Explore holidays in Valldemossa & NW Mallorca
Surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and steeped in centuries of culture, Valldemossa is one of Mallorca’s most evocative and enchanting holiday destinations, famous for its historic monastery, elegant stone architecture and atmospheric cobbled streets. Browse artisan shops, enjoy vibrant local cafés, or explore the surrounding hillsides scented with rosemary and pine - this tiny mountain town has a timeless beauty that has inspired artists, writers and musicians for generations. Just a short drive away, the equally charming village of Deià and the vibrant city of Palma offer rewarding day trips, while hidden coves along the rugged coastline invite peaceful moments by the sea. Beautiful botanical gardens at Alfàbia near Bunyola and at Sóller take you on a journey of discovery of the colourful plants and complex history of the island.
Nearby Sóller is a popular gateway to the Tramuntana mountains; take a moment to sit and enjoy its elegant square, browse the lively market, and admire Modernist buildings that reflect the town’s rich heritage. The vintage wooden train from Palma winds through citrus groves to Sóller, while the tram to Port de Sóller brings you to a relaxed seaside promenade and sandy beach. Nearby, the stone village of Fornalutx captivates with its narrow lanes and mountain views, and countless walking trails lead through terraced landscapes. A holiday in NW Mallorca is ideal for slow travel, scenic hikes, fabulous food and diving into the island’s musical, literary and cultural heritage.. Sounds like your kind of holiday? Read our Guide to Valldemossa and NW Mallorca below.
A selection of our holidays in Valldemossa & NW Mallorca
* Prices include seven nights’ accommodation, flights and transfers/car hire, based on the lowest rate for maximum occupancy.
Our guide to Valldemossa & NW Mallorca
In this section...
Introduction to Valldemossa & NW Mallorca
A Landscape of Legends
The north-west of Mallorca is where nature and heritage collide to create fantastic holidays, set against a tapestry of honey-stone villages, emerald valleys, and the mighty Serra de Tramuntana. This 90km mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises dramatically above olive groves and pine forests, its winding trails irresistible to hikers and bikers. Hidden coves and tiny beaches lie just a short drive from Fornalutx, offering sea views that have inspired poets, painters and a thousand postcards home.
Visit Valldemossa
Valldemossa is Mallorca’ s most famous and most romantic mountain village, cradled in the Sierra de Tramuntana. You’re unlikely to have the place to yourself, but it’s easy to see why so many come here, seduced by honey-gold houses lining traffic-free cobbled streets, filled with arty shops and a wonderful array of cafes and restaurants. And like so much of northern Mallorca, the culture of art, literature and music runs deep, with many small galleries around the village as well as the municipal museum. Discover the story behind and Frédéric Chopin and George Sand's residency in cell 4 of Valldemossa Monastery – a romantic tale to 21st century ears, but thoroughly scandalous at the time.
Where History Shaped the Land
Here, the past isn’t just remembered — it’s carved into the hillsides. Centuries of Moorish and Christian influence have sculpted a patchwork of stone terraces, irrigation channels, and orchard walls. By the 15th century, olive oil was liquid gold; the Sóller valley alone once had over 60 olive mills in production. Some, like C’an Det, still press oil today. The region’s citrus heritage remains just as strong — the Canoneta orange, born here, perfumes the valley — and Sóller’s famous prawns grace the menus of the island’s finest tables.
Shady squares and citrus orchards
In one of Spain’s prettiest villages, tranquil Fornalutx, is a gathering of 18th-century stone houses in the heart of the mountains. You’ll find banks, shops and a post office and there are some exceptionally good restaurants off the tiny main square. But best of all, as you stroll along the cobbled lanes, you’ll catch the scent of the orange and lemon groves nearby. From the village you can head off along trails into the Tramuntana Mountains or explore the Golden Valley, aptly named for its fertile abundance of unctuous olive oil and citrus fruits bursting with sunshine.
The Spirit of Sóller
Just down the road from Valldemossa, Sóller is another must-see destination on any north-west itinerary. Its grand old mansions and elegant avenues hint at a bohemian past, while the Plaça de la Constitució buzzes with Mediterranean energy. Beneath the Church of Sant Bartomeu, cafés spill onto wide, tree-lined pavements as trams clatter past on their delightfully slow trundle from Palma all the way down to Puerto Sóller.
Beaches left, right and centre
From shingle to almost pure white sand, a stay around Valldemossa gives you easy access to a selection of sun-drenched beaches, within the region itself, but also in the south of the island, beyond Palma, and in the north, around Pollensa: coastlines blessed with spectacular scenery and perfectly clear waters. For view seekers heading north, if you’re not in a tearing hurry to lay down your beach towel, opt out of the quicker motorway route and, instead, take the scenic Sóller-Pollensa road with its dramatic mountainscapes.
At a glance
Map and other regions
Food & drink
A taste of the North West
This north-western corner has a few local specialities, including the Sóller Bay prawns, on menus in June and July and served in garlic oil – and look out for the town’s robust home-grown snails! Those with a sweet tooth should try the famous cocas de patata on offer at the Real Cartuja Monastery and the various festivals in Valldemossa. There’s also a fine selection of pastry shops and the local ice cream is always a pleasure. Otherwise, the region offers a typically Mallorcan melting pot of culinary traditions, with sweet and spicy ingredients added by the Moors and style, sophistication and New World ingredients from the Catalonians in the form of pimentón (smoky paprika) and tomatoes. The variety and quality of charcuterie is also superb, with Ibérico and Serrano ham topping the ever-popular pa amb oli and enjoyed as tapas all over the island.
Mallorcan tipples
Local wine production is flourishing, particularly in the Binissalem region and around Inca, whilst the Ca’n Vidalet vineyard near Pollença creates some award-winning vintages. Beer and tapas make the perfect partners, but after a long, lazy meal, sip a potent anise-based Hierbas. And if you want a soft drink, Sóller’s numerous orange groves are a source of freshly squeezed juice, full of flavour.
Eating locally
Puerto Sóller is ideal for dining on fresh seafood along the promenade with a sea view and people watching and, as you’d expect in most Spanish towns and villages, there’s also more great food and snacks to be enjoyed in the bars and restaurants around the main square. This is certainly the case in Sóller, where the pedestrianised plaza major, overlooked by the church, offers a safe space for children to play while parents enjoy a drink or two.
If you’re thinking of eating in upmarket Valldemossa or Deià, book ahead – tables at the elegant restaurants are always in demand. Alternatively, for traditional restaurants in a stunning rural setting, make your way to Fornalutx.
Beaches
Puerto Sóller beaches
A bay with two beaches: the main beach, a small sand-shingle strip with a promenade lined with cafés, shops and restaurants, and sandy Platja d’en Repic, a five-minute walk away.
Getting there…
Just a 15-minute drive from Fornalutx, past Sóller, or catch the vintage tram from Sóller.
Footnotes…
Platja d’en Repic is the nicer of the two, with its own restaurants, although it shelves steeply into the sea. Pedalos are available at the main beach.
Cala Tuent
From this unspoilt half-moon of shingle, overlooked by Puig Major, the water is exceptionally clear and, due to its remote location, there’s plenty of space even in high season.
Getting there…
Accessible by boat from Puerto Sóller or an hour by car from Sóller, along the Lluc mountain road and on the left just before Sa Calobra.
Footnotes…
Great for snorkelling, with a restaurant just a five-minute walk away. Although there are no sunbeds or parasols, the dramatic mountain scenery makes up for it.
Sa Calobra
There’s one beach near the car park and restaurants, but through a tunnel cut into the mountain you’ll find another; a small, unspoilt sand and shingle cove with clear waters.
Getting there…
Accessible by boat from Puerto Sóller or down the Sa Calobra road, off the Pollença-Sóller road has been featured in car ads and on Top Gear.
Footnotes…
A classical concert is held here once a year, usually around the first Sunday in July, and it draws the crowds – the echo and natural acoustics making it a unique experience.
Cala Deià
A small, shingly, but very beautiful beach that shelves sharply into clear waters. It’s popular with the sailing crowd who come for the two excellent beach restaurants in spectacular surroundings.
Getting there…
A 25-minute drive from Fornalutx. Parking is limited near the beach and fees apply – you might prefer to leave your car in Deià and walk down the steep path.
Footnotes…
There are no sunbeds or parasols and, although it’s a good spot for snorkelling, the beach isn’t particularly child friendly.
Cala San Vicente
A fishing village resort with four beaches: the first Cala Barques, the largest Cala Molins, the smallest, Cala Clara, and Cala Carbo at the far end – the only one with pebbles not sand.
Getting there…
It’s an hour’s stroll across country from Puerto Pollença and about an hour to drive direct from Sóller.
Footnotes…
There are plenty of facilities and restaurants nearby and all the beaches share the same turquoise waters and backdrop of dramatic cliffs. It’s a popular spot for divers too.
Port De Valldemossa
It’s the spectacular mountain drive down that makes this small stony beach worth a visit – plus the popular seafood restaurant, great swimming and impressive cliff views you find when you get there.
Getting there…
The beach is 6km down from Valldemossa along a narrow road with numerous hairpin bends.
Footnotes…
There are few other facilities, but if you’re looking for peace and quiet, that’s a bonus.
Things to do
Hop on board the 'little train'
Trundling from Sóller to Palma and back, through mountain tunnels and beautiful countryside, this vintage-style train is a great way to get your bearings, with an optional stop-off in Bunyola, a town full of old-world charm. Check the online timetables at trendesoller.com
Take in the view from Fornalutx
From its vantage point above Sóller, pretty Fornalutx offers stunning mountain views from nearly every angle and yet this gathering of narrow streets is lovely in its own right. Go in the morning before the crowds and stay for lunch in the main square.
While away a day in Sóller
You may visit for a wander through the elegant architecture or galleries celebrating the work of Picasso and Miró, but it’s Sóller’s main square, with its cafés and impressive 18th-century church, that invites you to linger, over a pastry or a selection of tasty tapas.
Follow Chopin into Valldemossa
The composer spent just a single winter here, but this atmospheric town, 30 minutes from Sóller, has claimed him as its own. The tree-lined, cobbled lanes are crowned by the 14th-century Real Cartuja de Valldemossa Monastery, with its collection of Chopin’s pianos.
Drive the Carretera de Sa Calobra
Described as one of the greatest drives in the world, and featured in a number of car commercials, this serpentine road winds its way through narrow gorges and 26 hairpin bends. Turn off the Ma-10 between Fornalutx and Pollença, towards the Port de Sa Calobra.
Walk the Tramuntana mountains
Signposted trails start in Fornalutx and draw beginners and well-seasoned walkers alike into this mountainous landscape, rewarding them magnificently for their efforts. And to add to the adventure, trips to the highest peaks include a night in a shepherd’s hut.
Follow in the poet’s footsteps
Literary pilgrims flock to the beautiful village of Deià, a cluster of green-shuttered stone houses, charming cobbled streets, agricultural terraces and first-rate restaurants. This idyllic spot, perfect for doing very little, was home to poet and novelist Robert Graves, who’s buried in the churchyard.
Widen your horizons at Mirador des Barques
Follow the mountain road from Sóller to Pollença and, about 4km from Fornalutx, you’ll find the Mirador des Barques lookout point and café-bar. Try the tasty almond cake with a coffee and exceptional views across to Puerto Sóller. Then continue on to Pollença.
Join the Palma sophisticates
From an historic cathedral to fantastic shopping in the Passeig d’es Born and Avenida Jaime III, the island’s capital has something for everyone, including an Old Town with tapas bars to complete your day. Drive there in 30 minutes from Sóller or take the Little Train.
Helpful phrases
| Hello | Halo |
| Good morning/Good afternoon/Good night | Buenos días/Buenas tardes/Buenas noches |
| Goodbye see you later/see you soon | Adiós hasta luego/hasta pronto |
| Please | Por favor |
| Thank you | Gracias (Grathias) |
| Yes | Sí |
| No | No |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? |
| Fine thanks. And you? | Bien gracias. ¿Y usted? |
| Nice to meet you | Encantado |
| I don’t understand | No entiendo |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Habla inglés? |
| My name is… | Me llamo (Me yamo) |
| Can you bring me the bill please? | Me trae la cuenta por favor? |
| How much is it? | Cuánto cuesta? (Quanto questa) |
Events
At Easter (Semana Santa) there are events throughout the island, including daily processions in Palma the week leading up to Good Friday and a ceremony in Pollença’s Old Town involving a statue of Christ being carried down the Calvary Steps and into the main church.
What’s on in May
Second week of May
Les Valentes Dones. Several days of celebrations in Sόller to honour the brave Casesnoves sisters who helped save their town from pirates.
Second Sunday in May
the region’s biggest event, Fira and Firo: Festa de Nostra Senyora de la Victoria, features re-enactments of the 1561 battle between the Moors and Christians in Puerto Sóller.
What’s on in June
13 Jun
Corpus Christi, celebrated in Pollença with processions and the Dance of the Eagles performed in the main square.
27-28 Jun
Santa Catalina Thomas in Valldemossa is an opportunity for lively feasting and processions of bulls drawing carts through the town.
What’s on in July
25 Jul-2 Aug
Patrona de Pollença daily festivities bring in the crowds for concerts, children’s entertainment, sporting demonstrations, markets, battle re-enactments and all-night revelry.
What’s on in August
15 Aug
Assumption of the Virgin is an important religious festival and a national holiday celebrated throughout Spain. Shops and businesses close.
What’s on in September
First week of Sep
The Fornalutx Festival includes an arts and crafts market, children’s games and an evening closing celebration with fireworks.
Last Sunday of Sep
Festa des Vermar in Binissalem is a lively grape-harvest festival with tastings, concerts and processions.
The Road Less Travelled
We asked our representatives to share a few of their favourite ‘off the beaten track’ experiences around Valldemossa and NW Mallorca. Here are some of their suggestions…
See sunset from a watchtower
Off the road between Estellencs and Banyalbufar, with access via a steep stone staircase, the Torre de Ses Animes was built in 1579 as a first line of defence against pirates and overlooks a breathtaking landscape. It’s an idyllic spot to watch the sunset and if you can time your visit with a full moon, you’re in for an even more atmospheric experience.
Follow an archduke for the high life
There’s a path across the mountains built by the Austrian Archduke Louis Salvador, a nature lover and travel writer, who was passionate about Mallorca. (His former home, Son Marroig near Deià, is now a museum). Starting in Valldemossa, the route is for experienced walkers, although you can hire a guide, and it takes you up to the Ses Puntes viewpoint.
Follow the waterfalls
Fornalutx is full of narrow canaletas – irrigation channels that are the remains of an ingenious old water system built into the mountains, and in spring, the water tumbling down them is quite impressive. Starting near the village, there’s a 45-minute walking trail called the Eight Waterfall Walk, which follows the river and has plenty of water features in its own right.
Visit tiny Orient
On the slopes of the Tramuntana Mountains is pretty Orient, one of Mallorca’s most remote villages. It’s believed to have just 33 inhabitants and will take you back to the 18th century with its architecture. Drive the very scenic PM-210 from Bunyola, 11km from Sóller (not for the faint hearted!) or take the Sóller-Palma train, which stops at Bunyola, and walk the 6km through the valley.
Go vulture spotting
Along the mountain road from Sóller to Pollensa (Ma10), you’ll find the Cuber Reservoir which offers walks with far more than a breath of fresh mountain air. The area is rich in plant and animal life and a prime spot for birds of prey, including the black vulture, booted eagle, red kite and peregrine falcon.
