Visitors of Spain's beautiful island of Mallorca have plenty of activities to choose from, and you may expect to enjoy pristine beaches, exciting water activities, all sorts of incredible tours, a wonderfully wild nightlife scene, one-of-a-kind historic sites and plenty of family friendly fun at the amusement, water and natural parks. However, you might want to take a break from all of that excitement for something a little more relaxing. Mallorca actually has a lovely rural side to it, and a visit to the pleasant Village of Estellencs provides a wonderful experience for everyone.
About the Village
Beautifully nestled between the Tramuntana mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea is Mallorca's least-populated village with around 300 residents. It borders several other municipalities that include Banyalbufar, Puigpunyent, Calvia and Andratx, but Estellencs is the best spot to spend a peaceful day.
You'll discover a picturesque mountain village that boasts friendly locals who are proud of their simple lifestyle, streets made of stone, historic dwellings and truly beautiful natural surroundings. While this is definitely not a happening hot spot, there are many things that you may enjoy during your visit to Estellencs, and these are just a few of its offerings.
Enjoy a Mountain Hike
Some 21 amazing hiking trails surround the Village of Estellencs, and these range from easy-to-navigate trails for families who are traveling with small children to long, challenging trails for those who are looking for more of an adventure. Regardless of which trail that you choose, you'll discover scenic views, an abundance of nature and the cleanest mountain air. Helpful signs are plentiful to direct you to the trails, and the locals are more than happy to tell you about their favorite walking paths.
One of the most popular hikes is the one that takes you to the summit of Mount Galatzo, which is located at just over 3,300 feet. It's not meant for very young children, but families with older children and teenagers may easily enjoy the walk to the top in as little as two to three hours, and the view from the summit is worth every step. This hike also gives you a chance to encounter many species of wildlife in their natural habitat, and you may share your walk with wild goats and donkeys, the rare midwife toad, lizards, herds of deer and many different birds.
Visit Cala Estellencs
While it's possible to drive, there's very little parking available at this lovely cove. Instead, you may want to enjoy a pleasant 30-minute walk that takes you along lemon and fig orchards, vegetable gardens, flower gardens and rustic bungalows. You'll end up at at a lovely pebble beach that gives way to the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and you may spot the jellyfish that like to hang out in the area.
There's a cliff on one side of this cove, a nice pier where you can do some fishing and a terrace with a railing that allows you to safely look out over the sea. Many people scuba dive in this area, and it's a good idea to wear hard-soled water shoes if you plan to wade because it's quite rocky. The Bar Sa Punteta, a bamboo-covered beach bar, offers an excellent view, and it's a great place to enjoy a drink and a small menu of tasty salads and sandwiches.
Enjoy a Meal at Es Grau
This wonderful restaurant and bar has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1966, and you'll enjoy your meal with wonderful views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Dining is available outdoors during warm weather on the huge and lovely terrace with room for up to 200 people and in a heated dining room in the cooler months with room for as many as 78 diners.
Es Grau offers an extensive menu that includes traditional Mallorcan cuisine, international cuisine and a wide variety of pasta dishes and paellas. The bar area is open all year long, and it's especially nice during the cooler weather when the huge fireplace is lit. No worries about being crowded either because there's plenty of room for up to 90 people around the bar.
Other Dining Options
Visitors may also like to visit Restaurant Montemar, which is an award-winning restaurant that is located right in the village square. It's fairly famous for serving foods that contain ingredients grown by the chef himself, and you'll enjoy a variety of Mallorcan favorites, excellent wines and wonderful homemade breads and desserts on a lovely terrace.
The Vall-Hermos Cafe is considered the best spot in the village to watch the sun set from the terrace, so it provides a great way to end your day. A wide selection of local, national and international beers and several delicious menu items are available.
