Villages of the Serra de Tramuntana

The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, runs along Mallorca’s northwest like a natural wall. Its stone villages, viewpoints and winding roads are a traveller’s dream.

From Palma Airport you can easily join the Ma-20 (ring road) and then take the Ma-13 or Ma-11 depending on where you start your route. In under an hour you’ll be in Valldemossa or Sóller.

Driving is the best option. With Autos Mallorca you leave the airport in 5 minutes thanks to express pick-up, with no queues. You also travel with full cover and no excess, no card holds and unlimited kilometres. That means total freedom to improvise detours, climb to viewpoints and get lost in villages without watching the clock.

Valldemossa: art, history and viewpoints

Valldemossa is probably the Tramuntana’s most famous village. The Charterhouse of Valldemossa, where Chopin and George Sand spent a winter, is a must. Cobbled streets, flowered balconies and craft shops round off the stroll.

Don’t miss a coca de patata on a terrace in the main square. If you arrive early, parking is much easier. A compact car helps when manoeuvring in car parks.

Deià: the Tramuntana’s bohemian corner

Just 20 minutes from Valldemossa, Deià is synonymous with artists and sea views. The village clings to the hillside, with narrow lanes that climb and descend.

The hilltop cemetery offers stunning panoramas. In summer you can head down to Cala Deià, a small pebble cove with very authentic restaurants.

The stretch between Valldemossa and Deià along the Ma-10 is one of the island’s prettiest, with viewpoints every few kilometres. With free additional drivers you can share the wheel so everyone enjoys the views.

Sóller & Port de Sóller: modernisme and the sea

Sóller blends tradition and modernisme. The Plaça de la Constitució with Sant Bartomeu church and the Bank of Sóller is gorgeous. From there, the wooden tram rolls down to Port de Sóller, perfect for a seaside lunch.

The Sóller valley is also famed for oranges and lemons. If you fancy it, visit the Modernist Museum Can Prunera or wander the quiet streets.

By car you can tour Sóller, drop to the port and then pop to Fornalutx or Biniaraix in a single day. That flexibility beats relying solely on the historic train.

Fornalutx & Biniaraix: quintessential Mallorcan villages

Minutes from Sóller lie Fornalutx and Biniaraix, two tiny villages straight out of a storybook.

Fornalutx is considered one of Spain’s prettiest villages: cobbled lanes, pot-lined steps and peaceful squares. Biniaraix, even smaller, is the gateway to the Biniaraix Gorge, a spectacular hike.

Here the best plan is to stroll slowly and go with the flow. An economical, easy-to-handle car is key for parking on narrow streets.

Banyalbufar & Estellencs: terraced vines and sunsets

Along the coastal Ma-10 towards Andratx sit Banyalbufar and Estellencs, villages perched above cliffs and wrapped in terraced vineyards.

Banyalbufar has access to the sea at its namesake cove, while tiny Estellencs serves postcard sunsets. The road is narrow and twisty, but every stop is worth it.

With no-excess cover you travel relaxed, without worrying about parking scrapes or hairpin scuffs.

Pollença: tradition, mountains and culture

At the far north, Pollença mixes culture and tradition. Its old town, with cobbles and quiet cafés, is perfect for a gentle wander.

The climb up the Calvari (365 steps) is a highlight. Very close by, the Formentor Lighthouse is one of the island’s icons.

Thanks to the full-to-full policy you can manage fuel easily on long drives like this, with no surprises.

Lesser-known corners: Esporles, Orient, Galilea & Lluc

Beyond the classics, some less-touristy spots deserve a visit:

• Esporles: university village with a calm vibe and good restaurants.
  
• Orient: tucked between mountains, with stone houses and hiking trails.
  
• Galilea: tiny, with spectacular viewpoints over the south coast.
  
• Lluc: famed for its sanctuary, Mallorca’s spiritual centre, surrounded by mountains.
  

These villages are ideal for discovering the Tramuntana at its most authentic, away from the crowds of Valldemossa or Deià.

Practical tips: parking, bends & weather

• Parking: in Valldemossa and Deià it can be tricky in high season. Arrive early or park farther out.
  
• Bends: the Ma-10 is beautiful but narrow and popular with cyclists. Take it easy.
  
• Weather: hot in summer, quite cool in winter. Always carry water, comfy shoes and an extra layer.
  

As one traveller summed up in a review: “I trusted the comments and everything was perfect. I’ll repeat if I return to Mallorca.” Having logistics sorted lets you enjoy the trip stress-free.

Hire without surprises: explore the Tramuntana with Autos Mallorca

Exploring the Tramuntana by car is the best way to enjoy it. With Autos Mallorca you get every advantage:

• Express pick-up 5 minutes from the airport.
  
• Full cover with no excess.
  
• No card holds.
  
• Unlimited kilometres.
  
• Full-to-full fuel.
  
• Free additional drivers (up to 3).
  
• Free cancellation up to 24h.
  

👉 Book your car now and set off to explore the Tramuntana’s villages with total freedom.

Summary table: Tramuntana villages

FAQs

Which are the prettiest Tramuntana villages?
Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller and Fornalutx are the most visited, with Banyalbufar, Estellencs and Pollença also standing out.

How to plan a driving route?
In one day: Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller. In two days, add Fornalutx, Biniaraix and Pollença.

Is there parking in Valldemossa and Deià?
Yes, but limited. It’s best to arrive early.

Which quieter villages are worth it?
Orient, Galilea and Esporles are lovely, less crowded options.