torrent de Pareis, there is a special microclimate that has produced unique flora and fauna.
Hiking and Cycling in the Serra Tramuntana
Countless paths and roads open up every possibility for you to go hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana or to undertake a cycle tour. Nature impresses with its originality, which seems not to have changed for thousands of years.
Mass tourism is not yet an issue here, as many prefer the beach to a hiking holiday. During your Mallorca holiday, take the opportunity to explore some hiking & climbing in Mallorca, which show you the wild beauty of this mountain range from every angle.
The Torrent de Pareis is certainly one of the most spectacular canyons that you must not miss during a Mallorca holiday in this region In 2003, together with the Torrent de Gorg Blau and the Torrent de Lluc, it was designated a natural monument.
The wild beauty can be experienced with all the senses on a guided canyoning tour. All around you, the rock faces rise 200 metres into the sky. A river from the surplus water reserves of the impressive drinking-water reservoirs "Cúber" and "Gorg Blau" accompanies you through the gorge.
The two turquoise-blue reservoirs lie at the foot of the highest mountain, Puig Major. When climbing the rocks and immersing yourself in the crystal-clear water, you experience an unforgettable adventure in the Torrent de Pareis, naturally with the right equipment and therefore also easy for the inexperienced to enjoy.
The special flora and fauna of the valley opens up a view into the island's past. The midwife toad, which is native only to Mallorca, has survived in the rugged mountain slopes of this valley.
When canyoning, you sometimes also discover feral goats, which likewise climb around in the rocks. More than 300 different plant species are at home here, with a good 30 of them to be found exclusively on this island.
Views from the Greatest Heights
In the Serra de Tramuntana, hiking routes await you in Mallorca that make it possible for everyone to experience the spectacular mountains even without the challenges of canyoning.
Among Mallorca's hiking routes, especially family-friendly ones are those to the 333-metre-high summit of Puig de Maria and Puig des Galatzó. Both open up countless breathtaking views of different sides of Mallorca.
One of the peaks that is among the most visited is Puig des Teix. The approx. 15 Km long hike along the "Path of the Archduke" (Cami de s'Arxiduc) takes you to a height of 1,064 metres and to breathtaking views.
From the summit, the view opens up to the impressive, highest peaks of the mountain range in the north, such as Puig de Massanella, Tomri, l'Ofre and Galatzó.
Mountain Villages and Pilgrimage Sites
The circular route to Puig des Teix begins at Valldemossa .The charm of this mountain village was already enjoyed by famous figures such as the writer George Sand, who stayed here with Frédéric Chopin and wrote a novel about the island.
Idyllic mountain villages such as this are hidden in the Serra de Tramuntana between deep canyons and rugged mountain ridges.
This mountain village with its old Carthusian monastery is among the most attractive places. Cobbled lanes wind through the village and pine forests and olive groves stretch along the mountain slopes. The villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix are charming.
Fornalutx has already been voted the most beautiful of all island villages in Mallorca several times. Here you will find a place to slow down, which makes an immediate impression with its warmly coloured houses and the many flowers.
With the Santuari de Lluc, a monastery complex from the 13th century lies on a high plateau in the Tramuntana mountains, visited every year by thousands of pilgrims. The aim of the pilgrimage is a black Madonna statue, which is venerated as a patron saint.
Sóller lies in the so-called “Golden Valley”. It is an architectural gem on Mallorca's west coast. The small town is connected to the coastal resort of Port de Sóller by a historic tram line.
From the island capital Palma, you can get to Sóller with the "Tren de Sóller", a historic railway that is known as Red Lightning – the historic tram.
Experiences Outside the Mountains
Near Escorca, at the foot of Puig de Major, there is a dreamlike bathing cove for relaxing after exciting hiking and cycling tours. The beach of Port de Sóller offers both beach and town experiences. If you come here in the evening, you should enjoy the view of the sunset from "Far del Cap Gros".
Also take a look inside the Museo de Lluc, where drawings and ceramics from the caves in the Escorca area give you a glimpse into the past in the Serra de Tramuntana.
In Sóller, a look inside the church Iglesia de Sant Bartomeu is a must. The façade comes from one of Antonio Gaudí's pupils. The interior fittings will also amaze you.
People enthusiastic about art should not miss Déia. The little village has attracted artists and musicians for years, such as the musical star Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as Pierce Brosnan and Pablo Picasso.
A small exhibition in Sóller is devoted to the famous painter Picasso. It is located in the station building and also displays ceramics by Miró.
From the towns and villages around the Serra de Tramuntana, you can then also easily book bicycle hire or a guided hike through interesting areas of the mountain range.