Early breakfast
Not wanting to miss out on any aspect of the island we booked an island tour today.
We met at a common meeting point on the docks near the cathedral. By common, I mean we soon realised this was a very popular tour - and there were many tours doing it.
We met at a common meeting point on the docks near the cathedral. By common, I mean we soon realised this was a very popular tour - and there were many tours doing it.
From the start I have to say this was a brilliantly organised day. Seamless, no fuss and really showcased the north-west of Mallorca.
First we were taken for a 20 minute bus ride to a tiny station which is the initial start of the Soller train line. An iconic train built in 1912 and features in many movies and documentaries. A must go for me. The train took 45 minutes through sparse olive and citrus farms. We went through several extensive tunnels and we were dwarfed by amazing rocky peaks.
The train stopped high up in the mountains for a view of Soller down in the valley. Then we descended into Soller and transferred to an old tram which took us to the port, Port Soller. A picturesque seaside town.
The train stopped high up in the mountains for a view of Soller down in the valley. Then we descended into Soller and transferred to an old tram which took us to the port, Port Soller. A picturesque seaside town.
At Port Soller the hordes of passengers were guided from our tram to a waiting ferry.
The one hour boat trip took us north along the high rocky coastline to Sa Calobra, a small cove with restaurants, a beach and views of the amazing geological features.
Standard tourist lunch fare but pleasant swimming and walking paths.
Then we boarded buses and climbed 13 kms up a winding road with exciting hairpin bends, extremely narrow in parts. It demonstrated again the rocky inhospitable landscape.
Then we boarded buses and climbed 13 kms up a winding road with exciting hairpin bends, extremely narrow in parts. It demonstrated again the rocky inhospitable landscape.
Still in the mountains we visited the Sanctuari de Lluc. The chapel here houses a black Madonna -the patron saint of Mallorca. It is a pilgrimage destination and there is accommodation for travellers as it’s a popular hiking and biking area. Restaurants and bars as well.
Then an hour south down the highway through Inca (a large leather manufacturing town) and Binissalem ( world recognised vineyards) before reaching Palma at 5.30pm.
Quite a day!
Drinks - waiting for dinner..
Return to El Rinconcito del Norte
Avocado and prawn salad
Duck with salsa and patatas
Delicioso!
And icecream for dessert..
M&M
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