Showing posts with label hike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hike. Show all posts

Monday, May 29, 2017

Fornalutx

Exploring the beautiful Fornalutx, Soller, and Calla Deia by car

We rented a 4-seater semi-automatic car from OK Cars in town centre for 42 euros (37.61 pounds) for a day. Since we are going to explore 3 places today, we figured it is more practical to drive rather than take the tram (which is priced at 6 euros per ticket), and since there were no buses available to get to Fornalutx and only limited available buses to get to other towns from Soller due to the Firo festival.

Driving to Fornatlux
It was also scorching hot that day and to hike to Fornalutx would be counter-productive. Although if that is what you prefer, among the most famous hiking trails from Soller to Fornalutx is the Figuera Path. Go early in the morning so that it is still cool enough to hike. The path takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace really. It's also among the easiest hiking trails in Soller. I read in some forums that it's also among the busiest in the sense that in peak season, sometimes, you'd have to wait a couple of minutes to let other hikers pass by an obstacle. They advised to go on weekdays. You can also cycle towards the town.

Towards Fornalutx town centre
Who wouldn't fall in love with this view at Fornalutx?

FORNALUTX

Fornalutx view of Tramuntana
Driving to this beautiful place from Puerto only takes about 16 minutes. Since it was a Sunday, there were free parking spaces in Fornalutx, which was very convenient for us.

Traditional Spanish cobbled street
Dubbed as the prettiest village in Spain, Fornalutx is a small and quaint Spanish town nestled high up the Tramuntana mountain range overlooking the Soller valley. It offers spectacular views of the mountain range, and is surrounded by groves of orange and lemon providing that traditional rustic countryside feel. Since the opening of the Túnel de Sóller, this breathtaking town has become more accessible. The preserved cobbled streets and traditional façades of the buildings will no doubt make you fall in love with Fornalutx.

What to do:
- Enjoy and indulge on traditional Spanish architecture by just having a relaxed stroll along its narrow streets

Spanish street crossing
- Don't miss the most photographed street of Fornalutx, Carrer Metge Mayol

Carrer Metge Mayol
At the prettiest street in Fornalutx

- Have a rest break at Plaça d'España

Restaurants at Plaça d'España
- See the church overlooking the Plaça

Steps towards the church at Plaça d'España
- Try a refreshing drink from the water continuously flowing from a tap along Carrer de Església

Along Carrer de Església

- Find the bend along Carrer Olivar offering a great view of Spanish houses with the mountain range as its backdrop

Tramuntana Mountain Range
Carrer Olivar
- Buy freshly baked items from the local bakery, Panaderia de Fornalutx

Panaderia de Fornalutx

- Grab a bite at either Restaurant Café Med (rated no. 1; offering a good range of cuisine and wine but requiring reservation as they only have 6 tables) or Calzone Pizzeria (rated no. 3; offering traditional menu of tapas and superb pizzas with affordable prices)

Lunch at Calzone Pizzeria (spent only 13.2 euros pp: we ordered 2 pizzas and 2 plates of pasta good for sharing among 4 pax!)

Calzone Pizzeria
- Service: really friendly staff, prompt service
- Price: affordable/budget-friendly ($)
- Serving: generous
- Taste/food: good tasting pizzas and pastas
- Ambiance: great views either indoors or outdoors


Fornalutx is a 'must' travel destination in Mallorca, especially if you're staying in Soller.

Recommended length of stay in Fornalutx: to really savour the place, I recommend allotting half a day; or about 3-4 hours (with food break).

Getting to Port de Soller

How to Get to Port de Soller from Aeroport de Palma

Ready to backpack Mallorca!
Flight from London Gatwick airport via EasyJet to Aeroport de Palma
- travel time: around 2 and a half hours
- 0910 - 1230

Balearic Islands

Bus 1 (547 - Aéroport - Arrivals to 2 Plaça d'España/Intermodal Transit station)
- the quickest and easiest way to get to the city centre from the airport is still by taking the bus
- from the arrivals area, exit the building and follow the signs pointing towards the public transport (bus signs)
- one ticket: 5 euros pp (pay at the bus driver)
- frequency: every 15 minutes
- travel time: ~20 minutes
- drop off at Plaça de España

*Lunch at Palma de Mallorca
- loads of food places to choose from around the Plaça or go to Intermodal Transit station

Ferrocarril (Old Wooden Train)
- a must to experience even for at least once: riding the wooden train to get to or from Soller
- the ride offers magnificent views of Mallorcan countryside, especially of the Serra de Tramuntana (Mallorca's beautiful mountain range)
Serra de Tramuntana

Mallorcan Countryside
- just turn right if coming from inside the Intermodal Transit station: the station is just beside it along Career Eusebi Estada

Ferrocarril train station
- one way ticket to Soller: 16 euros pp
- they offer packages for different combinations of transfers (e.g. Train to Soller + tram from Soller to Port de Soller, etc) posted on the ticket counter; discount available for residents
- frequency: fixed timetable (check with the receptionist at the ticket counter to be sure)
- travel time: ~60 minutes
- 2 stops

Ferrocarril Timetable (to Soller)

Soller Train Station
At Soller train station
Tram from Soller to Port de Soller

Inside the tram

- faster and easier option compared to the bus
- also offers scenic views especially as it passes along the port

View of the port from inside the tram
- from the station, head down towards the centre of town to Plaça de sa Constitució along Av. des Born until you see a church, Església de Sant Bartomeu, on your right
- continue along Av. de Cristofol Colom where we rode the tram
- one ticket: 6 euros pp (pay to the conductor on board the tram); discount available for residents
- frequency: fixed timetable
- travel time: ~15 minutes
- 14 stops

Tram Timetable (to Puerto/Port de Soller)

From Port de Soller tram station, when then hiked our way up to our Air BnB accommodation. It took us about 15 minutes to get to Carrer de Belgica.

Tram's last stop

Total fare spent from Airport to Port de Soller: 27 euros pp
 

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