Deià
Situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the Balearics, just half an hour away from Palma and the airport, Deià is a small village on the North-West coast of Mallorca. Land of travellers, artists, painters and musicians, Deià has always managed to combine tradition with modern life, allowing this ideal hamlet of less than a thousand occupants to become the preferred destination of its visitors.Tradicionally dedicated to agriculture and fishing, Deià is now a touristic reserve synonimous of quality and exclusivity. Because of it's tranquility and the extraordinary beauty of it's surroundings, since the 19th century many artists, musicians and writers have made it their home. Among others the English writer, Robert Graves (1895-1985), and the American painter and archeaologist William Waldren (1924-2003), founder of the Archealogical Musem of Deià.
A stroll around Deià allows one to discover undreamed of landscapes, the blue sea and the turquoise bay, the green woods of the Serra de Tramuntana, the impressive peaks as well as the village, perched on a small hill crowned by the church, with it's narrow winding roads. Every second is a new joy in Deià.
Sóller
The Sóller valley lies in the centre of the 'Serra de Tramuntana', half an hour from Palma. With close to 15.000 inhabitants, it is the largest town in the North-Western part of Mallorca. Sóller conserves its traditional character, which is shared with it's dynamic economy that makes this quiet but lively town a great place to live. Historically connected by boat, mainly with France, but also with the Carribean, Sóller developed an important agricultural and textile industry during the 19th century. The orange, then exported to all Europe, is one of the most important local symbols, together with the train that runs between Sóller and Palma.Sóller is also known for it's architecture. The rustic houses in their pure mallorcan style share the valley with jewels of the Modernist era, the best example of which is the façade of the parish church of Sant Bartomeu. Incommunicated for centuries due to it's geography, Sóller has developed an important commercial centre, composed of numerous shops that offer quality products. Likewise there is a complete and varied range of restaurants and bars.
Sóller's cultural scene is important. The town celebrates it's patron saint 'fiestas' (late August) with intensity. There is also an annual simulacre of the battles between the Moors and the Christians (May) which has become emblematic of the islands fairs. Also there are several art galleries, musemus, and throughout the year are concerts of classical and modern music. The visitor can enjoy a stay in one of several rural and urban quality hotels, and rediscover themselves in the beautiful mountain landscapes. In Sóller every experience is memorable.
Port Sóller
Sóller's port is the only natural bay on the North-West coast of Mallorca, an exceptional natural enclosure that is well worth a visit. The old fisherman's quarter of Santa Caterina conserves its marine character.Port Sóller combines fishing with recreation, such as sailing or enjoying the beach. Along the front are many shops and restaurants. The two beaches, Ca’n Repic and Ca’n Generós, the boat trips to Sa Calobra or Cala Tuent, the fresh fish, a stroll up to the lighthouse, the sunset from the maritime museum, the Sóller tram, or simply the marvelous views that make the port an obligatory visit for the tourists; a real luxury within reach for all!
Fornalutx
Catalogued as the prettiest village in Mallorca, Fornalutx is an an attractive mountain settlement in the Serra de Tramuntana. A few minutes from Sóller, this municipality of less than a thousand inhabitants enjoys spectacular views and dates back a thousand years. Fornalutx has innumerable charms. The cobble-stoned streets and the stairways of the old town, beautifully decorated with abundant potted plants; the old stone houses with their open doors; the exuberant vegetation on the terraces and the plots where the famous oranges grow...The combination of architecture and landscape really is interesting and surprising.
Nearby is the hamlet of Biniaraix, equally pretty, from where one can begin one the islands most well known walks, the Barranc de Biniaraix to the peak of l’Ofre, a mountain of some 1,000 metres. In Fornalutx there is nothing to lose, and much to gain.
