History
The mountain range known as the Sierra de Tramontana has been an exceptional witness of each and every historical event that has occurred in Mallorca. Since the population of the Talayots, the Romans, Byzantine and Muslims, until the Miramar of Archduke Luís Salvador, all of them have left their mark on its rocks, pathways and natural life. For this reason and many others, it has been nominated for an award (subject to vote) by UNESCO for it to be declared as part of 'World Heritage' in September of the year 2011.
Geography
It has a length of approximately 80-90 km, and a width of 10-15 km, with a maximum height of 1.445 metres (Puig Major). The Sierra de Tramontana has 54 peaks that surpass the 1.000 metres of height above sea level, which gives an idea of the great differences of levels and unevenness that there are in Mallorca because the liquid element of the sea is at times only a few kilometres away from and sometimes hundreds of metres away from this diversity of heights.
The Sierra de Tramontana extends through the following municipalities: Alaró, Andratx, Banyalbufar, Bunyola, Calviá, Campanet, Deià, Escorca, Esporles, Estellencs, Fornalutx, Lloseta, Mancor del Valle, Palma de Mallorca, Pollensa, Puigpunyent, Santa Maria del Camí, Selva, Sóller and Valldemossa.
Orography
The Mallorcan relief is formed by the Sierra de Tramontana, with the highest mountains and the Sierra de Levante, to the east. The Sierra de Tramontana, to the north-east has some impressive cliffs, and rock coves which contrast with the sandy beaches of the rest of the coast. The main peaks of the Sierra de Tramontana are: Puig Major (1445 m), Massanella (1364 m), Puig Tomir (1102 m), Puig de l'Ofre (1090 m), Puig d'es Teix (1064 m) and Puig de Galatzó (1027 m).
Outstanding Features
Valle de Orient. It is situated between the lovely towns of Orient and Bunyola, the valley of Orient is a real gift for the eyes and all the other senses, above all in spring when it is at its most splendid moment.
Torrente de Mortitx. The torrent of Mortitx, in the municipality of Pollensa and which is in the northern part of the mountain range, is a physical challenge for the most adventurous. To set out on the descent is also a challenge for the most experienced of climbers, because it needs a special tactic with special equipment (rappel) and the need to be in excellent condition, physically speaking, to reach the sea. In the area of the torrent, there is a vineyard of the same name where excellent grapes for wine (wines of Mortitx) are cultivated.
Sa Calobra, Sa Fosca and Torrente de Pareis. Sa Calobra is one of the most visited places in Mallorca. It is the place where the Torrent of Pareis flows into the sea, through some really spectacular walls which cut the mountain in a natural way. Sa Fosca is a subterranean point where the torrent of Lluc unites with that of Pareis, it is a dark and incredible spot only suitable for the most experienced of excursionists.
Views
Formentor. In the municipality of Pollensa, from the Port of Pollensa towards the lighthouse, at only a few kilometres, is one of the most spectacular natural views of all Mallorca. At a high elevated point of land and in an incredible cliff, there are the most incredible views imaginable and also views of the Colomer, a small island with a magnificent presence that leaves everybody in a state of unbelievable stupor.
Mirador de las Barcas. From the Puig Major towards Sóller following the best by far mountain road in Mallorca, enjoying the presence of the reservoirs Gorg Blau and Cúber, one comes across the 'Mirador de ses Barques'. From this elevated area, just above the arrival of the mountain to the sea, it is possible to see the beautiful Port of Sóller. No words can describe the sensation that this view causes.
Places of interest
Santuario de Lluc. This sanctuary is considered as the most sacred by far and the most important place of pilgrimage of the island, because it is the home of the Virgin of Lluc, patron saint of Mallorca. Every year there is a very popular walk called Marcha des Güell a Lluch on foot in which over 50.000 people participate from Palma, in a pilgrimage march to Lluch, more than 40 kilometres to the monastery. The monastery also has a botanical garden which was set up in 1956, called 'Jardín Botánico de Lluc'.
Reserva del Galatzó. The reserve called Puig de Galatzó is a natural park, the only one of its kind in Mallorca, with more than 2.5 millions of square metres of lush vegetation, where a variety of lovely animals live.
Economy
Traditionally, the economy of the Sierra de Tramontana was centred on agriculture and livestock. Nowadays, it is the geographical accident most visited in the Balearic Islands and its economy is centred on tourism, but always conserving its special charm and natural beauty.
Impressions
The Serra de Tramuntana is an area that has towns, views, pathways and scenery of incalculable beauty soaked in memories and experiences of many thousands of years of history. For this reason a candidature has been presented for the Serra de Tramuntana to be declared as part of the World Heritage in the category of cultural landscape by the UNESCO in September of the year 2011.
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