Torrent de Pareis; natural wonder in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana
Services and features
Natural environment
Length 25 m / Width 200 m
High occupancy
650 m on foot to get thereDescription
The Torrent de Pareis is a torrent that crosses the Sierra de Tramuntana. It is born in a place called s’Entreforc, where the streams of Sa Fosca and Lluc (or Albarca) meet, flowing out next to Sa Calobra, where it forms a cove between two imposing cliffs.
At its mouth, a beach of coarse sand, gravel and pebbles forms about 25 m in length (the separation between the cliffs that flank the beach) and a variable width of around 200 m, which depends on the water supply of the stream and the surf.
As in all the coves of the Sierra de Tramuntana, the waters of the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis are clean and crystalline
They acquire a turquoise color due to the rocks in the background and due to the reflection of the vegetation that covers the surrounding cliffs.
The cove is shaped like a gigantic natural amphitheater, with the slope of Puig Major in the background, where the torrent appears. In fact, in July of each year, this majestic natural setting is used to hold an outdoor concert. The limestone walls that surround it provide acoustics that enhance the voices of the choirs and instruments that sound between them.
In 2003 it was declared a Natural Monument for its scenic value, but also for its natural importance. Here lives the ferreret, a small amphibian also called the Balearic toad and endemic to Mallorca.
In addition to this amphibian, and other species of reptiles, the situation and the particular orography of the Torrent de Pareis, with walls of more than 200 m at some points, make it have a great plant wealth. More than 300 different species have been observed along its channel.
Although the part of the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis that is inland is very sheltered, the part that faces the sea is subjected to a strong onslaught from the sea. That is why it is not highly recommended to anchor boats, although on very calm days you can see many anchored in these waters.
How to get to Torrent de Pareis
The descent of the Torrent de Pareis is one of the most popular excursions in Mallorca
The itinerary is long but not difficult, and even children can do it. It does require preparation, since once in the stream there is no going back, you can only go out through its mouth. At present there is no public transport so you must have a vehicle in the cove to return to the starting point.
If we only want to visit its spectacular mouth, the route by car is well signposted, although on mountain roads at times very winding
From Palma we will go to Sóller and then take the Ma-10 towards Sa Calobra. At about 15 km, we will find the detour, duly signposted, to the left, which we must take to go down to Sa Calobra.
From this point the road becomes even more sinuous: 14 km downhill, with 12 180º curves, plus the famous Nu de sa Corbata (Tie knot), 270º where the road passes under itself. We will pass the detour that leads to the nearby Cala Tuent and we only have to go straight until we reach Sa Calobra, where there is a tariff parking area. From there there is a walkway and a pedestrian tunnel (duly lit) that connects this cove with the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis.
If we are in the center or the east of the island we will go to Inca to follow the indications to Lluc. At the access junction to the monastery we will follow the directions for Sa Calobra. From Palma we can also follow this route, thus skipping the section of Sóller and Fornalutx curves.
If we are in Alcudia or Puerto de Pollensa, the shortest path passes through Pollensa, following the Ma-10 towards Lluc, and then follow the directions for Sa Calobra.
Currently there is no public transport to Sa Calobra
But there are quite a few coach companies that organize excursions. There are also boat trips that leave from Puerto de Sóller.
This area is a popular destination for cyclists
But it is a route that requires good physical preparation due to the ramps and slopes that it presents: 900 m of unevenness on 14 km of road.
The Torrent de Pareis and its surroundings are also the arrival point of many hiking routes
In the nearby Cala Tuent ends the tour of Sa Costera, a walking route from Sóller.
The anchoring of boats in front of Torrent de Pareis is not recommended due to exposure to north winds
If the sea is very calm in front of the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis, the rock bottom is 12 m deep.
Services
In the Torrent de Pareis there is no service available as it is a protected area
There are no toilets or showers or lifeguard service. For anything that may be needed, you will have to go to the neighboring Sa Calobra.
Activities
In the Torrent de Pareis it is common to see bathers, but close to the shore
Due to the currents that can form, it is advisable not to stray too far, and especially to be extremely careful if you go with children. If the sea is calm you can swim from the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis to Sa Calobra. Another good route is to skirt the cliff on the right bank, away from the boats that may have anchored.
Of course the clear, clean and transparent waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving, but only when the sea is calm.
The most interesting parts are those near the cliffs, and in case of bad seas the currents will throw us against the rocks.
On the cliff to the left of the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis, going towards Sa Calobra, there are walls with pathways suitable for psychobloc.
It is also common to do kayak tours in the nearby coves
Paddle surfing is another activity that can be done in the waters near Torrent de Pareis, including reaching Sa Calobra. If we do not have the equipment nearby, there are facilities to rent the equipment, and from where guided activities are also organized.
In addition to the descent of the torrent from s’Entreforc, there are several excursions that can be made from the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis
We can go up to the Morro de sa Vaca, one of the cliffs that flanks the cove and with spectacular views. For more expert mountaineers it is possible to climb from here to Puig Roig, a difficult route with just over 1000 m of unevenness.
- Torrent de Pareis – s’Entreforc
- Ascent to Morro de sa Vaca
- Circular route: Sa Calobra – Puig Roig – Sa Calobra
There are also several nearby climbing areas with open routes, but you have to find out if they are in good condition or if they have been removed
In some cases they did not have authorization from the managers of the Sierra de Tramuntana Natural Park and the owners of the farms, while in others the open roads threatened nests or protected vegetation. There are signs informing of the restricted areas, some only temporarily depending on whether it is the nesting season of protected species.
There are no bars or beach bars in Torrent de Pareis
But in neighboring Sa Calobra there are several where to regain strength or refresh ourselves while enjoying the views of this cove.
Lodging
In the Torrent de Pareis area there is no kind of accommodation
On the road to the nearby Cala Tuent there are several vacation rentals (country estates) and a rural hotel. In addition to these accommodations, the closest establishment is the Lluc Monastery, which has simple rooms and even the traditional monks’ cells.
The closest hotel nucleus is Sóller, together with Puerto de Sóller. In addition to the usual vacation rentals, there is a wide and sufficiently varied offer: from hostels to luxurious five-star hotels, although the predominant ones are three and four.
Take a look at Torrent de Pareis in 360º
