Driving Archives - Majorca Tourist Information

Sa Calobra Beach

Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra Beach – updated 25 January 2023.

Sa Calobra Beach in Majorca is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and breath-taking experience. This secluded spot is surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal clear waters, making it the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and tranquillity. Whether you're looking to sunbathe on the sandy shore, take a dip in the Mediterranean, or explore the rugged terrain, Sa Calobra Beach has something for everyone. So pack your bags and come discover this beautiful piece of paradise.

Sa Calobra is a well-known remote cove on the west coast of Mallorca situated a short walk away from the incredible rocky river gorge, Es Torrent de Pareis.

Famous spot

It is a small and undeniably attractive white-pebble cove with blue-green crystal-clear water and is one of the most famous spots on the island.

Two beaches

There are two beaches in the cove, the first one is small and stony and is not the beach that everyone comes to see, that can be found by taking the paved path on the right-hand-side, which takes you through a short and narrow tunnel.

No facilities

If you are planning to stay at the beach for a while, you’ll need to bring along some things to make you comfortable as there are no facilities there including a lifeguard. You will find bars and restaurants back at Sa Calobra where you will also find public toilets and first aid.

Inspiration to artists

The spot is indeed lovely and has served as an inspiration to artists past and present; however, it has become a victim of its own beauty. There are just too many tourists there and it's a coach & car-fest during the summer crush.

Red Beard

The beach has a history dating back to the 18th century and it is even rumoured that the infamous pirate Red Beard docked in Sa Calobra.

Twisting roads

Tourists flock to this location in their hundreds all year around to admire the jaw-dropping scenery and to enjoy the incredible journey there with its twisting roads and spectacular views.

Knotted Tie

With an 800m descent over 12km and the infamous 270-degree loop known as the ‘Knotted Tie’ and incredible mountain views of Mallorca’s highest mountain, Puig Major, the road to Sa Calobra is an adventure in its own right.

Es Torrent de Pareis was elevated to the category of Natural Monument in 2003 by the Government of the Balearic Islands.

Tours

Full day Majorca Tour with Port de Soller and Sa Calobra

There's something really special about this trip to northern Majorca – the way in which you go sightseeing is part of the adventure. That's because you'll travel by coach, train, tram and boat during our exclusive excursion through Soller, Port de Soller, Sa Calobra and Lluc. What's more, you'll have an in-the-know local to show you around. Juan, one of our guides, says, ‘I was born and bred in Majorca, and have lived in the Soller region for years. You'll see special places that most visitors miss out on.'

Hop on the century-old Soller train – think antique wooden carriages with brass fittings – and zigzag your way through the pine-clad Tramuntana Mountains, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an experience oozing nostalgia. And as the train is electric, it's a more sustainable way to travel. There's also a trip on a tram linking Soller and Port de Soller, during which you'll pass through orange groves and narrow tracks behind homes. And if you want some insider tips, your local guide can recommend the top restaurants for a real taste of the island's cuisine.

With free time to find lunch, it's a great opportunity to sample the produce Soller is famous for – oranges, ice cream and the highly regarded red Soller prawns. The journey from Port de Soller to Sa Calobra is by catamaran. You'll have a little while to unwind on this impossibly beautiful beach, which is hemmed in by cliffs. Further in is the rocky gorge of Torrent de Pareis – nature at its rawest – Book now

Out on the water experiences

Beaches Driving Sa Calobra Beach

The Mallorca Insider

January 25, 2023

Manacor to Alcudia

Manacor to Alcudia driving route

Manacor to Alcudia – updated 12 February 2023.

The island of Majorca, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. The Manacor to Alcudia driving route is one of the most scenic and picturesque routes on the island, providing travelers with a journey through some of the most stunlning scenery that Majorca has to offer.

Starting in the town of Manacor, the route takes you through the heart of the island’s agricultural region, passing through lush fields of almond and olive trees. The road winds through small villages and towns, where visitors can experience traditional Majorcan life and culture.

Manacor is Mallorca’s second-largest city and is best known as the birthplace of tennis great Rafael Nadal and as a centre of furniture manufacturing.

There’s not a lot to see here; however, the Esglesia dels Delors de Nostra Senyora church is worth a visit, so is the Manacor History Museum.

Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience

If you’re a sports fan, then the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience puts the ball in your court. Its simulators and attractions put you at the centre of the action. As well as the tennis legend’s trophies and memorabilia on display in the Exhibition Room there are exciting experiences where you get to call all the shots.

The Majorcan tennis ace, Rafael Nadal, presents all his trophies and memorabilia in a museum with a difference in his hometown of Manacor. Head into the Exhibition Room and you’ll find all his achievements, equipment and best trophies from throughout his career, but step through into the Experience Room and you become the protagonist of the show.

There are state-of-the-art simulators that take you on a voyage of different sports, including F1, tennis and more, as well as 3D Eyewear that sweeps you into another world – quite literally. Kids and adults will find something to entertain them, so it’s an ace day out for all the family – Book tickets

Caves of Drach

When you leave Manacor, follow the signs for Porto Cristo where you have the opportunity to visit the Caves of Drach, one of the largest caves in Europe and considered by many to be the 8th Wonder of the World. Within the caves is Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes on the planet; which today plays host to a boat-borne classical music program; which attracts visitors from far and wide.

Cala Millor

From Porto Cristo follow the signs for Son Servera and Cala Millor, a lovely road; which meanders through orchards until you arrive at Cala Millor; which is a good place to stop for a short beach break.

Capdepera

The route then takes you east into Son Servera and then to Capdepera, largely undiscovered by the majority of visitors to the island. The biggest attraction in Capdepera is the ‘Castell de Capdepera’, it is a quite demanding walk uphill, but the views are outstanding.

Artà

From Capdepera, take the road to Artà, a quiet, attractive rural town with a maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings and pretty cafes with an impressive hilltop fortress built in the 14th century.

Alcúdia

From there, continue along the coastal road around the bay to Alcúdia, a beautiful medieval walled town of quiet charm and character.

Surrounded by mighty walls that contain historic mansions, scenic plazas, cafés with beautiful terraces & warm-stone houses, this vibrant town is a year-round destination, providing a rich taste of history and culture.

Overall, the Manacor to Alcudia driving route is a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes and charming towns that Majorca has to offer. Whether you are an experienced driver, a lover of stunning vistas, or simply looking for a memorable way to explore the island, this route is a must-see attraction that should not be missed. So, pack your bags, start your engine, and get ready to experience the beauty of Majorca from the comfort of your car.

Majorca tours & experiences

Driving Driving route Rafa Nadal xperience

The Mallorca Insider

October 13, 2020

Sa Calobra Serpentine

A Scenic Marvel of Majorca

Sa Calobra Serpentine – updated 12 February 2023.

Nestled in the Tramuntana mountain range, in the northwest of the island, the Sa Calobra Serpentine road is one of the most spectacular and scenic driving routes in Majorca. The winding road was constructed in the 1930s and is renowned for its challenging turns and breathtaking vistas. It is a testament to human engineering and a must-visit attraction for visitors to the island. Just 13km long, the Sa Calobra Serpentine (MA-2141) is one of the most scenic drives in the world.

26 hairpin turns

The Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a marvel of road engineering, with a total of 26 hairpin turns leading down to the Sa Calobra cove. The road is just over 12 kilometres long and has an average gradient of 7.1%. The twists and turns of the road make for a thrilling drive and provide breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.

Stunning views

At the top of the road, drivers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. As you descend down the serpentine road, the views become even more spectacular, with winding roads leading down to the picturesque Sa Calobra cove, a small pebble beach with turquoise waters.

The Snake

The route is referred to as ‘The Snake’ by locals but ‘Spaghetti’ would be more apt and was built specifically to avoid tunnels resulting in a road that snakes through the landscape often with a gradient in excess of 7%, which is why it is very popular with cyclists and is mentioned in our ‘best cycling routes’ section.

Knotted Tie

With an 800m descent over 12km and the infamous 270-degree loop known as the ‘Knotted Tie’ and incredible mountain views of Mallorca’s highest mountain, Puig Major, the road to Sa Calobra is an adventure in its own right.

Antonio Paretti

The Sa Calobra Serpentine was manually built in 1932 and was created by the engineer Antonio Paretti and is a masterpiece of twists and turns; however, it is one of the most dangerous roads in Spain with no marked central line and no guardrails and much too much traffic especially during the summer.

Extremely slippy

At times, the road is very narrow and impassable for 2 cars at the same time and on rainy days, the asphalt becomes extremely slippy. It should not be attempted by those who don’t know how to reverse.

Despite the road’s popularity, it is still relatively isolated and untouched. There are no service stations, shops, or restaurants along the way, so it’s important to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have enough supplies for the journey.

50 Curves

The 25-minute route is an unforgettable and sensational experience but definitely not for anyone who is nervous of steep, winding descents. It has more than 50 curves with the majority of those being hairpins and the gradient can reach as high as 11.5%.

Cycling

The Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a popular destination for cyclists and motorcyclists, and in recent years has been featured in the Vuelta a España, one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world.

Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra is a small village on the coast that is widely regarded as having the best unspoilt cove on the island. It also has a hidden beach and an incredible gorge – Es Torrent de Pareis. Tourists flock to this location in their hundreds all year around to admire the jaw-dropping scenery and to enjoy the incredible journey there with its twisting roads and spectacular views.

Overall, the Sa Calobra Serpentine road is a true wonder of Majorca, a testament to human ingenuity and a marvel of natural beauty. Whether you are an experienced driver, cyclist, or simply a lover of breathtaking landscapes, the serpentine road is a must-visit attraction that should not be missed. So, hop in your car, put on your seatbelt, and get ready to experience one of the most scenic drives of your life!

Majorca tours & experiences

Driving Driving route Sa Calobra Serpentine

The Mallorca Insider

October 13, 2020

The most scenic driving route in Mallorca

Driving route Majorca

The most scenic driving route – updated 09 October 2022

This driving route takes you from Andratx to Port de Sóller via Banyalbufar, Valldemossa & Deià and is the most scenic drive on the island.

Andratx

This is an incredible drive that begins at Andratx, the largest town in southwest Mallorca and follows the MA-10 north to the very pretty and rustic mountain village of Estellencs. The route to this village is an attraction in its own right with the deep blue Mediterranean Sea to the left-hand-side and the dramatic and changing face of the Tramuntana Mountains to your right. The landscape is covered in thick pines at times and sometimes it is arid and sparsely vegetated.

Estellencs

Before you arrive at the laid-back and quiet little village of Estellencs, you will see a restaurant called 'Es Grau' on the left-hand-side of the road, which has the most incredible views from its terrace and is the perfect location for a stop.

The first thing you will want to do when you come to Estellencs is reach for your camera, the narrow timeworn streets with their flower adorned stone buildings framed by the mountains is picture postcard perfect, no wonder that this beautiful village is a magnet for hikers and cyclists.

Banyalbufar

From Estellencs, continue north along the MA-10 until you reach the small picturesque and authentic coastal hillside town of Banyalbufar. This quaint, rabbit warren of a town is surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range and boasts many visitors who wish to stroll down the beautiful plant-lined lanes which wind down towards the sea and admire the glorious views and stunning sunsets.

Valldemossa

From Banyalbufar, the driving route takes you inland for a few kilometres before resuming its northward trajectory to the eye-catching village of Valldemossa, famous for the Valldemossa Charterhouse, a palace / monastery where King Sancho of Majorca resided prior to his death in 1324 and the musician Frédéric Chopin and the writer George Sand lived from 1838 to 1839.

Surrounded by the wooden slopes of the Tramuntana Mountains, the village boasts tree-lined, cobbled lanes, stunning villas and ancient blonde stone houses.

Whilst you are in Valldemossa, we recommend that you try Coco de Patata, a sweet tasting potato pastry, which is sold in every bakery in the village.

Deià

From Valldemossa, the driving route continues north to the small mountain-coastal village of Deià, one of the prettiest villages in Mallorca with honey-coloured townhouses, citrus orchards, almond and olive trees all perched on a picturesque hillside and set against the mountain backdrop of the Puig des Teix at 1062m.

The writer Robert Graves famously lived in the village twice with many of his creative, artistic friends coming to visit and Deià quickly gained a reputation as an artist’s retreat.

Sóller

From Deià, your journey continues north and then inland into Sóller.

Also known as the Golden Valley, Sóller is famous for its grand merchant houses, orange and lemon groves and the famous tram which connects the small town with the Port de Sóller district.

On your way back to base, we highly recommend that you take the Ma-11 heading towards Palma and visit the Jardines de Alfabia where you will discover an enchanting garden oasis of ornate fountains, atmospheric walkways, and botanical delights. It'll take your holiday snaps to the next level – More information

Majorca tours & experiences

Driving route in Mallorca

The Mallorca Insider

September 17, 2020