The coast of Mallorca hides many hidden corners and secrets worth visiting. One of them is the watchtowers of the Tramontana Mountains, a system of towers that was used to warn of invasions across the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the watchtowers have become spectacular viewpoints that allow visitors to appreciate the landscape from unique vantage points that leave them speechless.
The best views and watchtowers of the Serra de Tramuntana
The history of the construction of the watchtowers of the Serra de Tramuntana dates back to the 16th century. It is a chain of fortified towers that surround the island and were part of a defensive system built to defend Mallorca from the attacks of pirates and corsairs that plagued the coasts of the sea. Mediterranean.
The watchtower system (talaies), devised by Joan Binimelis, one of the greatest exponents of the Renaissance in Mallorca, was quite simple and highly effective. Whenever a dangerous sighting occurred, a signal was emitted from each tower (a smoke signal during the day or a fire signal at night) to alert the next tower all the way to Palma, where the troops were stationed.
Currently, the watchtowers are mainly used for tourism or as places where the inhabitants of Mallorca can find peace and incredible panoramic views.Without a doubt, the watchtowers of the Serra de Tramuntana are the best viewpoints to visit in Mallorca, and here we'll review the ones you can't miss if you're traveling through the Balearic Islands.
Verger Tower
The Torre del Verger, also known as Talaya des Verger in Mallorca, is one of the main sites of the Balearic Islands that offers us a spectacular panoramic view of the coast of the Serra de TramuntanaLocated in the municipality of Bañalbufar, this old watchtower in northwest Mallorca is one of the only remains of the vanished palace of the Duke of Medinacelli, built during the 16th century and largely demolished in the 20th century.
Only in 2007, The ruins of the Torre del Verger and the adjacent building have been restored. so that travelers and local residents can enjoy the space and appreciate the original architectural and spatial features. Currently, although it still serves as a surveillance tower, its location makes the Torre del Verger a privileged viewing spot, ideal for watching the sunset and taking photographs.
To reach the Torre del Verger, you must first pass through the Mirador de ses ànimes (Lookout of Souls). From this mystical spot, you can carefully climb the tower via a small staircase that offers views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Tramuntana Mountains.
Tower of Sa Pedrissa
Regarding the Torre des Verger, the Torre de sa Pedrissa is located a little further north within the Tramuntana Mountains, more precisely in the town of Deyá, one of the most picturesque villages in the Balearic Islands. To reach it, you have to walk through a privately owned area. Once there, you can appreciate the magnitude, tranquility, and immensity of the landscape, surrounded by green nature and abundant water.
The Torre de sa Pedrissa is part of the cultural route of the protected Majorcan Possessions. Possessions are rural habitats typical of Mallorca, where there are homes and buildings used for agricultural and livestock farming.
At the beginning of the 16th century, the arrival of pirates made the exploitation of these spaces difficult, and for this reason the Sa Pedrissa watchtower was built on the cliffs for defensive and surveillance purposes. In 1997, The Sa Pedrissa Tower was declared “Asset of Cultural Interest” thus receiving the official seal of historic place.
Torre de la Mola de Tuent in Escorca
If we continue north, we will find another of the traditional watchtowers of the Sierra Tramuntana: the Torre de la Mola de Tuent in EscorcaThis tower, built in the late 16th century, is located 462 meters above sea level and is one of the most charming corners of Mallorca.
To reach the Torre de la Mola de Tuent, you must take the La Calobra road, one of the most beautiful in all of Mallorca. Where we'll also find panoramic views that are a must-see. There, we'll pass Coll dels Reis, an incredible feat of engineering and one of the most beautiful ports to visit in all of Europe. Further on, we'll reach the views of Cala Tuent, home to the small church of San Lorenzo, from which the final path to the Tower begins.
Although the final stretch of hiking to the Torre de sa Mola de Tuent is short, it features a steep gradient that quickly gains altitude and suddenly reveals spectacular views of the Tramuntana Mountains. The climb takes about 45 minutes and has some treacherous sections, so be sure to be prepared and/or have a guide.
Castell del Rei, a spectacular panoramic view
The Castell del Rei (King's Castle) is another of Mallorca's panoramic attractions. It is a rock castle located on the mountain of Castillo del Rey, in the Ternelles Valley, in Pollensa and is located 492 meters above sea level. This emblematic fortress owes its dominance to the fact that King James I of Aragon took refuge there during the times of the Conquest of Mallorca in the 13th century.
Rock castles are characterized by their medieval style and are defined by natural rock outcrops that serve as defenses. Unlike the former, their history dates back to Roman times, when they used this space as a fortification. However, over time, Castell del Rei was used more as a watchtower than as a defensive enclosure.
Today, Castell del Rei is in a state of disrepair and access is restricted, as it is private property. Access is only possible on Sundays, and permission must be requested from the Pollensa Town Hall.
Talaia d'Albercutx, the spectacular viewpoint of Pollença
Another of the incredible viewpoints that can be found in Pollença is the Talaia de Albercutx, located on the Formentor peninsula. Located 380 meters high and built at the end of the 16th century, From there you can see part of the Tramuntana mountain range, Cape Formentor, the Sierra del Cavall Bernat and the Bay of Pollença..
To reach this magical place, depart from Puerto de Pollença along the route that runs along the Formentor Peninsula until you reach the Es Colomer viewpoint, another must-see stop with magnificent views. The final stretch leading to Talaia d'Albercutx is quite short and can be done by car or on foot.
Our last tip is that if you are walking around Mallorca visiting these spectacular buildings, you should complete the travel experience by making a stop at It's GuixThis prized restaurant, located just 2 km from Lluc, is the ideal place to try the best of the Mallorcan gastronomy surrounded by the unique natural environment of the Sierra de Tramontana. Can make your reservation here in just one minute.
