The Serra de Tramuntana Mountain Range is the largest natural park and nature reserve on Mallorca and is well known for its indescribable beauty and spectacular scenery. It stretches from its most southern point on the west coast at Sant Elm to the most northern point on the north east coast at Cap de Formentor. The region covers an area of 1000 square kilometres and has many mountains over 1000 metres high with the highest being Puig Major which overlooks the Cuber reservoir. This reservoir is one of the main water supplies for the Island as well as a major destination for bird watchers and hikers. In 2011 the Tramuntana was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO and is regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Balearics whose visitors leave inspired by the extraordinary landscape and culture. Serra de Tramuntana is host to some of the most beautiful towns and villages on Mallorca with examples being Valldemossa, Banyalbufar, Deia, Soller, Estellencs, Fornalutx and of course Pollença.
The mountain range includes miles of beautiful coastline surrounded by a natural environment which forms a unique maritime landscape with majestic cliffs, tranquil coves, crystal waters and stunning beaches. It is impossible not to be moved and inspired by the sheer beauty of this lovely area.
The region has a wonderful culinary heritage created by the sea and the mountains. The people of the Serra de Tramuntana are great ambassadors of authentic Mallorcan cuisine. They take great pride in selecting regional produce cultivated with ancestral wisdom on the agricultural terraces which often form part of the lower slopes of this inspiring range of mountains. Local oils, meat and seafood, in company with excellent wines such as Mortixt, means there is a huge selection of excellent Mallorcan restaurants to make the most of, many situated in iconic locations. The local farmers are skilled in cultivating this amazing landscape by constructing terraces that divert water from the mountains into areas ideal for crop production.
The Mediterranean climate has created a habitat for very specific mountain birds such as the Black Vulture and in the summer the Eleonora’s Falcon which nest on the steep cliff faces. Another endemic specie common to the area is the Balearic Warbler.
The area is rich in culture and heritage which has inspired many Spanish and international artists, musicians and writers, across the centuries, to leave their legacy. Famous examples include Chopin, who has a museum in memory of him in Valldemossa, Robert Graves who is buried at Deia and Agatha Christie who wrote one of her best sellers whilst staying in Port de Pollença.
The Serra de Tramuntana is a wonderful place for those wanting an energetic holiday or who are seeking an outdoor break with lots of activities including cycling, hiking and water sports. However, the region also offers the serenity and majesty in which to simply relax, take in the sun and enjoy spectacular sunsets and breath-taking views whilst sampling wonderful food and sipping exquisite wines.
As an added incentive to visit the area there is an annual festival in Pollença on Pollença’s Patron Saint’s Day. The 2nd August is Mare de Déu dels Àngels Day, a major festival in the region which attracts many visitors. Celebrations begin with a speech read from the cloister of Sant Domingo and from 5am early risers can experience a traditional Alborada (morning love song) which is played through the streets. The day is filled with music and dancing and culminates in a series of mock battles between the Moors and the Christians portraying the events of 1550. The battle starts at the Peacock Fountain and moves through the Town to the sounds of shouts and cannons, finishing at the football stadium on the outskirts of Pollença where, following more skirmishes, the Christian victors gather back at the church of Mare de Déu dels Àngels to give thanks for their victory.
Also running in July and August is the Pollença Music Festival which originated in 1961 and is an annual event, with concerts generally taking place during the evening in the cloister of the convent of Santo Domingo. The Festival has become world famous and attracts visitors from far and wide who are fortunate to experience an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary music performed by internationally renowned artists and orchestras. As well as music the Festival also features literature and film genres.
