What to see anddo in Alaró?
Alaró is a quiet town and a village in Mallorca located at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, known for its traditional charm, its historic center, andthe iconic Castelld’Alaró, a fortress that was a symbol of historical resistance. It offers cultural activities, a market selling local produce on Saturday mornings, and is a starting pointfor hiking and cycling in the mountains. It was also the first municipality in Mallorca to have electricity. What to see and do in Alaró?
What to see and do in Alaró? Places of interest
Castell d’Alaró: is a historic castle in Mallorca, listed as a Site of Cultural Interest. Located on the top of Puig d’Alaró at an altitude of about 822 meters, it is one of the three rocky castles on the island, known for its difficult access and its great historical and natural value. It offers spectacular views of the Sierra de Tramontana and the Mediterranean Sea, and in its vicinity there is a guest house and an oratory.
Plaça de la Vila: This is the historic and social center of the municipality. The area stands out for its regionalist architecture with influences from Mallorcan civil Baroque, and for containing historical elements such as a fountain from 1742 and an old municipal coat of arms in the inner courtyard. Historically, the square is located where the former town hall stood, and its possible connection to the historical events of Cabrit i Bassa is being investigated. Historic center: Stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, which preserve the traditional stone architecture.
Old electricity factory tower: This is the only remnant of the first electricity factory in Mallorca, which was inaugurated in 1901. This building, constructed in the shape of an octagonal truncated pyramid, is an important architectural and industrial landmark. It was powered by a steam engine that supplied the entire village and marked a step forward in the modernization of the island. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, it reminds us that Alaró was the first municipality on the island to have electricity.
Ses Artigues Spring: a historic water resource that has supplied the village for centuries, being used for mills, such as Son Tugores, and for agriculture, through an ancient canalization system or qanat. Currently, the town council has planned to channel the water to cover part of the urban supply and, although the qanat infrastructure has been renovated and improved, its origins date back to the 12th century.
Cruz d’en Coix: The Cruz d’en Coix is an iconic stone cross located in the town square, next to the church of Sant Bartomeu and the rectory, which has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. It stands out for its rich symbolism and detailed sculptural decoration. Originally destroyed in a storm in 1884, it was restored in 1958 by the sculptor Francesc Salvà.
What to see and do in Alaró? Activities
Hiking and cycling: The natural environment, part of the Serra de Tramuntana, is ideal for these activities. In Alaró, there are several hiking and cycling routes, especially around Castell d’Alaró. Options include moderate to difficult mountain bike (MTB) trails, such as the one that climbs up to the castle, and shorter, easier road cycling routes, such as a 35 km route that reaches Inca. For hiking, there are multiple circular trails with panoramic views, ranging from moderate to more demanding hikes.
Weekly market: Alaró’s weekly market is held every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in and around the Plaça de la Vila. It offers a variety of products such as fruit, vegetables, handicrafts, textiles, shoes, and other items. The atmosphere is lively, with nearby bar and restaurant terraces where you can enjoy the surroundings.
Patron saint festivities: These are held during the week leading up to August 16 in honor of San Roque, with activities such as the traditional dance of the Cossiers, recognized as a Festival of Cultural Interest.
And that’s it for this brief overview of what to see anddo in Alaró, Mallorca. We hope it helps.
By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island
