Monasteries & Viewpoints

The Tramuntana is dotted with monasteries on mountain peaks and viewpoints (Miradors) that take your breath away. Three of the best:

★★★ Lluc Monastery (Santuari de Lluc)

Mallorca's most important pilgrimage site, hidden in a mountain valley at an altitude of 525 m. Since the 13th century, Mallorcans have been pilgrimaging here to the "Black Madonna" (La Moreneta), a dark stone figure of the Virgin Mary. The monastery is an extensive complex with a basilica (baroque, impressive altar), a museum (archaeological finds, religious art), a botanical garden with endemic plants, and a restaurant.

Especially atmospheric: The boys' choir "Els Blauets" (the "Blues," named after the color of their robes) sings daily except Saturdays at 11:15 am in the basilica — one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe, since the 15th century.

Lluc also offers simple accommodation in former monks' cells (from 35 €/night for a double room) — spartan, but quiet and atmospheric.

Monastery admission: free. Museum: 4 €. Parking available. Restaurant with Mallorcan cuisine (€). Bus 330 from Inca.

★★★ Road to Sa Calobra (MA-2141)

The most famous road in Mallorca: 12 km, 800 meters of elevation, 26 hairpin bends — including the legendary "Tie Knot" (Nus de sa Corbata), a 270° loop where the road winds under itself. The drive is an experience in itself — not only for drivers but also for the hundreds of road cyclists who tackle the climb here daily.

At the bottom awaits the small bay of Sa Calobra and a 200 m long tunnel leading to the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis — one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in Mallorca.

★★ Mirador de ses Barques

The best viewpoint over Port de Sóller: From a terrace at an altitude of 400 m, you look down on the crescent-shaped bay, the harbor, and the open sea. The restaurant of the same name (€€) serves Pa amb Oli (bread with olive oil and tomatoes), Paella, and Mallorcan classics with this incredible panorama. Located on the MA-10 between Sóller and Lluc Monastery.

Coordinates: 39.7918, 2.7710. Parking directly on the road. Restaurant open daily.

★★ Mirador Ricardo Roca

On the MA-10 between Andratx and Estellencs, on the southwestern side of the Tramuntana. The viewpoint (with restaurant/bar) offers a breathtaking view down the steep coast and of the island Sa Dragonera on the horizon. Especially spectacular at sunset — the rocks glow golden and red.

Coordinates: 39.6448, 2.4536. Bar/restaurant with terrace, affordable prices (coffee, beer, snacks).

★ Mirador de ses Ànimes (Torre del Verger)

A 16th-century watchtower on a cliff near Banyalbufar — one of the most photographed spots in Mallorca. From here, you overlook the entire west coast with its terraced vineyards reaching down to the sea. The tower itself is accessible (free of charge).

Coordinates: 39.6835, 2.5090. Small parking bay directly on the MA-10.