Where Mountains Meet the Sea

It is well worth discovering the towns and villages of the Serra by travelling along the roads that connect them by car. These routes reveal mountain scenery which often converges with the sea. You will find inland villages like Puigpunyent, at the foot of the Galatzo mountains, the sweeping views of its old church, and Esporles or Bunyola, both of which preserve their traditional feel. Heading down the sea you will see Banyalbufar and Estellencs, with their coastline market out by terraces where vines and rammelet tomatoes - a local rain-fed variety - are still grown. A mythical town which rises up in the shadow of the Teix mountain, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere provided by artists and foreigners who have settled here. There is an abundance of good restaurants and craft or exotic boutiques. The street of commercial town of Soller are flanked by manor houses belonging to the emigrants who made their fortune in America or France. Modernism and Historicism are emblematic styles of the Banc of Soller building which stands in the lively placa de Constitucio'. A village the loves its traditions and is proud of local landmarks such as the Church of Calvari reached by 365 steps. In the historic town centre there are huge manor houses and small shops belonging to artisan jewellers and ceramicts.