Living in Mallorca.
Puigpunyent human towers and friends from the mainland
Living in Mallorca.
Have you ever thought of what life would be like living in Mallorca?
Nestled in the Sierra Tramuntanas and only 14km from Palma, is the village of Puigpunyent. There are 2,000 residents and 25% are foreigners. Quite a staggering eclectic mix of nationalities. This makes for a wonderfully diverse community.
Puigpunyent is a village that does not really lead to anywhere. Yes, you can get to our sister village of Galilea, the highest inhibited village in Mallorca. The winding mountain road eventually arrives in Es Capdea and beyond. The other way, equally as picturesque, takes you to another beautiful village, Esporles.
Tourists are welcome of course but you won’t be overwhelmed by them.
It is popular with cyclists, as they bravely climb up from sea level to to300m, they are enticed onwards by the breathtaking view of Galatzo mountain, that stands proudly above the village.
The area has some incredible hiking trails. Puigpunyent is sign posted from the GR221. If you are going to complete the major peaks on the island, Galatzo, stands at just over 1000m high and is well worth the moderate to advanced hike. The mountain rewards the hiker with spectacular sea views and the whole of the Sierra Tramuntana.
The facilities for locals are abundant. The village has a kindergarten and a primary school. It boasts a sports centre, which includes a swimming pool, full size football pitch, fitness classes, tennis, basketball and paddle courts. There is a BMX route and a skatepark too. There is a weekly theatre group, a choir, a well-stocked library and the village has regular music performances, many of which are performed by the extremely talented local residents.
Puigpunyent has accommodation in many guises: Son Net Hotel and Spa, is set above the village on a hilltop with the village at its feet and Galatzo as its backdrop. This is a stunning luxury hotel which dates back to the 17th Century. It has beautifully decorated suites and cottages to satisfy any discerning guest. The hotel offers haute cuisine Mallorcan dining, using local quality products.
Ratxo Retreat Hotel, has recently been incorporated into the Melia Collection. This peaceful paradise is concealed in a secret valley just beyond the village, at the base of Galatzo. So private and truly breathtaking.
On the outskirts of the village are two agrotourism. Son Pont and Son Burguet. Both offer accommodation in finca style buildings, just minutes from the village centre.
What can you do in and around the village? Bodegas Son Puig is a family run vineyard. Located in the commanding finca as you approach the village. They offer tours and tastings, served in the garden of this stunning old finca. The vineyard has existed since 1597.
La Reserva nature park, is a wonderful hidden gem. With walks for young and old. Pools to dip in, zip wires to get that adrenaline rush and animals that the reserve have rescued.
Life in Puigpunyent continues at a steady pace. Many people take the daily commute to Palma, which is only 20 minutes. When party time happens, the village hosts the most amazing fiestas: San Antoni in January, an eco-market in June and the summer fiesta in mid-August, the artisan beer festival in October, to name a few. The residents and guests come together for music, dancing, performances and calçotadas (eating and drinking together in the village streets.) We celebrate traditional activities such as castells (human towers) and dimonis or the Corre Foc; where you can see devils running around with fire and fireworks. A truly unique spectacle.
As well as the above attractions, festivals and places to lay your head there are many restaurants and cafes.
Can Jordi: a bar and restaurant at the heart of the village in the plaza. It is run by an Argentinian couple and they offer traditional Mallorcan and Argentinian dishes.
Sa Vinya: a traditional family run Mallorcan restaurant offering incredible paellas, fish, pizzas and so much more. Pilar and her very talented family run this jewel in the village on the quiet mainroad that leads to the plaza. It has indoor and outdoor seating. On Fridays they offer live music featuring local and international artists.
Es Pont: the grandmother of the village. This bar/restaurant was once a different style to what it is today. Its renovation a few years ago, saw it expand and grow into an elegant establishment. It has inside and outside areas to cater for all.
Mercat Tramuntana: welcomes you as you arrive in the village; with its sunny terrace and yellow parasols, this is stylish neighborhood hangout.
“Somewhere between a coffee shop, a restaurant, a deli and a colmado (a corner store) it offers all with a Mediterranean soul”
So, what is it like living in a village in Mallorca?
There are quiet times and busy times. The people are incredibly friendly, if you make the effort. The weather is stunning. A few extremes; summer can hit 40 degrees and not decrease at night. There is sometimes no rain for months and then we have torrential downpours; but on the whole, it is absolutely wonderful.