Bunyola and the Orient: Mountain Village with a Railway Station and the Quietest Valley in the Tramuntana
Bunyola is the first proper mountain village you come to when driving from Palma towards Sóller. If you don’t turn off there, you’ll miss one of the island’s most beautiful short roads, which winds up into the Orient Valley. Two villages, one excursion.
Von Thorsten Kambach2 Min. Lesezeit
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Bunyola
The village lies at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, about 20 minutes from Palma. It has a Plaça with a church and bars, olive groves all around, and a railway station: the historic train from Palma to Sóller stops here. If you only want to ride part of the way on the Red Blitz, get on at Bunyola. Everything about the railway: Red Blitz to Sóller.
There is a market in the village on Saturdays. The municipality also includes the two well-known gardens of Alfabia and Raixa, described in Gardens on Mallorca.
The road to Orient
A narrow, winding road leads from Bunyola over a pass into the high Orient Valley and on to Alaró. It is very popular with road cyclists, so take it slowly and expect a group around every bend. Tips for riding in the mountains: Exploring Mallorca by car and for cyclists Road cycling on Mallorca.
Orient
Orient is little more than a hamlet: a church, a few stone houses, restaurants, meadows, apple trees. The valley lies higher than the plain and is noticeably cooler in summer. In autumn, Orient celebrates its apples with a small festival. If you are looking for peace and quiet, sit on a terrace here at lunchtime and listen to nothing but sheep bells.
Hiking around Orient
From Orient, paths lead up to the Castell d’Alaró castle ruins, which stand on a rocky outcrop above the valley. The climb is moderately difficult, and at the top there is an inn with simple food and views as far as Palma. Find out more in Alaró and Hiking on Mallorca.
A day in the area
- Alfabia or Raixa in the morning.
- Over the pass to Orient at lunchtime, then eat.
- Continue to Alaró in the afternoon or return and take the train from Bunyola to Sóller.
More villages on the edge of the mountains: Serra de Tramuntana and Esporles.
Accommodation
Around Bunyola, Alaró and Santa Maria, there are fincas with mountain views, close to Palma yet still in the countryside. Houses: Finca in western Mallorca, Finca near Palma and Finca for a hiking holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bunyola?
At the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, about 15 kilometres north of Palma on the road to Sóller.
Does the Red Blitz stop in Bunyola?
Yes, the historic train between Palma and Sóller makes a stop in Bunyola.
How do you get to Orient?
Via the narrow mountain road from Bunyola or from Alaró. By car, it takes about 20 minutes from Bunyola.
Can you hike from Orient to Castell d’Alaró?
Yes, paths lead up to the castle ruins from Orient. Expect a moderately difficult climb.