Esporles, also known as Esporales, is a stunning and charming area located deep in the Tramuntana mountains. Esporles is famous for several things, which makes it an interesting place to visit and explore.
To mention just a few of these, the famous tourist attraction of La Granja, the mysterious old monastery of Maristel and the biggest European festival dedicated to sweets and patries.
Indeed! Esporles is a beautiful area located deep in the Tramuntana mountains surrounded by pristine nature. The idyllic and natural settings makes it worth the trip, especially if you are on bicycle. There are a number of bars and cafés in the heart of the charming village where you’ll meet locals as tourists from near and far, creating a lively intimate atmosphere.
In despite of its moderate size, Esporles is actually renown for multiple things:
The pristine natural surrounding of Esporles undoubtedly makes it one of the best areas to cycle or walk in, thus no wonder so many of the hiking many trails lead by this specific area.
The village itself offer an intimate and welcoming feeling, particularly around the main square where most of the local bars are found at. It’s super relaxing to just stroll about in the narrow streets of Esporles and enjoy the slow pace and laid back life in the mountains, it really makes it worth visiting.
La Granja d’Esporles is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Tramuntana. This former royal manor, has ben synonymous with the local area for centuries, a landmark of Esporles. At la Granja, you can explore life of the wealthiest on the island and their servants living and working at this enormous farm. You pass throguh more than 75 exhibition spaces, including the olive press, the torture chambers, the living rooms, gardens and various workshops. Original furniture, clothing and other personal items has been collected and preserved for exhibition at la Granja, a truly authentic experience. In the lavish courtyard, you can sample wine of own produce, and at the exit you will taste traditional Mallorcan bunyols, a pastry eaten with sugar and marmalade. La Granja is a fantastic attraction, don’t miss it.
The parish church of Esporles, Esglesia de Sant Pere, is situated in the heart of the village, just across the street from the town hall. The church is one of the younger ones in Mallorca, finished in 1923 in stunning Neo-gothic style, and was designed with the intention of paying homage to the cathedral of La Seu in Palma.
Ca’n Fortuny is a former textile factory situated in the heart of Esporles. The building is a great example of civil architecture from the 19th century, even though it has received several makeovers over the years. In the town hall building across from Ca’n Fortuny, you can see an old gas engine from 1909 recovered from the factory.
The hermitage of Maristella is a small hermitage that, in English is translated to “Star of the Sea” or “Sea and Stars”, because of its location between the two. The hermitage carry many legends, but has a special place in the local culture of Esporles as it was completed thanks to the inhabitants. Moreover, it ios one of the most popular destinations for hikers and walkers due to the magnificent views from the platform next to the hermitage and the scenic natural surroundings.
The number one thing to do in Esporles when it comes to leisure activities and sports, is walking. This is where you get true value for money and full yield of your visit. Explore the UNESCO protected Tramuntana mountain range and all the Balearic wildlife that lives here, as well as the hundreds of breathtaking vantage points overlooking the mountain valleys and the azure coastline. There are many different trails leading about in the Tramuntana from Esporles, trails for all levels and trails of varied distance. Discover the ancient dry-stone route, the natural water springs, the miradors, the marjades and the points of interest hidden deep in the dramatic mountains. There are lots of different excursions and trips you can join for guided tours in the Tramuntana which is highly recommended, especially if it is your first time here.
Cycling is one of the best things to do in this area, the numerous curvy mountain roads making their way up and down the slopes are perfect for a challenge and fun ride. The great and well-maintained system of paved mountain roads makes it a joy to ride in the Tramuntana all year round.
Whatever your handicap or experience is, the nearby Golf Son Termens course is a must-try if you are keen to swing the clubs. This beautiful and yet challenging course is set in a green valley between the mountains making every hole a fascinating experience.
As you stroll about in Esporles, you should go and see these houses situated in the northern part of the village. The houses exemplifies the typical architectural traditions of the Tramuntana region. These houses are interesting because of the paintings on the facades, which are made to keep bad spirits away. This is the reason they are called “Houses of Sun”.
Placeta del Jardinet is a square in the heart of Esporles that holds a lot of local history. This place used to be a religious spot home to a chapel and the cemetery of Esporles. However, the cemetery had to be moved out of town after the brutal Spanish Fly in 1918. Today it is a nice square surrounded by cute houses, bars and shops, and it is a nice place to stop and relax for a minute.
Casa del Poble (house of the village) is a great piece of civil architecture dating back from 1930. The house was built by the union organization “Workers of Esporles” to function as a social center for the working class. The building still functions as a public social center.
Enjoy some beautiful pictures from Esporles
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Esporles is known for its former textile industry, the La Granja finca, the Maristella hermitage and the many natural springs in the mountains.
The market in Esporles is held on Saturdays.
Getting to Esporles from Palma is very easy, it takes just 25 minutes by car. You may also use bus line 200.
The beaches of Port de Sóller are just 7 km from Sóller town. You’ll find two fantastic golden beaches in the bay.
Every Saturday morning from 8 am, the weekly market in Esporles is held in the center of the village. At the market, you can sample and purchase local delicacies such as fruits, vegetables meats, cheeses, oils, herbs and much more from the area. There is also a selection of crafts and leather products.
Sant Antoni
Sant Anoti is one of the most rooted traditions in Mallorca, it dates back from the Middle Ages. Sant Antoni is protector of domestic animals which of course makes him one of the most venerated saints in a culture deeply rooted in agricultural activities. On the night of January 16, bonfires and dancing demons illuminate the streets of the charming town. On the following Sunday there is a big mass and blessings of animals.
When: 16th and 17th of January
Festes de Sant Pere
Sant Pere (Saint Peter) is the patron saint of Esporles and celebrated every year on the day of his feast, namely on June 29. However, during the entire week there are a number of fun and cultural activities happening all over the charming mountain town. Community dinners, exhibitions, concerts, markets, games and contests are all part of an extensive program for both young and adults. The week of celebration ends with a mass and the traditional dance ‘Ball de la Filadora’ in front of the parish church, also dedicated to Sant Pere.
When: The week leading up to June 29
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or enjoy a refreshment at a restaurant or bar. Now more than ever, these small businesses need support from travelers near and far.
Esporles enjoys one of the most privileged locations in Mallorca due to the amount of natural springs in the area. The municipality covers a surface of about 3,500 hectares and comprise a population of some 5,000 inhabitants divided in mainly two population centers, Esporles town and s’Esgleieta.
Esporles is one of the areas that has seen most human occupation in Mallorca, namely due to the many natural water sources that characterize the area.
Esporles is meant to be the very first place inhabited by humans on the entire island, which itself makes it an incredibly interesting historical place. One of the most interesting archaeological sites in Esporles is the natural cave of Canet which was examined and excavated by John S. Kopper in the 1970’s. The finds of remnants of mammals, food deposits and scratches on the walls inside the cave testify to a chronology that, according to Kopper and other researchers, gives us a time span that begins around 7250 BC, in the Neolithic culture of hunting and gathering.
Especially the findings of remnants (bones and skulls) of small indigenous mammals, such as the now extincted Myotragus Balearicus, a dwarf goat from the Pliocene epoch, testify to the prehistory of the area. The goats could have been purely wild living animals or they could have been early examples of domestication and livestock agriculture.
Useful Numbers
Emergency: 112
National police: 091
Local police: 092
Guarda civil: 062
Fire: 080
Maritime emergencies: 900 202 202
Town Hall: +34 971 61 00 02
Public Transport
Bus lines: 200
Power Supply
220V
