Serra de Tramuntana is the region of Mallorca along its northwest coast, named for its mountain chain.
Towns
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- 1 Magaluf is a raucous party-town just beyond Palma city limits.
- 2 Calvià includes the resorts of Santa Ponsa, El Toro and Peguera.
- 3 Andratx is the main village of the quieter cape further west.
- 4 Valldemossa has the 14th century Royal Charterhouse.
- 5 Deià has a landscape of orange and olive groves on cliffs above the Med.
- 6 Sóller is a very touristy old town reached by train.
- 7 Lluc is a pilgrimage centre and base for hiking.
- 8 Pollença has an old centre with the Calvary Steps and chapel.
- 9 Port de Pollença is a beach resort, with Cap Formentor beyond it.
Understand
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Serra de Tramuntana means the mountain range - the sierra - along the northwest coast of Mallorca, and also a comarca or geographical region comprising 13 municipalities. It has the most contrasting parts of the island: its south is on the outskirts of the bustling city of Palma, and its west has beach and partygoing resorts such as Magaluf. Towns along the mountain spine can be crowded in summer, so residents of Valldemossa, Sóller and Pollença complain of overtourism, but they fall quiet in winter. Away from the towns are great limestone bluffs, pine woods, gnarly olive trees, and many km of dry stone walling. You need to get off the congested roads onto the pilgrimage and hiking trails to fully experience this terrain, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape in 2011.
Get in
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1 Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI IATA) is just east of Palma city. Bus A11 runs direct from the airport to Portals Nous, Magaluf and Peguera.
Highways fan out from Palma: take Ma-1 for the west including Magaluf, Ma-11 for Sóller, and Ma-13 for further east. Ma-10 twists and turns the length of the mountain chain from Andratx to Pollença.
TIB buses from Palma run to all the main settlements, and Bus 231 crosses the northeast of the island from Alcúdia via Pollença and Lluc to Port de Sóller.
With your own vehicle is much the quickest way to reach the region and get around: the distances, gradient and heat are deterrents to cycling.
A crowded tourist train runs several times a day between Palma and Sóller, where you change to the even-more-touristy and crowded tram down to Port de Sóller.
Get around
[edit]As public transport is rare a car will be the best option. Car rental is available at nearly every town and prices are relatively cheap.
See
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- A total solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 Aug 2026, starting at 20:31 and lasting 90 seconds. The chances of a clear sky are 65% but you need a clear view to the northwest horizon, where the sun will be setting over the sea. A few minutes later, sunset ends the show.
- Valldemossa has the Charterhouse, originally a royal palace then a monastery, then accommodation where Frédéric Chopin with George Sand once stayed.
- Deià has the house of Robert Graves, and indeed his grave.
- Sóller is best known for its antique tram.
- Port de Pollença is the main beach resort, with Cap de Formentor the rugged headland beyond.
Do
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- Hiking: Ruta de Pedra (GR221) is an eight day hiking trail through the coastal mountains from Andratx to Port de Pollença. Individual town pages describe local sections.
- Beaches: most of the coastline is rugged, with small stony coves okay for snorkelling and paddle-boarding but less fun for kiddy-bathing. The sandy, family-friendly beaches are around the southwest tip (Magaluf, Calviá and Andratx) and have attracted the package hotels.
- Scuba diving centres are found in Magaluf and Calviá.
- Fiestas traditionally had a religious basis, with the church's Madonna paraded through town on the local saint's day. Over the years these became secularised, such as Sóller's Correfoc or fire run, and their Es Firo commemorating a pirate attack. Fiesta de Verano in Calviá is an entirely modern music festival, with pop blaring out into the small hours.
Buy
[edit]- All the towns have stores.
- Markets are held once a week in Andratx, Pollença, Port de Pollença and Sóller.
Eat
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Trad Med fare everywhere. The major beach resorts have a smattering of other cuisines such as Thai, and upmarket hotels offer the best dining.
Drink
[edit]Bars and cafes in every town.
Mallorca produces red and white wine.
Stay safe
[edit]Safeguard valuables - don't leave them in your car - and stay clear of drunken partygoers.
The weather in the hills can change rapidly so hikers need to be dressed (and shod) accordingly.
Go next
[edit]- Raiguer east has lower hills and grows wine. Alcúdia on its north coast is the main resort.
- Palma de Mallorca the island's capital needs a couple of days to explore.