Banyalbufar; Serenity by the Sea
The weather in Banyalbufar
Description
Banyalbufar is a small coastal village located in the southern half of the Tramuntana mountain range and has just over 500 inhabitants. In addition to the town of Banyalbufar itself, the municipality is home to the small village of Es Port des Canonge, and the possessió de Son Coll.
The surroundings of Banyalbufar are impressive for their terraces: large terraces built on the slopes of the mountains to make them cultivable
Among many other crops, Banyalbufar is famous for its olive trees (common to the whole Tramuntana region), and especially for its grapevines, specifically the Malvasia variety, a key element of the local economy.
In recent years Banyalbufar has made a name for itself as a high level tourist destination, fleeing from the more overcrowded centres
If you are looking for peace and quiet, a well-kept natural environment and spectacular views where sea, mountains and sky merge, you should definitely visit this little village. It also has a small rocky cove that serves as a refuge for fishing boats.
For hikers, Banyalbufar is the starting or stopping point for many routes in the Sierra, and the same can be said for cycle tourists
If you are travelling through the Tramuntana, it is obligatory to pass through here, and a stop here is more than advisable.
As far as accommodation is concerned, there is not much to choose from, given the size of the village, but it is sufficient
Mainly we will find hostels and two and three-star hotels, more than adequate for a pleasant stay. As far as restaurants are concerned, you will find everything from traditional establishments to new signature cuisine restaurants.
How to get to Banyalbufar
The route that leads to Banyalbufar is a winding mountain road in its last kilometres, but it is wide and in good condition, making the journey easy and comfortable.
How to get to Banyalbufar beach by car
From Palma take the Ma-1110 towards Valldemossa. After leaving the campus of the University of the Balearic Islands on our left we will reach a roundabout where we will continue in the direction of Esporles. Cross the village and follow the signs to Banyalbufar.
If our destination is Es Port des Canonge we will find a signposted detour indicating the road to follow.
Parking in Banyalbufar can be a bit complicated, and you have to take into account that the whole town centre is a blue zone
- In the centre, near the town hall, there is a small municipal car park with a charge (1,80€/h).
- On the way down to the cove there is a free parking area, but it is not very big.
- Leaving the village in the direction of Estellencs there is another free parking area.
How to get to Banyalbufar beach by public transport
From Palma: line 202, which passes through Esporles and goes to Estellencs.
How to get to Banyalbufar beach by boat
To reach Banyalbufar by boat we have two alternatives:
- In Cala Banyalbufar itself there is a small jetty for shallow-draft boats. Anchoring is only recommended if the sea is very calm, as it is very open to the sea.
- A little further north, in Port des Canonge, we can also anchor, but again, only if the sea is very calm, as it is exposed to the north and west winds.
Port de Sóller, the closest port to Banyalbufar, is 8.7 miles away.
Activities
To cool off in the hot summer months in Banyalbufar there are two coves: Cala Banyalbufar itself, and the small beach of Port des Canonge. But where this picturesque village of the Tramuntana stands out is in its location and its landscapes where the sea and the mountains merge.
One of the best viewpoints from which to enjoy these spectacular views is the Torre de ses Ànimes, or Torre den Verger
This old watchtower from the end of the 16th century and partially in ruins is shrouded in several legends, such as the one that says that the souls of the deceased weave a net to trap the unwary who venture into its vicinity at night. It is very close to the village, about 20 minutes on foot, following the road in the direction of Estellencs. If you want to go by car, there is a small car park nearby, and a viewpoint overlooking the tower. There is also a bus stop next to it.
But apart from the walk to the Torre de ses Ànimes there are many hiking routes through the lands of Banyalbufar
- Route 1: one of the most typical is the so-called Volta des General, an easy route between Esporles and Banyalbufar, 9 km
- Route 2: another typical excursion, suitable for families with children, is the one between Banyalbufar and Port des Canonge, passing by the Cova de na Bernarda, 9 km
- Route 3: Camí des Correu, easy route between Banyalbufar and Esporles, 7 km
- Route 4: circular itinerary of moderate difficulty, 10 km
- Route 5: excursion from Banyalbufar to Estellencs, 12 km
- Route 6: circular route to the top of Puig de Ses Planes, 6 km
- Route 7: return trip to Sa Galera, somewhat difficult, 8 km
For climbing enthusiasts
On the road to Esporles known as Es Correu is the Ses Mosqueres site, with walls of varying difficulty suitable for different levels of experience.
On the road between Esporles and Banyalbufar we can find the Granja de Esporles, an authentic ethnographic exhibition located in a mansion that dates back to the Islamic period and whose maximum splendour was reached in the 18th century
It exhibits a large collection of traditional furniture and utensils from rural Mallorca. There are also beautiful gardens and a part dedicated to farm work.
Accommodation in Banyalbufar
Banyalbufar offers a wide range of accommodation that combines the authenticity of the past with the comforts of today
From charming hotels with panoramic sea and mountain views to cosy hostels and restored traditional houses, you will find options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a quiet mountain getaway or a holiday by the sea, accommodation in Banyalbufar will provide you with an unforgettable experience in this beautiful Mallorcan village.
History
The lands of Banyalbufar were inhabited during prehistoric times, and it is likely that some of the first settlers of Mallorca settled in this area
The pre-Talayotic and Talayotic settlements of Son Bunyola and Son Valentí, dated between 3000 BC and 1400 BC, are proof of this. It is likely that these prehistoric settlements remained inhabited until the Roman period, as remains of pottery from that period have been found there. Their depopulation must have been gradual, but never complete.
The village of Banyalbufar as we know it today is of Muslim origin (10th century), as is its name, possibly a combination of Mozarabic and Arabic words
Some of the proposed meanings are Casa del Mar or Viña del Mar. In the Islamic period up to 2000 houses were built, and all the terraces that still form today the special agricultural environment of the village, as well as the hydraulic works of cisterns, waterwheels and aqueducts.
After the Christian conquest of 1229, the village was repopulated by settlers from the Peninsula after being abandoned by the Muslims
It formed a single University (administrative and ecclesiastical division) with Esporles until 1836, when the two municipalities and parishes were separated.
It is not known exactly when vine cultivation began in Banyalbufar
Some even date it back to Roman times, or at least to the Muslim period. In any case, this crop reached its peak during the 16th century, focusing on the cultivation of the Malvasía variety, and producing wines that were highly appreciated throughout Europe. However, the arrival of phylloxera in 1891 wiped out the vineyards, whose cultivation was replaced by tomatoes, the local variant known as ramallet. This product was a great success, being sold even in Barcelona, and providing a great source of wealth for Banyalbufar. Proof of this is that it was one of the first villages in Mallorca to have electricity and sewage systems.
Various meteorological events (heavy snowfalls and hailstorms) in the middle of the 20th century caused a slow decline in agricultural activity, and consequently in the village, which began to lose population
It recovered well into the 21st century, with the rise of luxury and nature tourism. On the other hand, the cultivation of Malvasia grapes and wine production was reintroduced.
