Bunyola & the Orient Valley – Gateway to the Tramuntana
📍 Location & Getting There
Bunyola is a quiet town on the southern edge of the Serra de Tramuntana, just 20 minutes by car from Palma. It’s also one of the stops on the famous Tren de Sóller, making it accessible by both rail and road.
From Bunyola, a scenic mountain road climbs into the Orient Valley, one of Mallorca’s most peaceful and picturesque areas. The drive from Palma to Orient takes around 40 minutes, winding through olive groves and pine forests.
🏛️ History & Character
- Bunyola has roots stretching back to Moorish times, when the fertile valley was cultivated for olives and almonds. The town retains a traditional feel, with stone houses clustered around its parish church, Sant Mateu.
- Orient is even smaller — a hamlet of stone houses and narrow lanes set against dramatic mountain peaks. It has long been a retreat for hikers, artists, and those seeking Mallorca at its most tranquil.
🚶 Things to Do in Bunyola & Orient
| Activity | Where | Why Go |
| Ride the Tren de Sóller | Bunyola | Historic wooden train stops here on its way from Palma to Sóller |
| Explore Bunyola’s Old Town | Bunyola | Stroll cobbled streets, relax in Plaça de la Vila, visit Sant Mateu church |
| Hike to Castell d’Alaró | Near Orient | Scenic trail leading to castle ruins with panoramic views |
| Walk the Orient Valley Trails | Orient | Well-marked routes through forests, streams, and farmland |
| Visit Jardins d’Alfàbia | Outside Bunyola | Moorish-inspired gardens with fountains and courtyards |
💡 Palma Weekly Tip: Combine Bunyola, Orient, and Castell d’Alaró into a single day trip from Palma if you’re driving.
🍴 Where to Eat
- Es Rústic, Bunyola – Traditional Mallorcan dishes in a cozy setting.
- Mandala, Orient – A boutique restaurant with creative Mediterranean cuisine.
- Hotel & Restaurant L’Hermitage, Orient – Fine dining in a converted monastery.
🏨 Where to Stay
For a peaceful overnight stay, the Orient Valley offers unique rural hotels and fincas:
- Hotel L’Hermitage – Elegant countryside retreat with spa facilities.
- Finca Son Palou – A 14th-century estate turned boutique rural hotel.
- Agroturismos near Bunyola – Rustic stays surrounded by olive groves.
👉 For more rural stays: Agroturismo in Mallorca
🌿 Nature & Hiking
Bunyola and Orient are gateways to some of the best hiking routes in the Tramuntana:
- Orient to Castell d’Alaró – Moderate hike (~2 hrs) to castle ruins with sweeping views.
- Orient Valley Circuit – Gentle circular route through farmlands and streams.
- Bunyola to Sóller (via Coll de Sóller) – A longer trail with rewarding mountain views.
Did You Know? The Orient Valley is part of Mallorca’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed cultural landscape, thanks to its historic terracing and irrigation systems.
🚗 Getting There from Palma
| Mode | Duration | Details |
| Car to Bunyola | ~20 min | Via Ma-11 motorway, parking in town centre |
| Train to Bunyola | ~25 min | Take the historic Tren de Sóller from Palma |
| Car to Orient | ~40 min | Narrow but scenic mountain roads |
👉 Related: Train Travel in Mallorca
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Spring & Autumn: Ideal for hiking, mild temperatures, wildflowers.
- Summer: Cooler than Palma thanks to altitude, but bring water for hikes.
- Winter: Quiet, atmospheric, and perfect for cozy stays in rural hotels.
❓ FAQ – Bunyola & Orient
Is Orient worth visiting?
Yes – its small size hides some of the most stunning scenery and boutique rural hotels in Mallorca.
Can I visit without a car?
You can reach Bunyola by train, but visiting Orient is easiest with a car.
How long do I need?
Half a day for Bunyola, a full day if you add Orient and hiking.
🔗 Related Palma Weekly Guides
