The Mallorca Guide
 

Activities and Places to see

Picturesque Towns and Villages

Banyalbufar

Located in the south-east of the Tramuntana mountain range is the scenic village of Banyalbufar. Originally founded by the Moors in the 10th century, its name is an old Muslim phrase for “built next to the sea”.

Today this beautiful village clinging to the top of a sea cliff is a popular, yet unspoilt, stop for many visitors to Mallorca. Surrounded by picturesque terraced fields (cultivated since Moorish times) Banyalbufar is one of the loveliest villages in south-western Mallorca.
While here you could visit the 17th century Baronial Palace with its pretty internal courtyard or take in the impressive coastal views from the ancient defence tower (Talaia de ses Animen) just outside town. There is a pleasant walk from Banyalbufar to Port d’es Canonge down the hill to the seaside. Of course, you could simply wander around and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient village.

Deià

The stunning town of Deià is some 200 metres above the Sea; right where the mighty Tramuntana Mountains come down to meet the Mediterranean. Due to its fantastic scenery and tranquillity, Deià has become popular with artists, musicians and writers from all over the world.
While here you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the terraced olive groves which surrounded the town. Or perhaps you’d prefer a stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of the old town. If you are feeling fit you may want to try the 30 minute walk from the old town of Deià down to Cala Deià (the beach), where you can get a drink and a bit to eat, before heading back up the hill.
Famous residents of Deià include the English poet Robert Graves and the American artist and archaeologist William Waldren. In fact, Waldren founded the Archeological Museum in Deía which houses some interesting pre-historic finds from nearby caves. The Archduke Ludwig Salvatore of Austria also had a home here (de Son Marriog) which is open to the public, as is Robert Graves’ old home.

Deía hosts two annual festivals: the chamber music Festival de Deía and the Hay Festival of Art, Music and Literature. You’ll find several good cafés, bars and restaurants in Deía – some of which have live music in the summer.

Fornalutx

Lovely Fornalutx – one of the prettiest places in Mallorca - is nestled in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. Fornalutx is surrounded by stunning scenery with terraced fields and orange groves. The lush vegetation of the mountains serves as a striking backdrop for the village.

Fornalutx has received several awards for its outstanding beauty and for the preservation of its historic buildings. The doorways of the ancient stone buildings and the narrow stairways running through Fornalutx are all adorned with potted plants and flowers – making it a very charming town.

Though its roots date back more than 1,000 years to Moorish times, the village is a good example of medieval architecture. As you wander through narrow cobbled streets take a moment to look at the eves of the ancient stone buildings. Looking up at the eves, you can see the arched painted ‘Arab tiles’ unique to this region of Mallorca.

Fornalutx celebrates its Patron Saint festival is on the 8th of September – perhaps an ideal time to visit.