Getting to Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis is definitely more than half the fun! Few places offer such a myriad of ways to arrive as Sa Calobra. Car, boat and for those more intrepid (read fit!) , by bike or on foot.
Where the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea on the north west coast of Mallorca the cove of Sa Calobra is reached by one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It lives up to its name – Calobra means serpent —which snakes through the landscape.
Favoured as a filming location over the years for t.v. commercials for the likes of Porsche Cars and for movies such as Cloud Atlas and The Night Manager, all keen to have this jaw-dropping scenery as their backdrop.
By Car and Bike. If you choose four wheels of course you need to drive up and down to Sa Calobra, your endpoint, and this is no mean feat. Some nine kilometres of seemingly endless hairpin bends carved into pine forests and steep crags, offering stunning views, but of course your eyes need to be on the road. A challenge made even more demanding by oncoming traffic, cyclists and the odd goat. Cycling the Sa Calobra Road is considered to be one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world. A relentless drop or climb, it is the ambition of many amateur riders to add to their list of accomplishments.
Hiking. If your preferred mode is on foot then this is also a challenging hiking trail. Known as the Torrent de Pareis hike, it starts at Escorca, between Gorg Blau reservoir and Lluc, on the main mountain road. Dropping down some 600 metres into the floor of the canyon you hug a trail up and down over boulders, many as large as a house, swing through crevasses in the rock on your own ropes and finally to the mouth of the canyon at the sea. You can then plunge into the clean and clear azure blue water as a reward. One of the most impressive gorge walks in the world.
By Boat – Big or Small
The craggy cliffs and jagged ridges of the UNESCO listed Serra de Tramuntana when seen from the water are really quite special.
Departing daily from March in the Port de Sóller , Barcos Azules run an open top ferry heading north, stopping in Cala Tuent and heading on to Sa Calobra, less a village and more of a watering hole for all who pass through. With layers of restaurants set out to take in those glorious Mediterranean views.
The journey takes about an hour to cover the 7km stretch of coastline. On arrival, there is a small sandy beach, but most head along a footpath nearby leading you through two tunnels carved through the rock and out onto a larger pebbly beach tucked between two towering limestone cliffs.
Bring your own towel, shade and food as there are no facilities on this beach. Settle on your towel and peek behind you and marvel at the Torrent de Pareis canyon.
This stunning setting also plays host to the annual Torrent de Pareis Classical Concert held on the first Sunday in July.
As you head back into the Port of Sóller at the end of the day, with salty faces and sandy toes you will have had a day to remember at Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis.
Planning a holiday in Mallorca ?
Have a look at our luxury hotel offers.
