Places
Serra de Tramuntana Drive: Sóller, Valldemossa & Deià
Short answerDriving the Serra de Tramuntana from Valldemossa to Sóller via Deià is one of Mallorca's best road trips, but the roads are narrow and winding, so plan for slow going and avoid peak summer traffic. Base yourself in Sóller or Valldemossa, start early, and use the Ma-11 and Ma-10 for the classic route. Travellers report that a rental car is essential for exploring the island at your own pace.
The classic route and how to drive it
The most scenic drive links Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller along the Ma-10 and Ma-11. Valldemossa is 20 km north of Palma by highway Ma-1110, and TIB Bus 203 runs hourly from Palma, taking 30 minutes and continuing to Deià, Sóller and Port de Sóller. Sóller is 24 km north of Palma on Highway Ma-11, with a toll-free tunnel from km 17 to 20; cyclists and hikers may not use the tunnel but must follow the old hairpin road over the col.
Drive on the right and be aware of speed limits because more cameras are being installed, travellers report. At roundabouts, watch for zebra crossings right at the entry and exit in urban areas. If you have the right of way, take it; trying to be polite and giving priority can confuse others and create chaos. Watch out for groups of cyclists on the roads, and expect narrow, tricky small roads in the Tramuntana.
Park at the edge of Sóller and continue on foot; the central streets are narrow and traffic-restricted. Valldemossa has a large parking lot at the edge of the village. In Deià, park considerately and walk in.
Valldemossa: the Charterhouse and the village
The main reason to visit Valldemossa is the 14th-century Charterhouse (Museu Cartoixa), which was a royal palace, then a Carthusian monastery, and now a museum. Frédéric Chopin and George Sand stayed here in winter 1838/39; adult entry is €12, and the Palau del Rei Sanxo is included on the same ticket. The church was rebuilt in neoclassical style in 1751.
Valldemossa is small enough for walking. Also see the Church of Sant Bartomeu and the Birthplace of St Catalina, Mallorca's patron saint. The village is on the GR 221 long-distance hiking trail, which leads over nine stages from Port d'Andratx to Pollença.
Nearby viewpoints from the spot list include Torre de sa Pedrissa and mirador de sa Regata de les Onze. Peaks around Valldemossa include Puig des Teix, Fita del Ram, Na Fàtima and Mola de Planícia.
Local tipPark at the edge of Sóller and Valldemossa and explore on foot; the central streets are narrow and traffic-restricted, and parking is limited.
Deià and the coast road
Deià sits between Valldemossa and Sóller on the same bus route (TIB Bus 203). It is known as the village where Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria settled and became a champion for Mallorca wildlife. The coast road here is the dramatic part of the Serra de Tramuntana drive, with sea views and steep drops.
Travellers report that the island isn't that big; with a car you can be pretty much anywhere in 90 minutes maximum. But on these winding roads, map directions do not account for being stuck behind cyclists or buses, so allow more time than the map suggests.
For a swim stop, Cala Deià is the local cove, though parking is limited. The drive from Deià to Sóller is short but slow.
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Sóller and Port de Sóller
Sóller is best known for its heritage train and tram. The Ferrocarril de Sóller trains run from Palma's Plaça d'Espanya via Bunyola to Sóller six times a day, taking one hour; in 2024 tickets are €20 single, €28 return. At Sóller you change to the tram to the port: a return from Palma to the port is €35. The tram rumbles between the railway station and Port de Sóller 08:00–21:00 every 30 minutes; the ride in 2024 costs €9 each way (buy on board).
In Sóller, see Plaça de la Constitució, the Church of Sant Bartomeu, the Museu de Sóller, Ca’n Prunera Museum and the Jardí Botànic. The Jardí Botànic is a spot on the list, open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, adult €8.
Port de Sóller is mostly modern low-rise; the central stretch near the tram terminus is the best of it. See the Museu de la Mar and Far des Cap Gros for sunset. Fornalutx is a charming village in the hills 4 km east of town, reachable by hiking trail or Bus 231.
What travellers report
Small roads in the Tramuntana can be tricky because they are narrow.
Best stops and detours
Beyond the main towns, the Serra de Tramuntana has viewpoints and mountain spots. From the spot list: Torre Picada, Mirador des Pujol d'en Banya, es Cornador gran, Es Pujol d'en Banya and La Miranda are viewpoints in the Tramuntana-Sóller area. Peaks include Puig de l'Ofre, Penyal d'Honor, Puig Major, Puig des Teix and Puig de Sant Miquel.
Casa de neu superior de n'Arbona, Cases de Neu and Casa dels nevaters are historic snow houses, reminders of the old ice trade. Raixa is an attraction near Valldemossa.
For a bigger detour, Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis are Mallorca's "Grand Canyon", and Santuari de Lluc is a monastery in the Tramuntana mountains. Travellers report that Cap de Formentor is a cliff around 230m above sea level, well worth a visit for the view of the drop.
When to go and what to book
Avoid the congested summer period; consider quiet months such as November or February, travellers report. Winters can be wet, windy and cold; autumn and spring are better but autumn can be rainy. Summer is too hot and getting hotter; heatwaves can make it unbearable. July is the busiest time to visit Mallorca.
Book car rentals early; many options were already booked for desired dates, travellers report. A large SUV is highly impractical in Mallorca; everyone tries to avoid those. Renting a car from the airport is recommended; underground parking in Palma center is easy and cheap at around 2 EURO per hour (reported by a user).
Download offline Google Maps of your area so you can GPS while on Airplane mode, travellers report. Consider buying a cheap Spain SIM card to make calls to restaurants for reservations.
Questions people ask
Do I need a car to explore the Serra de Tramuntana?
Travellers report that having a rental car is recommended for exploring the island. Buses like TIB 203 and 204 connect Palma, Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, but a car gives you flexibility for viewpoints and detours.
Is the drive from Valldemossa to Sóller difficult?
The roads are narrow and winding, and travellers report that small roads in the Tramuntana can be tricky. Allow more time than the map suggests, especially if you get stuck behind cyclists or buses.
Where should I park in Sóller and Valldemossa?
Park at the edge of Sóller and continue on foot; the central streets are narrow and traffic-restricted. Valldemossa has a large parking lot at the edge of the village.
Can I visit Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller by public transport?
Yes. TIB Bus 203 runs hourly from Palma, taking 30 minutes to Valldemossa and continuing to Deià, Sóller and Port de Sóller. The Ferrocarril de Sóller train also runs from Palma to Sóller six times a day, taking one hour.
What is the best time of year to drive the Serra de Tramuntana?
Travellers report that autumn and spring are better than winter, though autumn can be rainy. Avoid the congested summer period and consider quiet months such as November or February.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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