Discovering Banyalbufar
‘Banyalbahar’ is a very special word.
Two languages and two communities, Arabic and Catalan, merge into eleven letters capable of evoking happiness. Eleven letters capable of speaking about Mallorca, the Mediterranean and the Serra de Tramuntana, history and origins. Eleven letters capable of speaking of one of the most special and beautiful corners of the island: Banyalbahar, or what it’s meaning indicates, a village built in front of the sea.
This village with a name that is (almost) impossible to pronounce, named Banyalbufar nowadays, was born in the 10th century. An area that was inhabited and cultivated by the Arabs who, with expertise and skills, designed an irrigation system for aqueducts that we can still see to this day. Furthermore, they built more than 2,000 houses on the mountain hillside using stone, earth and good taste. One of the most valued postcards in Mallorca.
The path that leads us to this Tramuntana village, winding and surrounded by land and sea, takes us with mystery and beauty to its streets, paved and filled with colour and charm. Colourful blinds and an almost spiritual silence that welcomes its visitors.
Banyalbufar, surrounded by mountains, looks like a village out of a fairy tale. The blues of the sky and the sea merge with the greens of its thick, leafy trees.
Their vineyards, located on terraces made of stone and soil by the Arabs, cultivate Malvasia, a grape highly appreciated and special in wine production. An almost must-see for anyone visiting the village is in the local wineries Son Vives and Ca'n Picó. Here you can visit the vineyards or simply buy a bottle of wine.
During the summer, Cala Banyalbufar is one of the favourite destinations for locals and tourists. From the top of the wooden stairs that separate us from the turquoise waters, we can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the cove. One of its great attractions, besides its location and the colour of the sea, is a natural waterfall that, after crossing the Serra de Tramuntana, drops wildly into Cala Banyalbufar. The perfect remedy to salt and hot weather.
Trekking is one of the favourite activities of all Banyalbufar visitors, and the most famous route is "la volta des general". From the village to Es Port des Canonge, another of the most beautiful spots in the Serra de Tramuntana, we will hike on an easy walk that never loses sight of the coast.
A gem just a few minutes from Palma.
There is no doubt that Banyalbufar is a perfect choice for all those who want to unwind from the city and connect with nature.
