Puigpunyent, Mallorca

The name Puigpunyent derives from the Latin phrase ‘podinum pungentem’, translated in English as sharp mountain or acute hill. People believe it pays tribute to the pointed peak of Puig de Galatzó (1027m), which can be seen from all around town. The Talaiot sites dating back thousands of years that surround the village of Puigpunyent suggest that this area was one of the first inhabited on the island. Son Serralta, Son Burguet, Son Puig and Ses Casotes, plus the necropolis of Casat Nou are the most famed. A 3200-year-old, well-preserved Bronze Age sword was discovered by archaeologists under the leadership of Jaume Deya and Pablo Galera on the site of Serral de ses Abelles.

Under the Muslim reign, between 902 and 1229 AD, the moors cultivated this area for farming by creating water mills, canals, fountains, channels for the torrents, ponds and reservoirs. After the Catalans reclaimed the island in the 13th century, the church of Puigpunyent was built and was, in fact, one of the first to be built on the island as authorised by Pope Innocence III, in 1237. During this period, the cultivation of vines and olive trees increased and generated wealth in the area. Until the middle of the 20th century, agriculture and cattle raising were the two main occupations. Some of the island's most majestic country mansions surround the village. Traditionally, these grand estates were the heart of village life. In recent years, many of these have been snapped up by wealthy expats.

Enjoy taking a stroll through La Reserva Puig de Galatzó natural park and its forest of evergreen oaks. Here you can relax with the refreshing waterfalls along the trail and discover the many endemic plants and animals. Within the reserve, there’s also an adventure park with zip wires, rock climbing and Amazonian bridges that make for a great family day out.

Puigpunyent hosts a small weekly market every Saturday morning where the village comes to life. The town also has some exciting annual events in its calendar to look forward to, with the two most famous taking place in August. The Puigpunyent Music Festival, where talented musicians falling under various genres put on spectacular performances for music lovers to enjoy, is growing in popularity year on year. The main summer festival, the Festes de la Mare de Deu d'Agost i Sant Roc, consisting of sports competitions, arts and crafts, music, food, fire runs and more.

Puigpunyent is a sleepy village appealing to outdoor enthusiasts who want to get up close and personal with Mallorca’s countryside. Whether it be kicking back and relaxing with a book whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings or indulging in some outdoor pursuits like hiking, abseiling and cycling, Puigpunyent certainly has something to offer.

Cycling & mountain biking
There are dozens of road bike itineraries that can incorporate Puigpunyent on the route, as well as some exhilarating mountain trails available for mountain bikers.

Hiking
The best-known hike in the area is the climb of Puig de Galatzo, which is not for the faint-hearted as it claims an ascent of 1000m. Those who dare are rewarded with outstanding views from the top.

Wine tastings & tours
There are a couple of vineyards available for wine tastings and tours within close proximity of Puigpunyent. Visits can be arranged by appointment and you can buy wine directly from the cellars. Bodegas Son Puig is a family-run company that produces top-quality wines. The estate has vineyards dating back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest wine-producing establishments on the island. Bodega Son Vich de Superna is also family-owned and located within a beautiful estate in the Superna valley, between Puigpunyent and Esporles.

There are a few different eateries in Puigpunyent and they all have a good reputation, so you can’t go too far wrong. Cafeteria Es Pont is one of the first places you will come across as you drive into the village from Palma. It is definitely the place to sit and enjoy the views of the picturesque countryside on the terrace with a beer and is recognised for its home-cooked tapas and pizzas.

Oleum Restaurant within Gran Hotel Son Net offers a sophisticated dining experience. A former oil mill, this restaurant has plenty of character and prides itself on creating innovative Mallorcan dishes, applying modern techniques to locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The Rose Bistro is one of the most popular restaurants in town thanks to its international menu that changes seasonally. Friendly service, delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere are the key ingredients here, generating a loyal fanbase.

Restaurante Ca'n Jordi is a traditional Spanish restaurant with a warm ambiance. It’s a no-frills kind of place but offers a good selection of local cuisine including tapas, paellas and pa amb oli. Finally, Lily’s Healthy Food & Coffee Shop is a popular choice for those looking for a fresh and healthy menu. It’s worth noting it is a seasonal restaurant and opens March-November only.

There are a couple of hotels to stay which are in close proximity to Puigpunyent. Otherwise, there are various villas and fincas available to rent privately if you are looking for some additional privacy whilst holidaying on the island.

Set just above the village, Gran Hotel Son Net dates back to 1672 and exemplifies the quintessential Majorcan spirit. Decorated in a colonial style, this boutique hotel is the perfect place to spend a peaceful retreat away from the stresses and strains of life in complete luxury. The enchanting gardens and outdoor swimming pool overlooking the village are some of its most endearing features.

In the valley of Puigpunyent sits Finca Hotel Son Pont, an Agrotourismo hotel within an ancient Mallorcan style building. The breathtaking views looking out towards the Serra de Tramuntana, a lovely outdoor swimming pool and gorgeous garden terraces make it the perfect place to unwind. Guests particularly love the tranquil home-away-from-home vibe.

By car
It takes around 30 minutes to get to Puigpunyent from Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan airport. Come out of the airport and follow the Ma-19 towards Palma, then take exit 3 towards the Ma-20 (the Palma ring road). Stay on here for 6km and then take exit 7a towards Puigpunyent. From here, it is pretty well signposted on the Ma-1041.

Public transport
Unfortunately, there are no direct public buses running from Palma de Mallorca Son Sant Joan Airport to Puigpunyent. However, you can catch the number 1 bus to the Plaça d'Espanya bus station in Palma city centre, which takes about 20 minutes. From here, you can catch the non-stop 140 bus to Puigpunyent which runs throughout the day Monday-Sunday and takes approximately half an hour. This bus also travels on to Galilea.