The Northwest Coast - Rugged peaks and picturesque bays

The northwest coast of Mallorca comes over as natural wilderness. The region is dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, whose highest peaks reach heights of over 1,400 meters above sea level.

Fantastic natural scenery on the west coast of Mallorca.

The west coast welcomes you with a unique natural backdrop, which is characterized by the lofty peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana. The mountain range has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011 due to its wild ravines and jagged ridges. The cliffs plummet vertically to the sea at numerous points along this coastline, and the waves of the Mediterranean bash against the cliffs in high seas. Most bays can only be reached on foot via old mule tracks or from the water. Sandy beaches are few and far between on the west coast of Mallorca.

For that reason many of its shingle beaches remain refreshingly devoid of tourist even in the peak season. Just beyond the coastline the majestic Tramuntana mountains can be seen reaching to the heavens. The highest peak is Puig Major (1445m). Some wild valleys play host to several secluded and tiny mountain villages, which as a result of higher precipitation are blessed with lush and verdant vegetation. Get a taste of the incomparable beauty of the West Coast while cruising the wild, romantic coast road that connects Port d‘Andratx with Port de Sóller.

Rocky headlands and sandy beaches on the west coast

Two sandy beaches stretch in the virtually closed off bay of Port de Sóller. To the south is the 300 m long Platja d'en Repic, while on the east side of the bay the 700 m long Platja Es Través runs along the water edge. The latter is bordered on the land side by the new look harbour promenade with its manicured palm trees and plants. There are romantic and secluded bays to be found between the rugged cliffs near the small resort of Cala de Sant Vicenç.

The panorama is dominated by the mighty cliffs of Serra de Cavall Bernat, which plunge almost vertically into the sea. On an old fishing dock you will see the 80 m long bay, Cala Barques. The 30m long bay, Cala Clara is hidden behind a hotel and the 50 m long Cala Carbó in the cliffs extends along the west coast at Cala de Sant Vicenç. If you like gazing at glowing sunsets the tiny pebble beach at Banyalbufar is a wonderful secluded location for you beyond the coastal village but be warned - it has no bars or restaurants.

Romantic mountain villages and picturesque little towns

About three kilometres from the coast, the small town of Sóller is set in a vast basin of the Tramuntana Mountains, known as the "Valley of Gold". The name was created at the time of the Moorish Occupation of Mallorca. This fertile valley is home to thousands of olive trees providing a valuable crop of olives and fine olive oil. Sóller has charming architecture and is surrounded by lemon and orange groves. The town is linked to nearby Port de Sóller by a tram line that was established in 1912 and is now one of the main attractions on the west coast of Mallorca. Port de Sóller is a maritime holiday paradise, located beside a delightful bay with a protected natural harbour. The mountain village of Valldemossa, which lies in the middle of the Tramuntana mountains is idyllic and has retained its original charm.

Self-Catering on the Mallorcan west coast

The west coast of Mallorca is ideal for an individual holiday, with a lot more to offer than just swimming and sunbathing. The scenic beauty of inland western Mallorca is not only appreciated by artists and botanists as a place to relax in an agreeable mountainside cottage. The gardens contains gnarled olive trees and fragrant oleander while the private pool in front of the terrace invites you to cool off on a hot summer day.

The west coast of Mallorca allows you to choose between a seaside holiday home on the cliffs, a finca in the mountains or a historic stone house on the outskirts of Sóller. Far away from the hustle and bustle, you can spend your holiday in the mountain village of Bunyola or in the coastal towns of Port de Sóller and Banyalbufar. Stone floors, wood-beamed ceilings and an open fireplace lend a very special atmosphere to many of the holiday homes in this region.

Hikes on the west coast

Attractive destinations on the west coast of Mallorca are easy to find in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. A detour to the mountain village of Valldemossa can be combined with a trip to the Ermita de la Trinitat, which can be reached on an easy hike. The trail takes on an alpine character, close to the summits of Puig des Teix and Puig des Caragoli. At Puig de Galatzó, at an altitude of around 1,020 m, you will find La Reserva Natural Park.

Hikers describe the mountain region as one of the most beautiful on the island. A 3.5 km long trail leads past sharp ridges, bizarre rock formations and deep caves. More serious hikers may wish to try the ascent to the 1.365 m high summit of Puig de Massanella. The starting point for the hike to the summit is your holiday home or apartment in the small town of Sóller. A little further inland is Lluc monastery a well-known pilgrimage, which you can reach by rental car.