Charming villages in Mallorca for a getaway from Port d'Andratx
One of Mallorca's great attractions is its villages with a Mediterranean soul. Many seem frozen in time, set among Mallorcan stone walls, traditional green shutters, cobbled streets, and the Mediterranean or the Tramuntana shaping the landscape.
Each village has its own charm: some live entirely facing the sea, while others remain hidden among the mountains. They are well worth exploring in order to discover their authentic local magic.
A route from La Pérgola Aparthotel
From Port d'Andratx, La Pérgola is the perfect starting point for travelling along one of Mallorca's most distinctive roads: the MA-10. This road winds through the south-west of the island, an area characterised by cliffs that drop directly into the sea.
The journey itself becomes part of the experience. Along the way, you discover villages such as Estellencs, Banyalbufar and Deià, each with a character strongly shaped by the landscape around it.
Estellencs and Banyalbufar share a similar essence, as both are built on slopes that descend towards the sea, surrounded by mountains, vegetation and dry-stone terraces that form part of the visual identity of this area of the Tramuntana.
Estellencs stands out especially for its silence, being one of the smallest, least populated and most charming villages on the island. It rests on a hill that slopes down towards the sea, leading to one of the most beautiful pebble coves on the island. Its narrow, stepped cobbled streets adapt to the complex mountain terrain. It is one of the few villages that maintains a calmer, more discreet atmosphere even in summer.
Banyalbufar, meanwhile, is characterised by its open sea views and abundance of viewpoints. Its terraced slopes above the cliffs create one of the most recognisable landscapes on the island. The village's identity is defined by the relationship between mountain, stone, cultivation and sea, constantly accompanied by viewpoints and terraces opening out towards the west coast.
Another emblematic village found along this road is Deià. This village also combines sea and mountain. Its appearance is closely linked to its stone houses, which rest on the hillside, and to the small streets that climb to the top, leading to the church and cemetery, where impressive panoramic views can be enjoyed.
It is visited not only for its beauty, which makes it one of the most attractive villages in Mallorca, but also because for years it has attracted attention for its bohemian and artistic lifestyle. Several art galleries found here reinforce this impression. Deià has also welcomed artists such as Robert Graves, the poet and writer who spent much of his life, until his death, in this village after falling in love with it.
The best time to visit is undoubtedly at sunset, when the light completely transforms the landscape and the village takes on a different appearance. The skies are tinged with golden and pink tones, and the light reflects off the mountains and stone walls.
The Mallorca that remains untouched among the mountains
Among the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana are villages with a rustic soul, which have preserved their appearance intact for centuries. Here, Mallorcan stone façades take centre stage and a slower pace forms part of everyday life.
One of the villages that best represents this essence is Valldemossa. Its character can be summed up in cobbled streets covered with flowerpots, a preserved traditional aesthetic and cypress trees that complete the picture. It is located in a valley, so the mountains form part of its identity. Wandering through its streets reveals houses that have remained faithful to traditional Mallorcan architecture.
Another village that has remained untouched is Fornalutx. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca, with narrow, stepped streets. Part of its distinctive appearance comes from its curious painted roof tiles, known as tejas moras, which reveal the village's Arab origins.
Esporles is another village well worth visiting. Passeig del Rei is one of its most distinctive features, with its tree-lined avenue. Its streets are wider than those of the previous villages, creating a greater sense of openness. These streets are marked by the shade of the trees, which creates a calmer atmosphere.
Villages bathed in Mediterranean charm
Just 15 minutes by car from La Pérgola Aparthotel is Sant Elm. Originally a fishing village, it is located on the south-western edge of the Tramuntana. It faces the famous island of Sa Dragonera and is known for its calm turquoise waters, small boats dotting the horizon and streets that open out towards the coast.
Portocolom is one of those villages that stays in your memory. Its identity is partly shaped by the coast, as it is one of the few natural harbours in Mallorca. It is a village that seems to live slowly, at a Mediterranean pace. Here, the landscape is not dominated by huge cliffs, but by terraces opening onto the harbour, boats resting on the water and seaside promenades.
Another coastal village worth visiting is Cala Figuera. Nicknamed "the Mallorcan fjord", it is distinguished by its coastal inlet and small fishermen's huts with colourful shutters. The village maintains simple architecture that blends into the landscape, creating a more intimate atmosphere.
As an honourable mention, Alcúdia must not be left out. Although it is not in direct contact with the Mediterranean, it is well worth a visit. The village stands out for its historic centre, with traces of a medieval past, surrounded by a wall that has protected the town since the 14th century.
A family getaway to discover Mallorca
Are you thinking of visiting the island and unsure where to stay?
Port d'Andratx is the perfect place to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, away from the crowds.
From La Pérgola Aparthotel, the Serra de Tramuntana, the west coast and some of the island's most emblematic corners are just a few kilometres away, turning every getaway into a different way to discover Mallorca.
