Tucked away in the southern slopes of the Tramontana Valley, this scenic village is one of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets. If you want to enjoy days full of fun activities far from tourist crowds, Alaro is a perfect choice for you. Famous for its striking architecture, Allaro boasts picturesque blond stone buildings and cobblestone streets that create a characteristic atmosphere and an authentic Balearic look.
This medieval town has a rich culture and history, preserved despite the challenges of modern times. First mentioned in the early 13th century as part of Catalan conquests, Alaro has numerous monuments that witness its importance through the ages. Something you’d only expect to see in a fairytale, Castell d’Alaro is an impressive testament of history perched at high angle on an imposing 822-meter rock, that will take you about 2 hours from the center of the village and demand a vertiginous climb. The effort will pay off with striking views of the environment and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage.
On Saturdays, you can shop for souvenirs at the local market and see many colorful products ranging from traditional Mallorcan goods to some unique clothing.
The maze of old streets is adorned with cafes and bars where you can take a break from walking and treat yourself to a glass of Aperol. For cuisine, try the beer-roasted lamb at the Es Verger Alaró, an iconic traditional restaurant not far from the castle. The ambiance is pretty rustic, but the lamb is world known. For a more romantic setting, Molí des Torrent offers a unique experience and gastronomic delicacies. Situated inside an ancient windmill on the outskirts of Santa Maria del Cami, this family-owned restaurant adapts its menu daily and uses only fresh ingredients.
Every year on August 16th, Alaro hosts a festival that celebrates its patron saint. The quiet town then turns into a vibrant party, with numerous musicians partaking in open-air concerts. Festes de Sant Roc also includes a parade of chariots, a procession of giants Cabit and Bassa and Allaro’s signature Correfoc’, that consists of firework displays and devil dancing.
If you crave some vigorous activities, join the flock of hikers and cyclists who love exploring the Tramontana valley. Alaro has some of the best routes on the island, so that many gems of Mallorca are quickly accessed from this charismatic town.
