Things to do in Banyalbufar

Banyalbufar is a small village on the Tramuntana coast, between Valldemossa and Estellencs, built on dry-stone terraces that run almost down to the sea. The terraces were built for farming and still shape the whole landscape: stone houses, narrow lanes and viewpoints over the water at every bend in the road. The pace here is slow: wander, eat with a sea view and watch the sun go down.

The coast comes in short stretches. The Torre del Verger, a 16th-century watchtower by the road, is the best-known viewpoint for sunset. From the village, a steep path leads down to the Cala de Banyalbufar, a pebble cove. A little further north, Port des Canonge has fishermen's boathouses and a stony beach, and Cala Gata is a rocky inlet for a quiet swim when the sea is calm.

Getting there

From Palma it takes about 40 minutes by car, via Esporles and the coast road, the Ma-10, which is narrow and full of bends. TIB buses leave from Palma's Estació Intermodal and stop in the village on the way to Estellencs. Parking is very limited: leave the car at the entrance to the village and walk in.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking the terraces and the coast. Late afternoon brings the loveliest light, and the Torre del Verger fills up for sunset. In summer the road gets busier, and in winter some restaurants close or open fewer days.