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Cloaked
in evergreen forests and early morning mists, the
winding coastal road cuts through the breathtaking
mountain range offering vertiginous sea views whilst
introducing you to countless charming villages and
pretty pebble coves.
Without a doubt the most dramatically stunning
area of the island. The mountain range stretches
along the northern coast of mallorca where sheer
cliffs and sloped terraces
of olive woodlands drop into crystaline waters.
The area is sprinkled with picturesque mountain
villages . The tapestry of stone houses
and pleasant narrow streets are great to explore
and soak up the mediterranean atmosphere. In spring
the area smells wonderful too as the numerous fruit orchards and orange groves
are in full blossom. There are few sandy beaches
in this area, instead there are pretty shingle
coves and tiny fishing harbours
giving way to a deep blue sea. Nature is at its
wildest in Tramuntana and if you're not actually
staying in this area it's well worth a visit. |
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| places
of interest |
The main ports of call are Valldemossa,
with its historical association to Chopin and the writer
George Sands, Deiá a beautiful
bohemian mountain village and Soller
with its pretty harbour - the end of the line for the
antique train that chugs daily through
the mountains from Palma. At the other end is the town
of Pollenca with its sweeping bay and
in between take your pick of the numerous villages each
appearing prettier than the last.
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Hiking: One of the major activites
of the Tramuntana mountain range, there are numerous
routes spread throughout the region of varying
distances and skill levels. Do not venture
into the mountains without having planned ahead
- there are plenty of books available, or stop
at the visitor centre in Lluc,
a popular starting point for many of the walks,
where there are leaflets and maps indicating a
few of the more popular routes.

Sa Calobra: One of the most spectacular
natural formations on the island. Here you find
3-400 metre vertical rock formations, a small
beach and crystal clear waters. It's possible
to visit by boat -the aternative is to take on
the hairpin bends that lead down to the coast.
Sa
Dragonera: A small island off the north
west coast the national park consists of the Dragonera
island and the islets Es Pantaleu and Na Mitjana.
You can visit by catching a boat trip from Sant
Elm.
Castle of Alaró: This
ancient fortification dates back to the Moors.
It offers stunning views over Mallorca as far
as the bays of both Palma and Alcudia and the
Tramuntana mountain range.
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Roman
town of Pollenca: This pretty market
garden town in the shadow of the Tramuntana mountain
range has been declared of National Cultural Interest,
along with the town of Alcudia. Climb the tree-lined
stone steps of Calvary Hill to visit the18th century
chapel offering amazing views of the bay and surrounding
areas.
Son Marroig: Situated in the
municipality of Deià, Son Marroig was the
Archduke Luís Salvador of Austrias principal
residence and is now home to the Archdukes museum.
Along with the Miramar Monastery
- another of the Archdukes properties and the
Cartoixa de Valldemossa, are
the most culturally interesting visits in the
Tramuntana mountain range.
Sanctuary of LLuc: Steeped in
history and legend as far back as the 8th century
when a shepherd boy saw visions and a carved image
of the virgin, Lluc has been the religious centre
of the island. The present monastery dates from
the XVII century, with the sanctuary still being
very much alive today.
Fornalutx:
There are numerous picturesque villages throughout
the Tramuntana mountain range although Fornalutx
takes some beating. Climb stone steps along cobbled
streets opening onto leafy squares glimpsing at
fabulous traditional patios. Enough to melt the
hardest of hearts.
Costa Nord: Situated in an old
residential building in Valldemossa, Costa Nord
is a centre of cultural invigoration contributing
to the promotion of the local landscape, flora
and traditions and their preservation for future
generations to enjoy.
Fonts Ufanes Campanet: The most extraordinary
hydrogeological phenomena on Mallorca. This is
a spring that appears intermittently, produced
by the flooding and accumulation of enough rainfall
in the Puig Tomir area - check if its running
before you visit!
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Best
Beaches
You
will find sandy beaches on the western tip of mallorca
and the Port of Soller but really Tramuntana is about
shingle coves and towering cliffs.
Cala Tuent
Cala Es Canyaret
Cala Estellencs
Port de Valldemossa (not really a beach but a tiny
fishing village, well worth the visit although the
road down to the coast is a bit scarey!) |
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Markets
Alaró:
Friday afternoon
Andratx: Wednesday morning
Binissalem: Friday morning
Bunyola: Saturday morning
Calvía: Monday morning
Campanet: Tuesday morning
Pto Pollenca: Wednesday morning
Pollenca: Sunday morning
Sta. Maria : Sunday morning
Selva: Wednesday morning
Soller: Saturday morning
Valldemossa: Sunday morning |
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Major
Festivals
Alaró:
29 June, popular
16 August, patron
Biniaraix: 15 August, popular
Soller: 11 May, Moores and Christians, celebrates the victory 1561 over the turkish
pirates, re-enacting the disembarkment and various battles.
Pollenca: 2 August, patron saint combined with moores and christians.
Estellencs: 29 August, summer festival. |
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