A landscape characterized by rugged rocks, dense tree population, lemon and olive groves and small bays with hidden beaches: This is the mountainous north coast of the Balearic island Mallorca. The Serra de Tramuntana is a popular attraction for hikers, cyclists, nature lovers and culture lovers. In the midst of idyllic landscapes, upscale hotels offer a luxurious holiday full of new experiences.

Relaxation and sport in picturesque nature: the Serra de Tramuntana

© Bikini Island & Mountain Port de Soller

Mallorca is an ideal destination for all enthusiastic active vacationers. In the mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana, which extends from Andratx in the southwest to Pollenca in the northwest, the hearts of hikers and experienced racing and mountain bikers beat faster. The region appeals to hikers with a good level of fitness and offers mostly medium to demanding routes. One of these popular hiking routes is designed as a circular route to and from Port de Sóller. The route measures just under 9 km, with an average walking time of just over 2.5 hours. Among the highlights along this hike are old, impressive, romantic mountain paths and coastal paths up to the lighthouse of Muleta.

Another moderately difficult route is located in the west of the Tramuntana. The starting point is the town of Valdemossa, from where the route follows the high trail over hill and dale, almost always with a view of the vast Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding area is characterised by olive and fig trees. Orchids and white primroses are in bloom and along the way herbs such as rosemary and thyme grow. After a good 13 km and about 4.5 hours, outdoor fans will reach the starting point again.

Demanding and advisable for hikers who are familiar with alpine routes and have the appropriate footwear and knowledge is the circuit around the summit Puig des Tossals Verde. This route measures almost 18 km and is scheduled to last a good 6 hours. The longest route, and one of the most popular long-distance trails, is the Gran Recorrido 221, or GR 221 for short, which runs completely through the Tramuntana and measures around 150 km in total. Although not the entire route is marked, with GPS and a sufficient sense of orientation it can be managed by experienced hikers. After all these activities, relaxing moments follow in the hotels of the Tramuntana: in the pleasant ambience of the in-house cafés and bars, at the spas or relaxing along the pool facilities.

Discover the sights of the mountain landscape

© Can Cota The mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2011. The landscape of the region forms a strong contrast to the flat south coast with the wide bay of Palma. The mountain range reaches its peak with the peak Puig Major, which is located at 1,445m. Another 53 peaks rise at least 1.000m or more above sea level into the sky above Mallorca. In the diverse, lush green landscape of the Tramuntana, there are hotels that provide a perfect base for exploring this multi-faceted region. Thus, detours to a multitude of villages and towns are worthwhile. Above all stands Soller, the romantic small town in the so-called ""Orangental"". The town enchants its visitors with secluded squares, patrician houses from the 17th and 18th centuries and modernist buildings. Romantic and secluded at the same time, villages like Banyalbufar and Deia attract visitors. Known as the ""artist village"", Deia enchants with its alleys, small boutiques, galleries and shops and its international flair. Here, Mallorca visitors will find accommodations of topmost quality, which makes for a holiday of extra indulgence. Fornalutx is also particularly picturesque and is worth a detour as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Valdemossa offers unique postcard motives on the lush mountain world. However, the main attraction of the village is the Charterhouse - once a monastery, today a place of pilgrimage for fans of Chopin and his mistress Georges Sand, who spent a winter here. Countless other highlights await visitors, such as the Santuari de Lluc, the religious-spiritual centre of the whole island, the beautiful Moorish gardens of Alfabia and last but not least, the many harbours and beaches, which are always good for refreshment, such as the port of Soller. Away from the holiday streams in the south, the hotels of the Tramuntana stand for versatility and for relaxing days in original flair.

Mallorca's delicacies and specialities: an island for gourmets

© Son Brull Hotel & Spa Not noticed by many Mallorca vacationers, the Tramuntana captivates with a variety of excellent restaurants. Among them there are even two-star restaurants: one of them is located in Deia - the Es Raco d'es Teix. The German chef Josef Sauerschell uses mainly regional ingredients and celebrates the traditional cuisine of the island. This authenticity, coupled with innovative ideas and only the best products, ensure the outstanding reputation of the house. In a cosy ambience with a view of the mountains, excellent meals can be enjoyed. The second star-rated restaurant in the north of the island is the Bistro del Jardin. In 2012, Macarena de Castro was the first chef in Mallorca to receive a Michelin star, which she has been awarded every year since then. Majorcan and Mediterranean dishes are prepared with the best products of the region. Whether fish or meat, between tradition and modern cuisine: Here guests can expect exquisite culinary delights.

Best travel weather for the Serra de Tramuntana

In the higher altitudes of the Tramuntana there is of course a slightly different climate than in the south of the island. Thus, the probability of rain as well as the amount of precipitation is higher. Nevertheless: the mountain world in the north of the island offers truly excellent weather for wonderful holidays - all year round. In summer, for example, the average maximum temperatures in Soller are between 25 and 29°C. In the spring and autumn months, temperatures are still between 16 and 26°C - the best values for enjoying the Tramuntana during hiking, cycling or cultural activities. For sporty holidaymakers, May, June, September, and October are the best time to travel. Nevertheless, there is always a breath of fresh air in the mountains and temperatures are lower than in the coastal towns.

Celebrate festivals in Tramuntana

In the Serra de Tramuntana, colourful fiestas are celebrated every year. The most famous is the re-enactment of the Victory over the Corsairs, where the event Moros y Cristianos brings together performers on horseback and on foot in the second week of May in Sóller. Here you can also take part in the Orange Festival in March. Hotels in Tramuntana in Andratx, where the Mare de Déu del Carme parade is held in the port on 16 July, or in Valdemossa, offer a starting point for local open-air events. At the end of July, you can enjoy the festival of Beata with dances and parades in honour of Mallorca's saint, Santa Catalina Thomas.

How to get to the hotels of the Tramuntana

The arrival to the hotels in Tramuntana is via the international airport of Palma de Mallorca. The flight time for direct flights from Germany is, depending on the starting airport in Germany, between 2 to 4 hours. Numerous German airports offer daily flights to Mallorca. The hotels in Tramuntana are quickly reached from the airport, depending on the location the time for the hotel transfer is up to 1 hour. At the airport it is also possible to book a rental car.

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