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Alaró

Quiet inland town on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana

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Alaro
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Alaro is a quiet traditional Mallorcan town burrowed in a peaceful valley south of the Serra de Tramuntana. Many of the streets feature the blonde stone architecture, typical of the traditional mountain villages on the island, making it a pretty place to visit.

There is very little sign of tourism in Alaro. The town has managed to retain its traditional charm and offers a relaxed pace of life. It’s mainly used as a base for the outdoorsy type, keen to explore the Serra de Tramuntana either by foot or bike. There are some homely boutique style hotels on offer and a decent selection of restaurants. Today Alaro has become a hub for expats who have opted for a quieter more discreet life on the island. Families particularly favour this area for its close proximity to The Academy International School.

The main square is a true beauty spot featuring landmarks like the church and town hall. It's also the liveliest part of the town thanks to a selection of cafes and restaurants with al fresco style tables and chairs, a wonderful place to kick back with a coffee or favourite tipple and soak up the atmosphere.

Jump to

  1. History & Culture in Alaro
  2. Sights & Attractions in Alaro
  3. Beaches in Alaro
  4. Dining in Alaro
  5. Events in Alaro
  6. Things to do in Alaro
  7. Cycling in Alaro
  8. Hiking in Alaro
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Alaro
  10. Watersports in Alaro
  11. Families in Alaro
  12. Nightlife in Alaro
  13. Villas in Alaro
  14. Holidays Rentals in Alaro
  15. Hotels in Alaro
  16. How to get to Alaro

History & Culture in Alaro

Alaro's early history

It's believed that the land where Alaro resides was originally part of a large Arab farm called Oloron, although the town's first recorded history began with the Catalan conquest of Mallorca in the 13th century. 

Later, the town became famous for leather shoemaking. The municipality had up to 30 factories and more than 2,000 people dedicated to this activity during its peak. Today, whilst the thriving shoe industry isn’t what it was, you can still visit the working factory shop of Tony Mora who is internationally renowned for his handmade cowboy boots.

An interesting fact for history buffs: in 1901, Alaro was the first town to have an urban electricity network on the island. One hundred years later, the Consell Insular de Mallorca named the tower of the old factory as a monument of cultural interest.

Sights & Attractions in Alaro

History, architecture and culture in Alara

Alaro’s most famous tourist attraction is its ancient castle, the ‘Castell d’Alaro’, which sits 822 metres high on top of a mountain, on a rocky outcrop just outside of town. Although it's presumed there was originally a construction built for military purposes here, the castle’s ruins were built by Christian inhabitants to ward off invasions from pirates after the 13th century. The climb to the top is well worth it for the spectacular views over the valley and out towards the sea.

Beaches in Alaro

Alaro doesn't have its own beach, you'd need to head back towards Palma for a day of sand and sea.

Beaches in Mallorca

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Dining in Alaro

Alaró has a dining scene that reflects the character of the town itself. You will not find flashy resort restaurants or international chains here. Instead, the focus is on small family run places where the food is rooted in Mallorcan tradition.

Around the central square you can linger at pavement tables with a coffee or a glass of wine while the life of the town passes by. Many of the kitchens use produce from the surrounding valley so the menus often follow the seasons. You can expect to see hearty meat dishes in the cooler months and lighter, olive oil based plates in the summer.

The village is also known for its simple bakeries and cafés where locals gather in the morning. Rustic bread, ensaïmadas and homemade pastries are part of everyday life. In the evenings the atmosphere is warm and unhurried, with a mix of locals and visitors enjoying plates of tapas or slow cooked lamb, a dish strongly tied to the area.

What makes eating in Alaró special is not only the food but also the setting. Many places are housed in old stone buildings with wooden beams and shaded courtyards, giving you the sense of being part of the town’s history. Dining here feels authentic, relaxed and welcoming, very much in keeping with the pace of life in this mountain community.

Restaurants in Alaro

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Events in Alaro

Fetes and fiestas

In the week preceding the 16 August, Alaro hosts one of its biggest events in honour of its patron saint, known as the Festes de Sant Roc. Historically, it commemorates the eradication of the plague in the 17th century by the miraculous intervention of Sant Roc. Along with the usual street parties and concerts, there is a parade of chariots, a procession of giants Cabit & Bassa and, of course, the town’s own ‘Correfoc’, which involves firework displays and devil dancing.

Market

Alaro also hosts a market on Saturday mornings, where you can buy all kinds of local produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade jewellery, clothing and more.

Events in Mallorca

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Things to do in Alaro

Alaro is popular amongst cyclists, hikers and those keen to immerse themselves in authentic Mallorcan culture. Although the town is relatively quiet, you are on the doorstep to the Serra de Tramuntana and within easy reach of some of the island's best vineyards so there’s plenty to do.

Wine tasting

Alaro is perfectly positioned to get to some of the island’s best vineyards. Most offer wine tours and tastings, which can be organised by appointment.

Cycling in Alaro

Being on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana, Alaro can be a bit of a hub for cyclists in the spring, autumn and winter months. From here there are many routes you can take, whether it be gruelling mountain climbs or leisurely rides through the inland plains and around vineyard and almond tree territory.

Cycling Routes in Mallorca

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Hiking in Alaro

Hiking is a popular activity in Mallorca and there are plenty of trails on Alaro’s doorstep. 

The most famous hike is the route from Alaro to Castell d’Alaro which combines an epic climb with spectacular views out all the way across to the bay of Palma. 

For a shorter hike, there’s also the option to drive the hairy road up some of the way and indulge in a 40-minute walk to the castle, a popular choice for many on a Sunday. At the top of the mountain, there is a refuge where you can spend the night or just enjoy some lunch, a coffee or a cake.

Walking Routes in Mallorca

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Yachts & Sailing in Alaro

Watersports in Alaro

Watersports in Mallorca

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Nightlife in Alaro

The nightlife in Alaro is community-driven, think wine bars, tapas, and seasonal celebrations, not nightclubs. Palma is a short taxi ride away if you're looking to throw some shapes on the dance floor. 

Villas in Alaro

Villas in Mallorca

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Holidays Rentals in Alaro

There’s a good choice of accommodation to be found in Alaro and its surrounding area. On the outskirts of town, you will find a promising selection of private properties in the form of fincas and villas available for holiday rentals.

Hotels in Alaro

There’s a good choice of accommodation to be found in Alaro and its surrounding area. Within the town itself, boutique hotels are the way to go. 

Hotels in Alaro

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How to get to Alaro

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Alaro is a 30 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.

Public transport

There is no direct bus from the airport.

Transfers for Mallorca

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Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.

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Upcoming Events

The island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.

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