Barely 30 kilometres from Palma, and 25 from Sóller, Alaró is a pretty inland town with a population of around 5,500 and a history that has been documented since the thirteenth century, when the island was conquered. When visitors step into its narrow streets and gaze at its stone buildings, they feel as if time stopped back then, particularly in the picturesque setting of the town’s historic quarter.
The social and business hub of Alaró is the Plaza de la Villa where large numbers of tourists can be found in summer, drawn by the charm of this small town. Its outskirts are scattered with lots of country cottages, and the neighbouring Sierra de Tramontana (or Serra de Tramuntana) offers all kinds of possibilities for tourists. Outstanding among Alaró’s many attractions are the remains of the legendary Alaró Castle, which stands in ruins and can only be reached on foot.
Alaró’s historic quarter
Life in Alaró, Mallorca, centres on its historic quarter. We could begin exploring at the Plaza de la Villa where a bustling street market is held every Saturday, and then move on to the Church of Sant Bartomeu and the Plaza des Mercat. It is also worth going to see the Tower of the former Electricity Plant, as Alaró was the first town in Mallorca to have mains electricity. However, the great highlight of Alaró is its castle, which stands on top of a mountain and has, nearby, a refuge with a small restaurant.
Alaró Castle
This legendary fortress, perched at the highest point in Alaró, is the town’s main tourist attraction. It was built for military purposes, and this is where the island’s conquerors were stationed. The castle is mentioned in records dating back to 902 AD and, as it is one of Mallorca’s three ‘castillos roqueros’ [castles built on rocky crags], it has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest. Apart from its historic interest, the castle is an excellent vantage point for enjoying views of the Tramontana mountain range and the Pla de Mallorca. The castle’s outer wall and its five towers have survived. Particularly noteworthy are the Torre de l’Homenatge, known as ‘constipador’, and the Torre de la Cueva or Prisión de los Moros [Cave Tower or the Moors’ Prison].
Sierra de Tramuntana
The Sierra de Tramontana is the Balearic Islands’ main mountain range and the backbone of Mallorca. It is in the north-west of the island, in the area around Biniarraix, and gives its name to one of Mallorca’s counties, the capital of which is Sóller. It is such a beautiful area that in 2011, the mountain range’s cultural landscape was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its highest peak is Puig Mayor, which rises to 1,445 metres, followed by Puig de Massanella and another 53 peaks all above 1,000 metres. This is a destination not to be missed if you want to discover the geographical diversity of Mallorca.
Where to eat in Alaró
On your sightseeing trip to Alaró, you can also take the opportunity to discover and enjoy the local cuisine. Here is a small selection of restaurants in Alaró:
Mons Apart. Located in a former mansion with an interior courtyard and a swimming pool, this bar-restaurant has a most pleasant atmosphere, while its menu offers meat and seafood dishes along with a good variety of tapas with foie. Their home-made burgers and grilled squid are in high demand.
Sa Fonda. Specialising in roast and barbecued meats, this restaurant offers an excellent slow-cooked lamb, as well as other traditional Mallorcan dishes and a good choice of pizzas and pasta dishes. It also offers a reasonable fixed-price menu.
Terra Mar & Foc. Offers a varied menu, including all kinds of barbecued meats and seafood. There are also tapas, salads and a good range of vegetarian dishes. The quality is good, and there is also a reasonable fixed-price menu.
Sa Fonda. Located in an old oil press in the main square, this restaurant serves top-quality traditional Mediterranean cuisine. It has an attractive terrace, perfect if you are planning a romantic dinner.
Traffic. The kitchen at this restaurant is headed up by an expert in Mallorcan gastronomy, although the menu offers specialities from across the range of Mediterranean cuisine. Don’t forget to try the ceviche.
