Banyalbufar

Pretty coastal village in the west of Majorca

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 22 July 2025

Banyalbufar is one of the last remaining authentic coastal villages in Mallorca. It clings to the western coastline of the island on a steep hillside at the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Most people come to Banyalbufar to see one thing, its ancient terraced hillsides descending down to the sea, but glorious views of the Tramuntana mountains and amazing sunsets also await you here.

There is little sign of tourism in Banyalbufar - you will find a couple of simple hotels, cafés and an art gallery. Its remote location means there’s only a small number of residents in the village. If you're keen to get away from the touristy side of Mallorca, then Banyalbufar is the place to visit. This small and traditional village is steeped in history, which is amplified by the ancient blonde stone buildings that line every road and lane. Its charms have attracted many artists to the point that many say that Banyalbufar will be the next Deià.

The land surrounding the village was developed by the Moors and divided by dry stone walls. These ancient terraces still stand today and speak powerfully of man's ingenuity in creating farmland out of inhospitable cliffs. Until recently it was the custom for each generation to add a further tier to the landscape.

Nowadays, the terraces are mostly used to grow vegetables and fruit. Tomatoes are the town's most famous crop but a few vines have been planted once again.

History & Culture in Banyalbufar

Banyalbufar's early history

The Moors famously settled in this area during the 10th century and cultivated around 2,000 dry stone terraces on the mountain slopes, along with a sophisticated irrigation system of aqueducts which are still in use today. Banyalbufar, whose Arabic name means 'vineyard by the sea', was famed for its Malvasia wine. During the Middle Ages and up until the 15th century, the valley was ruled by the Barony of Banyalbufar under a practically absolutist government.

Wine cultivation

Locals devoted themselves almost exclusively to agriculture and the area became famous for the cultivation of the widely popular Malvasia grape, used to produce Malvasia wine. It is said that this sweet wine was one of the motives for the re-conquest of Mallorca by Jaume I. Unfortunately, in 1891 the Phylloxera virus caused devastation and put an end to wine production in Banyalbufar.

In recent years, local vignerons have been successfully working to re-establish this grape variety.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Banyalbufar

History, architecture and culture in Banyalbufar

Built to protect the area from pirate attacks, Torre del Verger is a watch tower dating back to 1579 and can be found between Banyalbufar and Estellencs. It has become quite an iconic image on the island, so it’s more than likely to you spot this image on a postcard whilst visiting Mallorca. If you get a chance, it's well worth seeing it for yourself and you can climb to the top for some breathtaking views across the sea.

The church of La Nativitat de Santa Maria houses one of the most valuable Baroque organs in the world, and definitely adds to the old-world charm of the place.

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Beaches in Banyalbufar

There are no sandy beaches in the vicinity of Banyalbufar as the village is mainly bordered by cliffs plunging into the sea. However, there are a number of tranquil coves and pebbled beaches nearby if you want to do some sunbathing or swimming and, a short walk away, you will find Cala Banyalbufar. Alternatively try Es Corral Fals, Son Bunyola or Es Port des Canonge.

Cala Banyalbufar

Located <1 km away

Offering a distinctly different experience from the more typical Mallorcan beaches, Banyalbufar is carved into the dramatic foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. This small bay bears a few signs of regular usage, with terraced slopes and protective structures that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Once difficult to access, Cala Banyalbufar is now easily reachable via a windy round, allowing all to discover its quiet beauty.
Cala Deia Beach

Located 13.7 km away

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.
Cala Major Beach

Located 17.0 km away

Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
Illetas Beach

Located 18.0 km away

Only 9km from the capital of Palma, Illetas is a holiday resort claiming three picture-perfect beaches. Illetas beach is the main beach, and is more sheltered than the huge stretch of sand that makes up the beach in front of Palma's cathedral, making this one of the nicest beaches in the Bay of Palma.
Portals Nous (Oratori) Beach

Located 18.1 km away

Playa Oratori is the popular local beach for Portals Nous and Puerto Portals.
Cala Fornells Beach

Located 18.1 km away

Cala Fornells’ overhanging pine trees offer ample areas of natural shade and retreat away from the Balearic sun, not to mention adding to the overall charm of the Mallorcan cove.

Events in Banyalbufar

Religious festivals

Banyalbufar’s patron saint festivities are celebrated the first week in September when the village comes to life with street parties and entertainment for all the family.

Dining in Banyalbufar

There are a few good restaurants and cafés in Banyalbufar, most are traditionally decorated and serve up good honest traditional Mallorcan and Mediterranean cuisine. Relax and enjoy the celebrated ancient terraces with breathtaking views of the sea. Paella is the thing to order, alternatively you'll find good quality meat and fish, along with some good old favourites like pizza.

Son Tomas Restaurant

Located in Banyalbufar

Open in 1983, this restaurant has been run by the Picornell-Funke family for over 30 years. They have been awarded a Bib-Gourmand by the Michelin Guide for the quality of their cuisine.

Things to do in Banyalbufar

Being a sleepy rural mountain village, there isn’t a great deal to do here except admire the views. It’s more of a day-trip destination for cyclists, hikers and artists.

Wine tasting

You'll find a small and beautiful bodega with an enchanting terrace that is a wonderful place to try the native Malvasia grape.

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Cycling in Banyalbufar

Being on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana along a popular coastal road means there are lots of cyclists riding through Banyalbufar.

If you aren’t staying here, it also provides the perfect pitstop on the cycle route from Andratx to Valldemossa along the C-710 road. Expect winding roads, steep climbs and descents, the perfect ingredients for a challenging cycling ride.

Seeing Palma by bicycle

Located 17.3 km away

Palma is a really bike friendly city. The giveaway is the prominent red cycle route running all along the Paseo Maritimo and through the city centre. The weather is perfect for it too. Despite the obvious benefits of urban exploration on two wheels, Palma on Bike was my first experience of cycling in the capital.
Palma to S'Arenal Cycling Route

Located 17.6 km away

Enjoy a flat route by the sea that is completely on purpose made cycle paths so that it is safe for all the family to cycle. It takes you from the capital city of Palma to the beach resort area of Playa de Palma.
Palmanova to Santa Ponsa Cycling Route

Located 18.9 km away

A nice quiet route, if you stay away from the main roads and enjoy these resorts in a more laid back fashion.
Port de Soller to Port d'Andratx Loop Cycling Route

Located 19.2 km away

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.
Port de Soller to Valldemossa Loop Cycling Route

Located 19.7 km away

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.
Port de Soller to Cala Deia Return Cycling Route

Located 19.8 km away

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.

See our Cycling Guide

Hiking in Banyalbufar

Hiking is especially populare around Banyalbufar and there are plenty of paths to explore, many of which are signposted from within the village.

One of the prettiest is the Volta des General route, a popular well-marked hiking path from just outside the village to the fishing port of Es Port de Canonge along the coast.

There’s also the Old Postman’s Route from Banyalbufar to Esporles, which is part of the GR221 or Dry Stone Route and offers some of the best views of the terraced landscape.

A wintery coastal hike on Cami de Sa Volta des General

Located 1.9 km away

On a sunny February Saturday morning, we drove towards Banyalbufar to try the leisurely but beautiful Port des Canonge hike, along a coastal path at the very edge of the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. The path is called Cami de Sa Volta des General, named after General F. Cotoner who, in the 19th century, was the owner of the Baronia estate, now a hotel in Banyalbufar.
Mallorca Hiking Club - The Old Postman's Route

Located 4.6 km away

When a post for the Mallorca Hiking Club popped up on Facebook on a miserable February day, it immediately grabbed my attention. My New Year's Resolution to get fit was but a distant memory, and this sounded too good an offer to pass up. I have always fancied mooching around the pretty part of Mallorca that I knew existed, but with a hopeless sense of direction, I was nervous to go off on my own in case I got lost and ended half way up a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Galatzo- Mallorca's Matterhorn, Puigpunyent

Located 6.7 km away

From a distance this mountain looks like an impossible challenge, but the route is well graded with a handful of paths leading to its summit.
Hike from Valldemossa to Deia - Route of the Olive Trees

Located 9.4 km away

Valldemossa is located towards the west coast of Mallorca. The bus line to Valldemossa, Deia and Llucalcari allows access to some fantastic places of interest, the woods and mountains, and some tranquil coves to swim in.
The Archduke's Bridlepath, Valldemossa

Located 10.5 km away

Valldemossa is located near the west coast of Mallorca. This walk was mapped out by Archduke Ludwig Salvatr during tours of his estates by mule.
Beautiful Hike from Capdella to Puigpunyent

Located 12.6 km away

Puigpunyent is located on the south-west of the island. This walk provides some magnificient scenery without having to leave the road, which goes from Capdellà to Puigpunyent. The route takes in a series of ascents and descents, and cuts across woods and fields, with different views at each curve of the road.

See our Hiking & Walking Guide

Hotels in Banyalbufar

There is a handful of hotels in Banyalbufar, simple and traditionally decorated, most offer wonderful sea views.

You can expect charming boutique hotels set within a historical buildings where each room is individually decorated and has a home-from-home rustic ambience complimented by modern amenities like flatscreen TVs. Others are a little more old-fashioned, but still comfortable with all the basics caterd for.

Some have an outdoor terrace, usually surrounded by blonde stone creating a wonderfully romantic setting, or you may find a pool and gardens to relax in.

Son Bunyola Hotel

Located in Banyalbufar

Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
Ca Mado Paula Hotel

Located in Banyalbufar

Situated in Banyalbufar, on the North face of the Sierra de Tramuntana, the Ca Mado Paula Hotel looks from the mountains towards the beach and the sea. It is located in an old Mallorcan house with a stone facade and wooden beam ceilings.
Sa Plana Petit Hotel

Located in Estellencs

Located in the upper part of the village of Estellencs, this traditional country house has been restored with warm colours, keeping its original character.

How to get to Banyalbufar

By car

Car hire is still a viable option on Mallorca, and with Banyalbufar being on the west coast of Mallorca, it's around a 40-minute drive from Palma airport. Access to the village is by small and windy coastal roads, often occupied by cyclists so this route isn’t for the faint-hearted driver. To avoid driving altogether you can book a private transfer to get you there and back.

Public transport

You can catch the bus from the bus station in Palma, but it's not regular and we wouldn't recommend it as your first choice of travel.

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Janer Bus Airport Transfers

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Taxi PMI

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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers

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MajorCabDriver Taxis

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