Mallorca Carnival - Sa Rua
Each year Mallorca celebrates the onset of Lent with street parties and parades. Most towns will be having their own carnival over the weekend, with the largest parties to be found in Palma.
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.
Each year Mallorca celebrates the onset of Lent with street parties and parades. Most towns will be having their own carnival over the weekend, with the largest parties to be found in Palma.
Join Mallorca Entrepreneurs for a cosy and delicious Swiss Cheese Fondue Night in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This evening is designed for enjoying good food, relaxed conversation, and a shared dining experience with fellow entrepreneurs and language enthusiasts.
The Megamarsch returns to Mallorca for its its next edition. This extreme hiking challenge invites participants to walk 50 kilometres in 12 hours on a circular route starting and finishing in Alcúdia.
This annual funfair takes place at Son Fusteret, on the outskirts of Palma. With plenty of thrill-seeking rides, a 60-metre-high Ferris wheel, stalls, games and family activities, it's an event that families ought not to miss.
A significant celebration in Mallorca, this annual holiday, observed on March 1st, commemorates the date when the Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy was officially enacted in 1983.
Rally drivers from all over Europe take part every year in this rally, with more than 90% repeating pilots year after year. This high rate of repeating rally drivers is due to the high quality and fun that our pilots experience every time.
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.
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Alaró, Sa Tafona offers a truly authentic taste of Mallorcan cuisine. Set in a beautifully restored building with stone walls and wooden beams, the restaurant exudes rustic charm while welcoming guests with genuine warmth. Its name, meaning “the olive press,” reflects the deep connection to the island’s heritage, which is evident in every dish.
Mediterranean restaurant serving modern Spanish cuisine in the beautiful inland town of Alaro.
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.
Restaurant located in the town of Alaró, 20 minutes from the city of Palma de Mallorca, offering a unique experience to taste grilled food.
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.
Located in Port de Soller, George’s cocktail bar is charming, has outdoor seating and serves great food.
Opened in 1988, this bar rapidly became a hotspot where Deia's famous inhabitants and visitors would gather and play music at some of the most legendary parties on the island. Nowadays, it still attracts big names in the music scene.
Offering some of the best views in Port de Sóller, this bar serves drinks and typical tapas.
Visit this casual, no frills wine bar for excellent local tipples and a great view over the port of Soller.
This company, located on the outskirts of Palma, offer lots of entertainment choices: bowling, karaoke, arcade games or bubble ball (foolball inside inflatable balls) are some of the options.
Bar La Sang is the first bar in Mallorca to offer to exclusively offer an extensive natural wine list.
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.
Climbing is both a physically and mentally demanding sport perfect for those that like to set themselves a challenge.
Mallorca has a great variety of canyons suitable from beginner level to advanced, with each of them offering a unique experience.
Wine tasting tour complemented by excellent wines situated in a tranquil location.
The vintage carriages are still in use, providing a fantastic opportunity for tourists, and a relief for locals from the terrors of the old Palma-Soller road.
The Gymnapolis was established in 1991 and is a gym for everybody, with good vibes and focus on healthy living and physical activity.
Club Hipico La Gubia is an equestrian centre situated near Bunyola, on the road from Palma to Soller. Lessons are available for everyone from children (aged four years and over), to advanced riders from fully qualified BHS or RFHE trainers.
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. The distance from Alaró to es Pouet is about 7km and the climb provides some beautiful views of the plain of Mallorca, as far as the city of Palma.
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.
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.
This is a luxurious villa that has been restored from old ruins with great care to incorporate the original architecture with a modern design.
Son Dur-hi estate offers all the peace and seclusion of an exclusive retreat. This stunning, secluded villa is ideal for gathering with your family and friends to enjoy Mallorcan countryside living at its best. Large groups are well catered for with the main house with three bedrooms and a separate annexe with two double bedrooms.
This beautiful, stone clad country home set amongst the undulating countryside surrounding the small village of Buger, offers spacious grounds as well as a generous, convivial interior with wooden flooring, high ceilings and contemporary furnishings that create a light, bright & airy ambiance throughout.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
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.
These lovely apartments share a great view of the Tramuntana mountains, and have all been tastefully decorated, giving you the feel of a home from home.
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.
This is a luxurious villa that has been restored from old ruins with great care to incorporate the original architecture with a modern design.
Son Dur-hi estate offers all the peace and seclusion of an exclusive retreat. This stunning, secluded villa is ideal for gathering with your family and friends to enjoy Mallorcan countryside living at its best. Large groups are well catered for with the main house with three bedrooms and a separate annexe with two double bedrooms.
This beautiful, stone clad country home set amongst the undulating countryside surrounding the small village of Buger, offers spacious grounds as well as a generous, convivial interior with wooden flooring, high ceilings and contemporary furnishings that create a light, bright & airy ambiance throughout.
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.
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.
This hotel is located in the heart of Mallorca, between Consell and Binissalem, an area well know for its wines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
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.
Set on an 8,300 m² flat, sun-drenched plot, this fully renovated finca blends authentic Mallorcan charm with modern comfort - complete with two beautifully appointed guesthouses, a saltwater pool, solar power, and breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains. Located just outside the historic village of Binissalem, in the heart of Mallorca’s celebrated wine country, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a tranquil rural home that’s move-in ready and built to a high standard.
Located in the tranquil urbanisation of Crestatx in Sa Pobla, this property is perfect for those seeking a natural and well-connected environment. With a functional design, the home is spread over two floors, offering comfortable and practical living spaces for families or friends to enjoy.
Experience the ultimate in comfortable living with this exceptional property located in the desirable urbanization of Crestatx, nestled between Sa Pobla and Pollensa. Boasting a prime location in a residential area with high demand, this fabulous plot features a charming small house that offers plenty of possibilities for extension to meet your future needs.
Welcome to this charming estate in the countryside near Pollença Pueblo! This unique property consists of two adjoining estates, offering a perfect combination of tranquillity in the Mallorcan countryside and proximity to all the amenities of Pollença Pueblo, just a five-minute drive away. Additionally, it is only fifteen minutes from the spectacular beaches of Puerto Pollença, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy island life.
Welcome to an exclusive estate situated in the heart of rural Pollensa. This property offers impressive vineyards and a design that combines traditional rustic charm with elegant modern touches.
Nestled in the charming centre of Pollença, this stunning two-bedroom townhouse has been recently renovated to an exceptional standard. The property blends clean, contemporary design with authentic Mallorcan and Mediterranean touches, creating a warm and stylish living environment.
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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