As one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Fornalutx is a must-see while visiting Mallorca. I had the pleasure of visiting a handful of times while living on the island. It’s one of my favorite spots for charm and a traditional village feel.
Fornalutx is a complete gem as it’s small, compact, and tucked away in the mountains. I think it makes a wonderful base for exploring the island’s western side if you’re looking for something local and charming. From there, you can get a taste of everything that Mallorca has to offer and a traditional village of the Balearic Islands.
Why Visit Fornalutx
After the Catalan Conquest in the 13th century, Fornalutx became the village that we see today. Its history, charm, and location make it a must-see in Mallorca. It is a beautiful village set high in the mountains, offering an escape from the busier towns and cities on the island. It’s only about an hour from Palma de Mallorca and could make for a great day trip if you’re even coming from as far as Santanyí.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Fornalutx:
- Fornalutx Petit Hotel, for the best upscale boutique hotel with a pool
- Hotel Can Verdera, for best design for dollar hotel with a pool
- Sa Tanqueta Hotel, for best luxury adults-only, apartment-style hotel
If you’re planning a trip to Mallorca, don’t miss my 7 to 10 day Mallorca itinerary, full island travel guide, recommendations for the best towns to base yourself, best luxury hotels, and best beaches, and guides to Palma, Santanyi, Deiá, Valldemossa, and Cala Figuera!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Mallorca is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mallorca is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Fornalutx, Mallorca
What to Know Before You Visit Fornalutx
Getting to Fornalutx
Fornalutx, a picturesque mountain village in Mallorca, Spain, can be reached by taking a scenic drive through the winding roads of the Tramuntana mountains. It’s most easily accessed with your rental car or by using public transportation options like buses. From Palma de Mallorca Airport, it’s around a 40-60 minute drive to get into the town.
The Most Convenient Way is By Rental Car
When in Mallorca, my number one tip is always to have a rental car. It gives you the freedom to access all of the small towns like Fornalutx. While you may not need a car in the town of Fornalutx itself, you will find yourself visiting surrounding areas and needing a car to do so.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mallorca is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Getting Around Fornalutx
Once in Fornalutx, I’d suggest parking your car in one of the designated lots. Almost all parking in Fornalutx is paid — so make sure to make the payment correctly and display your parking pass if necessary. From there, the village is so small you can walk everywhere.
The Best Time to Visit Fornalutx
The best time to visit Fornalutx is during the spring and early summer months, from April to June. During this period, the village experiences pleasant weather with lush green landscapes, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. Additionally, the tourist crowds are relatively smaller compared to the peak summer season.
Where to Stay: Best Fornalutx Hotels
The amount of hotels available is limited, so I’ve pooled in some ideas for where to stay in Fornalutx, some vacation rentals, and then other hotels to consider nearby. Staying out of town is a great option as well as you can easily day trip to Fornalutx. I list it as one of the best local towns on my guide to the best towns to stay in Mallorca.
Hotels in Fornalutx
- Fornalutx Petit Hotel, for the best upscale boutique hotel with a pool
- Hotel Can Verdera, for best design for dollar hotel with a pool
- Sa Tanqueta Hotel, for best luxury adults-only, apartment-style hotel
Vacation Rentals in Fornalutx
- Fornalutx 1 Bedroom Cottage with Pool
- Casa Salva 2 Bedroom Stone House
- Casa Catalina 1 Bedroom in City Center
- Country House Els Abats 3 Bedroom with Pool
- Ses Fonts 3 Bedroom Villa with Pool
Other Hotels Nearby
- Meem Townhouse in Sóller for best hip boutique hotel
- Hotel Salvia in Sóller for best adults-only hotel
- Esplendido in Sóller for the best beachfront hotel
- Hotel Ca’n Roses in Sóller for the best design hotel
- Finca Ca’n Quatre in Sóller for the best countryside stay
The Best Things to Do in Fornalutx
Stroll the Historic Town of Fornalutx
One of the best things to do in Fornalutx is to simply stroll the old town. You’ll get to experience a traditional Mallorcan village, with all of the winding streets and stairs. What I love most about this town is the charm and quaint cobblestone side streets lined with hundreds of lush plants. I’d set aside a proper afternoon to meander through it all.
See the Sights
While strolling through, there are a few sights to keep an eye out for. The first is the center of all things Fornalutx, the Plaza de España Square. You’ll find many locals hanging out in the shade, enjoying the afternoon. Afterward, stop by the 13th-century gothic church, a must-see attraction known for its gothic features and baroque architecture. Another prominent thing to see is the historic town hall as well, home to a 17th-century defense tower.
Go Hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana
With its location in the mountain range of the Tramuntana Mountains, it’s one of the best areas to go hiking. You can do a lot of hiking in this region but do be sure to either hire a guide or do your research. Of course, you can’t overlook the highest mountain in Mallorca, Puig Major.
Explore Nearby Towns
Consider heading down to Sóller and then onto the Port de Sóller to be seaside while in Fornalutx. If you want a scenic drive, make your way next to Deiá and then onto Valldemossa. Both of these villages are well worth spending a few hours in each.
Where to Eat: Fornalutx Restaurants
Es Turó
One of the better restaurants in Fornalutx, Es Turó is a good choice for seasonal cuisine and fresh seafood. The menu ranges here so you can get everything from soups and salads, to other large dishes.
Panaderia de Fornalutx (Es Pa de Fornalutx)
This is the best local bakery in Fornalutx. Come in to try local baked goods from here. Perfect for a mid-morning snack.
Café Med
For local cuisine, this is one of the better spots to sit down for a meal. You can get a sample of Mallorcan cuisine here, and most of the dishes are perfect for sharing.
Mirador ses Barques
Set up in the mountains, this is one of the better restaurants with an incredible view in the area. It’s known for its roasted lamb and pig, a traditional local dish.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
