Located in one of the most spectacular enclaves in Mallorca, Banyalbufar has become an essential destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences away from mass tourism. With just 500 inhabitants, this Mallorcan municipality is a natural balcony overlooking the Mediterranean, where centuries-old terraces create a unique landscape that perfectly combines agricultural tradition with unparalleled panoramic views.
The so-called “marjades”, characteristic dry stone walls that allow cultivation on the slopes of the Serra de Tramuntana, define the landscape identity of Banyalbufar. These cultivation systems, a legacy of the Arab occupation of the island, not only fulfil an agricultural function but also represent a living cultural heritage. In recent years, several restoration projects have revitalised these spaces, with a particular focus on the production of Malvasia, a native grape variety that produces wines with unique characteristics that are highly appreciated by connoisseurs.
The urban layout of the village, characterised by narrow, steep streets that lead to natural viewpoints, invites you to lose yourself among traditional stone houses with terracotta roofs. Every corner offers different perspectives of the sea, creating a sense of permanent connection between the village and the maritime landscape that surrounds it. This unique configuration has allowed Banyalbufar to remain relatively untouched by the intensive tourist development that has transformed other areas of the island.
Banyalbufar has positioned itself in 2025 as one of the favourite destinations for hiking enthusiasts in Mallorca. Its privileged location in the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011, offers multiple possibilities for exploring landscapes of great ecological value. Among the most popular routes is the path connecting the town centre with Es Port des Canonge, a medium-difficulty route that offers exceptional panoramic views of the coastline.
‘The Ses Mosqueres route has become one of our most popular itineraries,’ explains María Soler, a local hiking guide. ‘Visitors are amazed by the sunsets that can be seen from this enclave, with the sun sinking into the Mediterranean while reddish tones colour the terraces.’ These types of experiences have consolidated the active tourism offer in the area, attracting travellers interested in sustainability and contact with nature.
The small rocky cove in the municipality is another of its lesser-known attractions. It is accessed by descending a path flanked by pine trees and terraces, which is a scenic experience in itself. Unlike other more crowded beaches in Mallorca, this coastal spot retains its wild and peaceful character, ideal for those seeking a refreshing swim away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Banyalbufar’s gastronomic offering has undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years, with a firm commitment to local products.
The town’s restaurants have successfully reinterpreted traditional Mallorcan cuisine by incorporating ingredients grown on the town’s own terraces. Local vegetables, especially ramellet tomatoes and aubergines, have become the stars of dishes that revive ancestral recipes with a contemporary twist.
Malvasia wine deserves a special mention in this gastronomic offering. After decades of decline, several local producers have revived the cultivation of this native variety, which enjoyed great prestige during the 14th and 15th centuries. ‘We are witnessing a renaissance of the wine-making tradition that characterised Banyalbufar for centuries,’ says Joan Vidal, a winemaker involved in one of these recovery projects. ‘Our aim is to promote a unique product with characteristics that can only be found in this very particular microclimate.’
This commitment to local gastronomy is complemented by the annual Malvasía Fair, which since its creation in 2018 has been gaining prominence in the Balearic Islands’ calendar of food and wine events. During the weekend-long event, visitors can taste local wines and products while participating in cultural activities related to the area’s agricultural tradition.
In recent years, Banyalbufar Town Council has implemented various initiatives aimed at reconciling heritage conservation with sustainable tourism development. These include the Terraces Recovery Plan, which has enabled the restoration of more than 20 hectares of traditional crops since its launch in 2023. This project not only pursues landscape objectives, but also productive ones, encouraging the return of young farmers to the area.
This philosophy has led the municipality to consciously limit the number of tourist accommodation places, prioritising small-scale establishments that blend into the environment. Rural houses and agrotourism establishments are the main accommodation options, providing a more authentic and personalised experience than large hotel complexes. This strategy has allowed Banyalbufar to maintain its identity and avoid the problems of overcrowding that affect other tourist destinations.
It is also home to Son Bunyola Hotel, owned by Sir Richard Branson which opened two years ago. The luxury hotel is located in the estate’s 16th-century finca, or manor house, and has 26 rooms. They join three existing villas—Sa Punta de S’Aguila, Sa Terra Rotja, and Son Balagueret—on an 810-acre property with grape vines and almond, citrus, and olive orchards.