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Mountain hike with great west coast views
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.
As well as spectacular coastal views, it gives an introduction to traditional mountain industries. You pass sifjas (round charcoal ovens), casas de neu (snow pits where winter snows were stored beneath a layer of ash), forns de Calc (lime kilns) and cacas a coll (thrush nets slung between the trees).
Visit the monastery at Valldemossa, where Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-9. The Real Cartuja (Royal Carthusian Monastery) was originally a royal residence, until Carthusian monks occupied the building from 1399 until 1835.
The monastery in Miramar can be found close to Valldemossa on the road to Deia. It was founded by King Jaume II in 1276 as a missionary school following a request by Ramon Llull (a 13th-century theologian and philosopher).
Of all the famous foreigners attracted to Mallorca's northwest coast, none is so admired locally as 'S'Arxiduc', Archduke Ludwig Salvador. Born in 1847 in the Pitti Palace, Florence, the son of Leopold III of Tuscany and Marie Antoinette de Bourbon, he came to Mallorca 20 years later to escape from Viennese court life and immediately fell in love with the island.
Raixa is a marvellous country mansion with gardens, parts of which date back to the 13th century. The house has passed through several noble families through the centuries, and was transformed to its present Italian style villa in the 18th century.
Poet and author Robert Graves (1895-1985) lived in Deià, Mallorca, from 1929 until his death. He is buried in the churchyard on the hill next to the church.
These classical gardens by the entrance to the Soller tunnel are a legacy of the Arab talent for landscaping and irrigation. Their name derives from al fabi, 'jar of olives' in Arabic. They were probably designed by Benihabet, the Muslim governor of Inca who converted to Christianity following the Spanish invasion.
Cappuccino has a number of stylish brasseries in Mallorca, some of which are housed in the most beautiful historic buildings. This branch is located on a central square and has a large terrace.
A unique culinary experience in the centre of Palma with a daily changing menu of the day
Away from the tourist trail in Valldemossa, Es Taller is a bright, contemporary restaurant serving delicious tapas and Mediterranean cuisine using the finest fresh and local ingredients.
This company offers guided hikes and trail runs for all levels. Discover mountain paths, coastal trails, and hidden spots with expert local guides.
This year Rock & Ride will be offering open group climbing sessions at one of Mallorca’s extensive and impressive limestone rock climbing venues.
Whether you want to learn the basics, learn to lead outside or just get out and about on some great climbs, Rock and Ride will find the right venue for you: sunny cliffs in winter and shady limestone in summer.
Begin by walking through the car park opposite Bar Sa Mata on the main road through Valldemossa. Turn right into Carrer Joan Fuster, then first left and onto a rough track at the top of the hill. You climb gently at first, towards a group of pines, then more steeply, following red waymarks to a clearing. From here it is a short, tough climb to a mirador and the start of the Cami de S'Arxiduc, marked by a ruined stone refuge. Follow the waymarks onto a high plateau and continue for about two hours. For the best views of all, a one-hour diversion (just as the main path bears round to the right to begin its descent) takes you to the summit of the Teix, from where most of Mallorca is visible on a clear day. The path drops back down to Valldemossa through a wooded valley, passing a shelter where you can camp in summer.
This walk is for experienced walkers only. Or of you prefer, take a guide with you. Take food and water, a map, compass and whistle, and protection from sun, wind and rain. The weather on the mountains can change very quickly. For a shorter walk to the foot of the Teix, you can simply do the final section in reverse. Leave Valldemossa by walking past Son Gual, the large old house with a tower, and turn left after 10 minutes onto a wide track, signposted 'refugi'. The climb through the valley to the shelter and back will take a couple of hours if you walk briskly.
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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