Road Trip from Palma to Lluc
From the island’s capital to the heart of the Tramuntana
This is one of those drives that reveals the real Mallorca.
Leaving the bustle of Palma, you’ll cross open plains, pass through olive-lined foothills, and wind into the cool, pine-scented roads of the Tramuntana Mountains — ending at the serene Lluc Monastery, Mallorca’s spiritual and geographic centre.
It’s a road trip where the journey truly is the destination.
🚗 The Route at a Glance
- Start: Palma de Mallorca (Plaça d’Espanya or Cathedral)
- End: Lluc Monastery, Escorca
- Distance: ≈ 50 km
- Driving Time: ≈ 1 hr 10 min (without stops)
- Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, cyclists, and weekend explorers
👉 Car hire tip: For narrow mountain roads, choose a compact car from Discover Cars — book in advance for airport or Palma pick-up.
🗺️ Suggested Itinerary — The Perfect Palma to Lluc Drive
| Stop | What to See | Time |
| 1️⃣ Palma → Inca | Quick motorway run (MA-13). Stop for coffee in Santa Maria del Camí or Binissalem — both wine villages worth a detour. | 30 min |
| 2️⃣ Inca → Selva | Leave the highway for rural Mallorca. Selva’s church square and herb shops are perfect for a short stroll. | 10 min |
| 3️⃣ Caimari | Known for its olive oil and stone charm. Stop at a tasting room or café before the climb. | 10 min |
| 4️⃣ Moscari | Tiny hamlet of silence and almond fields. A scenic photo stop more than a major visit. | 5 min |
| 5️⃣ Campanet & Fonts Ufanes | Visit the famous Campanet Caves or walk to the natural springs. | 20–40 min |
| 6️⃣ Ascent to Lluc | The winding MA-2130 road climbs through forests to the Sanctuary of Lluc — one of the island’s most scenic drives. | 25 min |
📍 Optional loop back via Pollença or Sa Calobra for a longer day trip.
🌄 Viewpoints & Stops Along the Way
- Mirador de Caimari: Panoramic lookout over the plains before the climb.
- Olive terraces of Caimari: Stop for photos — best light in late afternoon.
- Fonts Ufanes Natural Park: A short woodland trail leads to bubbling springs after rainfall.
- Puig de Massanella viewpoint: Just before Lluc, pull over for sweeping mountain views.
🍴 Where to Eat on the Route
| Place | Location | What to Expect |
| Miceli | Selva | Michelin-starred seasonal tasting menus |
| Ca Na Toneta | Caimari | Slow-food dining with local ingredients |
| Menestralia Restaurant | Near Campanet | Classic Mallorcan lunch menu |
| Restaurant Santuari de Lluc | Lluc Monastery | Simple local dishes and almond cake |
💡 Tip: Reserve Miceli or Ca Na Toneta in advance — both are destination restaurants along this route.
🏨 Where to Stay Overnight
If you prefer to turn this into a full-day or weekend escape:
| Stay | Style | Location |
| Santuari de Lluc | Monastic guesthouse | End of route |
| Ca’n Beneït | Rural agroturismo | Caimari |
| Monnaber Nou | Country estate with spa | Campanet |
| Sa Bisbal | Boutique townhouse | Selva |
🚘 Driving Tips
- Roads are well-maintained but narrow — drive slowly on curves.
- Allow time for local cyclists; this is one of Mallorca’s top training climbs.
- Download offline maps — signal drops in forested sections.
- Fuel up before leaving Inca; no stations between Caimari and Lluc.
🌿 Why the Drive Matters
This route brings together everything Mallorca stands for: history, nature, and a slower rhythm of travel. You’ll see traditional mountain life, small villages untouched by mass tourism, and the spiritual calm of Lluc — all within a day’s journey from Palma.
If you only do one inland drive during your stay, make it this one.
Can I drive this in a day trip from Palma?
Yes — even with stops, it’s an easy full-day round trip.
Is it suitable for nervous drivers?
Yes. Roads are winding but safe; just avoid peak weekend cyclist hours.
Is there parking at Lluc?
Yes — large car park at the monastery (small fee).
Can I combine it with other attractions?
Absolutely — add the Campanet Caves, Fonts Ufanes, or even continue to Pollença.
🕰️ History & Did You Know?
- The road to Lluc follows ancient pilgrimage routes used since the 13th century.
- Each August, thousands join the Pujada a Lluc a Peu — walking overnight from Palma to the sanctuary.
- Local legend says travellers who make the journey to Lluc in good spirit are “reborn” with mountain energy — “esperit de la Serra.”
- The modern MA-2130 road was first paved in the 1930s, linking Inca’s market town with the remote mountain communities.
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