Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Western Mallorca
Why Go?
'A sky like turquoise, a sea like lapis lazuli, mountains like emerald, air like heaven,' en-
thused Romantic composer Chopin of his new home Valldemossa in 1838. His words ring
true almost 200 years later in western Mallorca.
The Serra de Tramuntana range ripples all along the west coast, surveying the Mediter-
ranean from above. Skirted by olive groves and pine forest, its razorback limestone moun-
tains plunge 1000m down to the sea like the ramparts of some epic island fortress. Wheth-
er you hike its highland trails, bike its obstacle course of serpentine roads, or breeze along
the cliff-flanked coastline by boat, these mountains will sweep you off your feet with their
cinematic beauty.
Some of the island's loveliest towns and villages perch high on hilltops and deep in
verdant valleys, with grandstand mountains and sea views. Wander their higgledy-
piggledy lanes and be smitten, like so many artists, poets and celebrities before you.
When to Go
Spring and autumn are peak season for cyclists in the Tramuntana, but otherwise you'll
have its gorgeous coves, trails and flower-flecked heights pretty much to yourself. Most
hotels and restaurants open Easter to October. In summer, coastal resorts and villages are
full to bursting point, but vast expanses of wilderness means you can always find a quiet
retreat, be it a
finca
(farm), castle or monastery. The festival season gets into full swing as
the heat rises: both Deià and Valldemossa host classical-music concerts in summer. True
pilgrims walk through the night from Palma to Lluc in August.
Best Places to Eat
»
Trespaís (
Click here
)
»
Es Verger (
Click here
)
»
QuitaPenas (
Click here
)
»
Es Passeig (
Click here
)
»
Béns d'Avall (
Click here
)
