Meet charm and tradition in the heart of rural Mallorca in Fornalutx

When visiting the charming island of Mallorca (or Majorca) in the Balearic Islands of Spain, it would be worth visiting this delightful town in the heart of the rural area of the island.

That same year, the General Secretary for Tourism apparently awarded the Second National Prize for towns that are well-maintained in Spain to Fornalutx. In 1985 the town received the Alzina Award from the Group of Ornithology in the Balearic Island for the protection of nature.

As you stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets and climb the attractive stone stairways winding through this unspoiled village it's a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, as many of the stairways and streets are steep, but the charm of your surroundings is well worth the extra effort.

The buildings are of stone with attractive red roof tiles, and many of the windows have green-painted wooden shutters. Flowering plants line the way and the whole scene is surrounded by mountain terraces, covered in lush vegetation. In season, the scent of orange blossom fills the air from the orange orchards down in the valley. The central plaza, or square, in the town is lined with restaurants and cafes, offering rest and respite together with a delicious meal or cooling drink.

Right in the town the perfect accommodation can be found too, at several traditional and beautiful small hotels and bed & breakfasts. One of these is the attractive and traditional Petit Hotel Fornalutx.

Up until a few years ago, the building was a convent for nuns and also the village school. It is located in a narrow, quiet, traffic-free street, but also faces a stunning and lush view of the surrounding hillsides, as can be seen from the photos in this article.

With six double rooms, the hotel is never overcrowded, and you can enjoy a delicious and varied buffet breakfast in the breakfast room, which is located in a natural cave.  From the hotel's terrace, you can enjoy a view of the valley and mountains, listen to the birds singing and enjoy the hotel's small swimming pool and jacuzzi, available to guests.

Activities in the area:

Fornalutx is perfect for a quiet and relaxing vacation, but there is plenty to do in the area and surroundings too.  While situated in a quiet spot inland, you are within easy distance of Palma, the capital city of the island, 37 kilometers (23 miles) away and the charming town of Sóller is a mere 3 kilometers (just under 2 miles) and can be reached by a series of charming pathways. The nearest beach is 7 kilometers (4 miles) away and for keen golfers, Golf Son Vida is 37 kilometers (23 miles) away.

The surrounding countryside offers many activies ranging from hiking and trekking to mountain-climbing and birdwatching, among others, while the beach close by offers water sports, tanning and all the normal beach attractions.

Catalan is the most popular local language in Fornalutx, but you will find that all residents also speak Castilian Spanish and many are fluent to a certain extent in English. It is a charming destination indeed for your next Spanish holiday or vacation.

Photo credits:

Street scene: Public Domain Arpingstone
Alfabia Mountains and view of Fornalutx and Sóller: CCbySA Pau Cabot
Hotel photos courtesy Petit Hotel Fornalutx