The stunning mountain village in Majorca named 'prettiest in Spain' just miles from sea

The stunning mountain village of Fornalutx is a far cry from the cities of Palma and Magaluf in Majorca which have been famed for their nightlife and beach clubs. This authentic village is nestled high up in the Tramuntana mountain range overlooking Soller. 

Often referred to as the “prettiest village in Spain”, the stone buildings and red-tiled roofs combined with the scene of the surrounding orange and lemon groves to provide a traditional rustic charm. 

The village is located in the northwest of Majorca and has been receiving awards for conservation since the 1980s. Its history dates back over 1,000 years when it was originally an Arab farmstead. 

The village has remained unspoilt since it started to take shape in the 13th-century with Catalan conquests. The gothic church with baroque renovations in Fornalutx was built in 1639 and has a unique blend.

The effort to maintain the traditional look and feel, from cobbled streets to traditional facades, has created one of the best-preserved villages in Spain. 

The building that stands out most is the current town hall, which includes a 17th-century defence tower.

The main square, Placa d’Espana, is surrounded by cafes and is home to the general store. Just off the square, you will find the local bakery of Panaderia de Fornalutx which offers several delicious freshly baked items. 

There are also a number of cafes and restaurants, offering a good range of cuisine and local wines, which provides diners with a friendly atmosphere and stunning views. 

Its population has steadily grown over the decades, but even with the influx of a more international community in recent years, it remains in the hundreds. 

Since the opening of the “Tunel de Sollor” toll tunnel, Fornalutx has become a lot more accessible. 

The nearest beach to Fornalutx is just over four miles away. However, there is a tram linking the nearer town of Soller to Port de Soller, which makes the trip to the coast just as enjoyable as the beach itself. 

Its enviable location also makes it ideal for hikers and mountain bikers. It is within easy reach of the famous GR221 long-distance route that winds its way over the full length of the Tramuntana mountain range. 

The motorway network is easy to reach and the cosmopolitan capital of Palma is just 40 minutes away - but Fornalutx feels a million worlds away. 

On Tripadvisor, one visitor wrote: “What a beautiful village in the island of Mallorca. We spent about 2 hours in the village - you won’t need more time unless you are eating there. Do visit the tiny but free museum in the village which gives you information on traditional forms of olive oil extraction with a video showing how it was traditionally harvested. 

“We ensured we walked out to all areas of the village - visitors tended to stick to the centre.”