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5 places

Things to do in Bunyola

Between Palma and Sóller at the foot of the Tramuntana: Alfabia, Raixa, Orient, Alaró castle and climbing at Sa Gubia.

Bunyola: the essentials

  1. Arrive on the Sóller train

    The wooden train that has linked Palma and Sóller since 1912 stops at Bunyola station. Get off here to see the village at your own pace, then carry on to Sóller through the tunnels under the Alfàbia range.

  2. Alfabia Gardens

    The gardens of an old estate of Moorish origin, right by the Sóller road: a pergola with water jets, ponds, palms and a kitchen garden, plus a few rooms of the manor house. In winter, check opening times before you go.

  3. Raixa, the Consell's estate

    A public possessió with an Italian-style garden, a grand staircase and a pond looking out over the Pla de Mallorca. It opens only a few days a week, sometimes by appointment, so check before setting off.

  4. Drive up to the Orient valley

    A narrow, twisting road climbs to Orient, a handful of houses among almond trees, olive groves and woodland. It is the starting point for walks in the area and for the Castell d'Alaró; expect plenty of cyclists at weekends.

  5. Castell d'Alaró

    From the Orient side or from Alaró, a path climbs to the ruined castle on top of a rocky outcrop. At the summit you will find the chapel of the Mare de Déu del Refugi and a simple hostelry, with views over half the island.

  6. Climb, or watch, at Sa Gubia

    A limestone gorge just outside the village, with sport and multi-pitch routes that draw climbers from all over Europe. Best from autumn to spring; in summer, only first thing in the morning.

  7. Sant Mateu fiestas in September

    Around 21 September, Bunyola celebrates its patron saint with Mass, folk dancing, concerts and fireworks. The best-known event is the Correguda en roba interior, an underwear race the village has held since 2005.

  8. A glass of local herb liqueur

    Túnel, one of Mallorca's best-known herb liqueurs, is made in Bunyola. Order one in a bar on the square after lunch, dry, sweet or mixed, the way locals drink it.

Bunyola is the gateway to the Tramuntana from Palma: a stone village at the foot of the Serra d'Alfàbia, with a small square, the bell tower of Sant Mateu and a station on the Sóller railway, where the trains going up and down pass each other. Two of the island's great estates are close by: the Jardines de Alfabia, with fountains and an orchard of Arab origin, and Raixa, a country estate with an Italian garden and grand staircase, now run by the Consell de Mallorca.

Behind the village, a narrow winding road climbs to the Orient valley, one of the loveliest in the range, with almond trees and a handful of houses. From there a path heads up to Castell d'Alaró, perched on a crag, with a refuge where you can eat something. Climbers come for Sa Gubia, a rock wall at the edge of the village, and after heavy rain the stream tumbles down at Es Salt des Freu, near Orient. For a meal in the valley, Ca'n Tomeu serves long-standing Mallorcan cooking.

Getting there

From Palma it's about 20 minutes by car on the Sóller road. The Sóller train stops at Bunyola, one of its main stations, and it's a lovely way to arrive. TIB buses also run from Palma's Estació Intermodal. The Orient road is narrow with many bends: take it slowly and watch out for cyclists.

When to go

February to May, when the almond trees flower and the countryside is green, and again in autumn. There's a small market in the square on Saturday mornings. In summer, walk early: it's hot and the mountains offer little shade. Es Salt des Freu only flows after several days of rain, mostly in winter.

Experiences near Bunyola

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Culture

Viewpoints & walks

Things to do

A day in Bunyola

Good to know about Bunyola

Frequently asked questions

What can you see in Bunyola in a day?

In the morning, the village and its square (with the market on Saturdays) and the Alfabia Gardens, a few minutes away on the Sóller road. After lunch, head up to the Orient valley or visit Raixa if it is open that day. The Castell d'Alaró walk needs half a day on its own.

Can you walk from Bunyola to Orient?

Yes. A branch of the GR 221, the Dry Stone Route, links Bunyola with the Coll d'Honor, just above the Orient valley, along mountain paths and old charcoal burners' tracks. It is a long walk with a steady climb, so take a map or GPS track, water and proper boots.

When is market day in Bunyola?

The weekly market sets up in the village square in the morning. Saturday is the day every source agrees on; some guides also list Wednesday. Expect fruit, vegetables, cured meats and a few clothes stalls. Do not try to drive up to the square, as the streets are very narrow.

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