Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Biniaraix
From Sóller it's a pleasant 2km drive, pedal or stroll through narrow laneways to the
sweet hamlet of Biniaraix, with the brooding Tramuntana peering over its shoulder.
Sights are few - hence the reason most people continue on to neighbouring Fornalutx -
but there's something special about pausing in a place where most visitors arrive on foot,
or along narrow country lanes lined with drystone walls. The village started life as an
Arab
alquería
(farmstead), and has a shady central square, Plaça de Sa Concepció. The
walking trail to Biniaraix is well signposted from the centre of Sóller.
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Fornalutx
There are two ways to reach Fornalutx, one of Mallorca's loveliest stone-built villages in
the shadow of high mountains. The first is along a narrow, scenic route from Biniaraix,
passing through terraced groves crowded with orange and lemon trees. The other is the
road that drops down off the Ma10, with aerial views of the village's stone houses and
terracotta roofs.
Either way, Fornalutx is postcard pretty, and the effect is heightened as you draw near,
with green shuttered windows, flower boxes, well-kept gardens and flourishing citrus
groves. Many of the houses are owned by expats, but it's a far cry from the (comparative)
bustle of Sóller. Like Biniaraix, Fornalutx is believed to have its origins as an Arab
alquería
.
Sights
Fornalutx rewards those who simply wander to get lost. Begin with the lanes around the
central
Plaça d'Espanya
and pop into the
ajuntament
with its cool courtyard dominated
by a palm tree. Outside, water gurgles cheerfully along one of several irrigation channels.
You can follow the course of the town stream east past fine houses and thick greenery, or
climb the stairs heading north out of the town from the
Església de la Nativitat de
Nostra Senyora
.
Eating
