Mallorca North & West Tourism Guide - Monasteries Mountains Majorca

Lluc Monastery

Pilgrimages to the Lluc Monastery or the Monestir de Nostra Senyora de Lluc have been going on for many years. The site of the Monastery was actually a pagan spiritual site before, like so many Christian sites today. Also, pre-historic Mallorcans paid visits to caves here Thank goodness this is on many a travel agency tourist trip itinery, as this monastery with it's museum, grounds and spectacular moutain location make for a day trip not to be missed on your visit to Majorca.

Lluc comes from the word lucus which is Latin for 'sacred wood', and woods of oak and cypress are what you'll see plenty of on your journey upto the monastery. This is still a centre for religious pilgrimage, and many come to see the statue of the Virgin, 'La Moreneta', which has an accompanying Christian story along the lines of a shepherd called Luke/Lluc found a coloured statue in the woods and he took it to a monk who was a little perturbed on seeing the virgin statue glow. Follow the finger of the statue of Bishop Campins, a patron of the church who renovated it in the 1900s and you'll find the Virgin statue. Bishop Campins by the way commissioned Gaudi to renovate the basilica and to build its Way of the Cross.

The Majorca mountain territory around Lluc Monastery offers an excellent choice of trails and walking. On-site there's an excellent Tramuntana Mountains/outdoor leisure and walking focused tourist information point, just near the entrance to the monastery. Check in here for leaflets and guides to walks around Lluc Monastery.

There's lots to see and do, and really this is a day trip to cram everything in. There's the original Renaissance-Baroque church built during 1622-84 and designed by Jaume Blanquer. Look out for the statue of Joaquima Rossello I Ferra. Father Rossello first arrived at the Sanctuary in 1891, and founded the Sacred Heart Missionary Congregation. There is a notable school choir based here, and there are school grounds behind the church which belong to the Los Blauets school choir. This choir dates back to 1531, and they wear blue cassocks, hence their name! If you're lucky they'll be singing during your visit. You're certainly not cut off from amenities up here. There are cafes and souvenir shops lining the drive leading to the monastery, and there is a superb museum on site, with exhibitions on local handicrafts such as the endearing siurells, Miro rather liked these, and various works of art, paintings and archaeological discoveries. There's also a botanical garden and a restaurant, as well as 129 cells in which to stop over in. Sounds inviting. The numerous coach parties that arrive here for a Majorca day trip from many of the resorts are well catered for.

The monastery at Lluc is open at specific times daily which are 9am, 11am, 12.30pm, 5pm and 7pm. The Botanical Gardens are open from 10am-1pm and 3pm to 6pm daily. Tel: 971 871 525. La Fonda Restaurant is open from 1-3.30pm Wed-Mon, 7.30-9.30pm Wed-Sun. Tel: 971 517 022. The Museu de Lluc, Tel: 971 871525, is open from 10am-1.30pm, 2.30-5.30pm daily, admission 2 euro.

Serra de Tramuntana North

What gives Majorca it's edge and sets it apart perhaps from other Mediterranean Islands is it's landscape. The Northern mountain region was once pretty desolate, but now the C710 winds rather precariously from Soller to Lluc Monastery and then onto Pollenca. It's a must do route if you're exploring Mallorca, but watch out for cyclists and it's best to keep your speed down! There's some superb views to be had, especially down to the Port de Soller. You'll pass the two highests peaks on the island, Puig Major (1445 metres/4741 feet and Massanella (1,352 metres/4436 feet), along this route.

Other key spots of sublime beauty to watch out for are Gorg Blau (Blue Gorge). This has two reservoirs attached to it now, a slight blemish on it's beauty perhaps, but it's still striking. There are a few walks around the reservoirs. Hiking is definitely on the menu around here, with the coves of Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent. Driving up here is for very confident and experienced drivers, what with coaches and hairpin bends you'll need to take care! Tramuntana Tours, based in Soller, offer various group walking excursions and bike hire. If you lack experience, and are unfamiliar with Mallorca then it's always best to explore with a group, and with some guidance. One of the most popular areas for walking and hiking is around the two reservoirs Cuber and Gorg Blau which site below Puig Major.