Serra de Tramuntana is the mountain range that is the northern backbone of the island and runs southwest-northeast. It was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO on the 27th June 2011. It is an area of great physical and cultural significance. As the UNESCO states on their website.
The Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana located on a sheer-sided mountain range parallel to the north-western coast of the island of Mallorca. Millennia of agriculture in an environment with scarce resources has transformed the terrain and displays an articulated network of devices for the management of water revolving around farming units of feudal origins. The landscape is marked by agricultural terraces and inter-connected water works - including water mills - as well as dry stone constructions and farms.
As for its geography, the Puig Major is its highest peak, being 1,445 m high. It is also the highest mountain in the Balearic Islands. Due to its height, the climate in the Serra de Tramuntana is significantly wetter and cooler than in the rest of the island. Although snow is not frequent in Majorca, during the coldest months you can usually find some in the Serra. In the upper parts of the mountains, there is a lack of vegetation. This limestone has abundant karst areas with caves and potholes (one of the most famous is the Cova de sa Campana). In the vicinity of the Puig Tomir of about 2,200 m there are deep canyons, the most known and recognized worldwide for its high difficulty is Sa Fosca which comes from the Gorg Blau reservoir towards the Torrent de Lluc, forming the famous Torrent de Pareis which ends in Sa Calobra.
One of the most magical locations in the Serra is LLuc and its impressive monastery Santuari de Santa Maria de Lluc, which dates back to 1268. Lluc comes from Latin Lucus, which stands for sacred woods, and is located in the municipality of Escorca, at about 400m. It is considered a sacred pilgrimage place since the Virgin of Lluc, patron saint of Majorca, can be found in the basilica. Furthermore, don't forget to pay a visit to the Information Centre located near the monastery to learn more about the wildlife, climate and hikes that can be done in the mountain range.
The Serra de Tramuntana in general and Lluc in particular, have endless possibilities of wonderful excursions and hikes surrounded by nature and the pure air of the mountains. La Ronda de Binifaldó, for example, is a light hike accessible to anyone with a pair of mountain boots or trainers. On your way up, you can stop at Menut for abreak or even for a typical torrada (barbeque) with grilled sobrassada and pa moreno.
Besides, the monastery is home to a boarding school for young and talented musicians, the Blauets, who take their name from the blue colour of their dresses. Not only do they receive the education following the curriculum of the country, but they also have lessons in music, singing and instruments of their choice. Their choir is known worldwide and it is a treat to hear them sing. If by any chance you should visit Lluc on a Sunday morning, don’t forget to step into its church after mass to hear them sing.