© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
Quiet inland town on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana
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.
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.
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.
A prestigious EDGA-recognised event contributing to the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD). The Handisport Mallorca Open is hosted at the fully accessible Golf Son Antem championship course, the tournament welcomes adaptive golfers with handicaps ranging from +5 to 54.
Mallorca's largest agricultural fair. Markets, artisans, funfairs, animals & agriculture, music & dancing - it's all here!
Want to play golf, soak up the sun, watch exciting matches, and maybe even swing a club yourself. This could be the event for you.
Puerto Portals has become the port with the largest fleet of Dragons in Spain and a benchmark on the international circuit.
Head to Palma's city centre for the switching on of the Christmas Lights. Live music and more will liven up the streets of the vibrant city.
Spain, being predominantly Catholic, worships its saints devoutly. Every day of the year has a saints name associated with it and some are honoured with celebrations. January is a busy month, with Saint Anthony's day on 17 January and Saint Inés following shortly after, on 21 January.
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.
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.
Alaro doesn't have its own beach, you'd need to head back towards Palma for a day of sand and sea.
The Port of Soller offers the only sandy beaches on the west coast of Majorca. This lovely little resort offers two beaches along it's horseshoe bay, all with golden sands and clear blue seas.
Cala Deia is a very beautiful small rocky cala with clear waters and rock pools, one of the few beaches on the west coast of Mallorca. It's quite a rugged beach here so you might need to bring a chair or a lilo to lie on.
One of Mallorca’s most talked about treasures, Sa Calobra, forms an unusual cove found at the head of a gorge of the Torrent de Pareis. It’s curious location and dramatic surroundings have inspired artists for many years and still do today.
Portixol is found just to the east of Palma's cathedral and is home to a little bay within which a little sand and shingle beach known as D'es Portitxolet Beach resides. The water is generally calm here due to the sheltered nature of the bay.
The small resort town of Ciudad Jardin lies around five kilometres east of Palma. Its beach, also commonly referred to as ‘Ciutat Jardi’, lies alongside a quiet promenade lined with palm trees, offering a huge variety of different styled bars and restaurants.
The closest beach to Palma is at Ca'n Pere Antoni. This stretch of golden sandy beach starts just beyond the cathedral. A promenade and cycle path runs along its length but behind these lies the main road that takes you to Palma airport.
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.
Mediterranean restaurant serving modern Spanish cuisine in the beautiful inland town of Alaro.
Restaurant located in the town of Alaró, 20 minutes from the city of Palma de Mallorca, offering a unique experience to taste grilled food.
Tucked away in the charming village of Alaró, Sa Tafona is where you go when you're craving honest, local food in a laid-back, welcoming setting. Think stone walls, wooden beams, and home-style cooking that’s big on flavour and tradition.
Relaxed, tasty, and full of charm, Traffic is your go-to spot for fantastic food and good vibes in Alaró. Right in the centre of Alaró, Traffic Restaurant keeps things simple: good food, good people, and a welcoming vibe. Whether you're dropping by after a hike in the Tramuntana or just strolling through town, it’s the kind of place that pulls you in and makes you want to stay awhile.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A cycling tour with Mills and Honey isn't just about cycling, it's about immersing yourself in the landscape, culture and flavours of the island.
The southern end of the Sierra Tramuntana does not have the epic climbs of the north, however this rolling ride provides no less than six different summits as well as some of Mallorca's most scenic roads.
Cycling from Port de Soller along the coast and through Deia, you will then travel on to Valldemossa before heading back inland and finishing over the Coll de Soller.
Starting and finishing in Port de Soller this ride has a half way point in Cala Deia where you ahve the chance to stop for some lunch, a snack or even a dip in the sea to cool off.
With undulating roads and an altitude gain of almost 2000m this relatively short ride, at just 75km, will get your lungs and your legs pumping.
The road to Sa Calobra is one of the reasons so many cyclists come to Mallorca. With an average gradient of 7% (maximum gradient is 12%) and a height gain of 668m over 9.4km it is sure to test the most professional thighs.
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.
Alaró is located in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, between Palma and Inca.
Lloseta is located in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, just outside Inca. You can catch a train there from Palma (Plaza de España). From Lloseta you can take the road going to Mancor de la Vall, passing by Biniamar.
Leaving Soller and hiking through the Serra de Tramuntana valley this trail follows cobbled paths that lead to a unique sequence of cliffs, crags and stone slopes. The area was declared an asset of Cultural Interest in 1984.
The family was reunited and the sun was blazing as we left Soller for Fornalutx on the hunt for lunch.
This route includes an attractive ascent on cobbled paths via the Mont-Reials path and a descent via the Rocafort joined by a stretch of the Castello path. This walk captures some of the best views of the Soller valley.
Inca can be reached either by train from Palma or by car. If you go to Inca on a Thursday, you'll be able to enjoy one of Mallorca's biggest and best markets.
Mallorca has a great variety of canyons suitable from beginner level to advanced, with each of them offering a unique experience.
Swim in the crystal clear waters on the north-west coast and discover its stunning underwater world on this snorkelling trip
Daily trips for certified divers in a great diversity of dive sites
An exhilarating rock and water activity suitable for families and adrenaline-junkies, a great way to explore the coastline of Mallorca.
Enjoy an exhilarating day trekking and scrambling through gorges, waterfalls and jumping into giant rock pools.
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
Empaltada is a truly luxury and stylish villa with private pool, combining a great privacy with classy details. The truly perfect holiday home for an unforgettable holiday on Mallorca.
Villa Ses Porrasses is a large stone beautiful clad family villa able to accommodate 14 people in this wonderful 7 bedroom villa nestled at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountain. With it's own driveway leading up to this stunning property with a wrap around veranda, stunning views and large terraces to enjoy al fresco dining.
Villa Can Sort is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana, for a relaxing holiday. It is a short drive from the old town of Soller, as well as the beach and restaurants of Puerto de Soller.
Designed with exquisite taste, this stylish and modern villa in Moscari exudes class and good taste. With every attention to the utmost details, the property has a beautiful harmony of Mallorcan architecture and Dutch interior design.
With every attention to the utmost details, the property has a beautiful harmony of Mallorcan architecture and Dutch interior designed with exquisite taste, this stylish and modern villa in Moscari exudes class and good taste.
Cosy family house of 270 m² in the centre of Valldemossa. High quality finishings and modern equipment, swimming pool (5 x 5 m) and large terrace. An ideal accommodation for a perfect holiday in the Serra de Tramuntana.
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.
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.
This hotel is located in the heart of Mallorca, between Consell and Binissalem, an area well know for its wines.
Boutique hotel located in the very heart of the beautiful mountain range Sierra de Tramuntana. This country hotel has been constructed within an ancient Mallorcan finca, inside a more than 200 years old oil mill.
This hotel lies in the middle of a private estate of 150 hectares with large plantations of apple and cherry trees, cultivated fields and mountains. It is an ideal base for hiking, riding mountain-bikes or simply strolling around to watch the farmers pick cherries and apples.
Charming rural hotel based on an old Mallorcan oil mill, in a property more than 200 years old. It has been recently refurbished, and is located in the heart of hiking and cycling land.
Filicumis is a farm, built in 1828, situated on the slopes of the Tramuntana mountain range. The house is a typical Mallorcan farm with a central courtyard and a well, set in a typical Mediterranean landscape of almond, olive and fig trees.
Set in a former monastery dating from the 16th century, this hotel and spa provides the ideal place to relax in a tranquil, rural setting. Located in northern Majorca, it is surrounded by extensive olive groves and other aromatic plants.
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.
There is no direct bus from the airport.
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.
This taxi company offers 24-hour service from the airport to your accommodation all around Mallorca.
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
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.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe 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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