Caimari: A Hidden Gem on the Road to Lluc
Stone houses, olive groves, and the scent of the Tramuntana
At the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, just above Selva, lies Caimari — a village shaped by centuries of olive farming and mountain life. The air smells faintly of rosemary and oil mills; stone houses tumble down narrow lanes, and the rhythm here is one of quiet work and long sunsets.
It’s one of those places where time seems to stretch — perfect for a short detour or a weekend stay surrounded by nature.
🚗 Getting There from Palma
Caimari sits 41 km north of Palma, on the scenic road to Lluc Monastery.
- By car: 40–45 minutes via MA-13 to Inca, then follow signs to Selva and Caimari.
- By train: Take the train to Inca Estació, then taxi (15 minutes) to the village.
- Cycling: Popular stop on the Palma–Lluc–Sa Calobra route — expect gentle climbs and spectacular views.
🌿 Things to Do in Caimari
| Activity | Description | Highlights |
| Olive oil tasting | Visit a local mill for fresh-pressed extra virgin oil | Sa Tafona de Caimari |
| Walk the village | Quiet lanes, 18th-century church, artisan shops | Plaça Major & olive terraces |
| Fira de l’Oliva (Olive Fair) | Annual November festival celebrating the harvest | Live demos & tastings |
| Scenic drives | Route to Lluc Monastery or Selva | Panoramic Tramuntana road |
| Hiking & cycling | Mountain trails and scenic byways | Ideal for spring & autumn |
🍴 Where to Eat in Caimari
| Restaurant | What to Expect | Best For |
| Ca Na Toneta | Michelin Green Star restaurant using local ingredients | Destination dining |
| S’Aturada | Family-run café & bistro with olive-oil-rich dishes | Lunch with locals |
| Restaurante Caimari | Traditional Mallorcan cuisine | Rustic evening meal |
More dining nearby: Drive 5 minutes to Selva for creative menus at Miceli or Sa Fabrica, or head north to Lluc Monastery for simple mountain fare.
🏨 Where to Stay in Caimari
| Hotel | What to Expect | Best For |
| Can Beneït (5★ Agroturismo) | Luxurious rural estate with olive groves and pool | Couples & relaxation |
| Sa Tafona de Caimari (4★) | Traditional stone house hotel near the village centre | Local charm |
| Can Riera (3★) | Small country hotel in restored townhouse | Value & quiet location |
🫒 Olive Oil Culture & Local Life
Caimari is Mallorca’s olive capital. The landscape is lined with thousand-year-old trees, dry-stone terraces, and the hum of old mills pressing oil each autumn. The Fira de l’Oliva, held every November, celebrates this tradition with tastings, artisan products, and live demonstrations of the ancient pressing process.
Locals still gather each year to bless the harvest and sample the first oil of the season — a ritual that’s as social as it is agricultural.
💡 Local Tips
- Visit during the Olive Fair in November for tastings and village festivities.
- Bring cash — smaller oil producers often sell directly without card readers.
- Many nearby fincas offer olive oil tours if arranged in advance.
- Combine your trip with Selva or Lluc Monastery for a full Tramuntana day.
📌 FAQs
Is Caimari open to visitors year-round?
Yes — it’s a working village, but quieter outside olive harvest season.
Can I buy olive oil directly from producers?
Absolutely. Many fincas sell bottles on-site, especially around the Fira de l’Oliva.
Is it worth staying overnight?
Yes — especially for hikers, cyclists, or anyone seeking a rural escape within easy reach of Palma.
🕰️ History & Did You Know?
Caimari’s roots stretch back to Moorish times, when the valley’s terraces were first built for olives and almonds. After the Christian reconquest in the 13th century, it became one of the main olive oil producers on the island.
The name Caimari is believed to derive from the Arabic Qaymari, meaning “place of stone” — fitting for its rugged surroundings.
Did you know? Caimari’s olive oil is part of Mallorca’s Denominación de Origen Oli de Mallorca, recognized for its quality and distinct peppery flavour.
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