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Rustic sophistication is the hallmark of hidden Mallorca. In the peaceful foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, the sounds alone give the scene away. Distant donkeys bray, goat bells tinkle and, at night as the moon rises over the almond and olive groves, there’s the trill of cicadas and the bleep of scops owls . . . . not a note of Viva l’España.
Here, it’s a pleasure to shop for food and local wines in village markets, and to try the country restaurants, some perched on tiny terraces high above the Mediterranean, others tucked away in picturesque villages like Fornalutx.
This is a Mallorca that’s a world away from the bustling resorts that few visitors to the island ever discover. There are wild tracks to follow, under the peak of Puig Major and past glittering lakes. And there are delightful towns to explore like lovely old Sóller with its shady main square; the glorious village of Deià, where the writer Robert Graves is buried in a tiny churchyard overlooking the sea. Equally appealing is beautiful Valldemossa, with its dappled streets and Carthusian monastery which once provided winter quarters for Chopin and George Sand.
The most romantic journey on Mallorca has to be on the old train that
runs between Sóller and Palma: a great way to top and tail
a visit to the capital. The city is full of tiled cafés,
cloistered convents, Baroque mansions and marvellous shops, and
the stunning cathedral, illuminated after dark, will take your breath
away.
An idyllic hideaway, Casita
Mimosa nestles in a secluded valley amidst stunning countryside,
barely a 15 minutes’ drive from Pollença; a more tranquil
setting would be hard to imagine – perfect for couples who
want to get away from it all.
Set on Port de Pollença’s pine-fringed promenade,
the charming and simple Hostal
Bahia welcomes back a loyal following of guests each year who
return to enjoy its old world charm, modern comforts and excellent
location.
- The picturesque villages of Deià and Valldemossa
- The Cathedral, galleries and monuments of historic Palma
- Walking in the Tramutana Mountains
- The ‘Caribbean Waters and Sand’ of Platja Es Trenc
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