Bunyola: Village Life, Mountain Trails and Mallorcan Culture

Walks and Mountain Trails

A walking route leads from Bunyola past the station to Raixa. Those who wish to extend the route can continue as far as Raixeta. Another trail begins at Plaça de Bunyola, runs behind the church through Sant Josep and Doctor Rosselló streets, and follows the Camí de Caubet to Son Serra. This offers a choice of different routes, from a walk towards Raixa to a trail that passes through the village streets and continues to Son Serra.

For a hike to higher ground, a trail leads from Plaça de Bunyola via s’Alqueria to the summit of sa Gubia. There you will find a viewpoint and the Leandre Ximenis refuge. Mountain trails from Bunyola also lead to the 819-metre-high Peñón de Honor, the highest point of the Comuna; from there, the view extends across the Serra de Tramuntana. The summits and viewpoints give hikes specific destinations, while the walking routes head towards other places, such as Raixa or Son Serra.

Village History and Cultural Heritage

In the upper part of the village, the stone Pujadors de Bunyola are part of its cultural heritage. The stairways invite you to stroll and offer views over the village and its rooftops. Sa Plaça is the village square, home to the town hall and the church of Sant Mateu. Exploring Bunyola on foot therefore brings you face to face with both the historic townscape and important gathering places in village life.

The historic estate of Raixa is located in the municipality of Bunyola. Its notable features include the monumental grand staircase, the large pond and panoramic views. The lower gardens include an orchard, as well as the Garden dels Tarongers, the Garden de la Galeria with its central fountain, and the Garden d’Entrada with a small pond. At the Centre Serra Tramuntana near Raixa, the estate and the Serra de Tramuntana are presented as points of reference for understanding Mallorca and its cultural landscape, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Festivals, Music and Traditions

Bunyola’s Sant Mateu patron saint festival takes place on 21 September. The programme includes, among other things, exhibitions, concerts and recitals, theatre, a charity market, sports competitions, traditional games and workshops, as well as activities for children and young people. The Festival de Música de Bunyola also shapes cultural life: it has been held since at least 1985 and continues as a long-running festival. Concerts take place at the Teatre Municipal and in Bunyola’s parish church.

At the Fira Bunyola amb ART, visitors can enjoy an artistic tour of Bunyola. Local artists showcase work in crafts, painting, literature, jewellery and ceramics. Another tradition is Les Beneïdes, celebrated on the first Sunday after Sant Antoni. Animals and floats make their way in a procession through the streets to be blessed. During the Misa del Gallo, the Canto de la Sibila is performed in Bunyola’s church. This Mallorcan tradition has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Market, Countryside and Excursions

A traditional market is held at Sa Plaça on Wednesdays and Saturdays. During the Santa Catalina festivities, the streets fill with markets selling local produce and entirely organic handicrafts at the Feria de montaña. Bunyola has also long celebrated a festival marking the end of the harvest season: each year, one of the estates welcomes residents for a traditional meal with music and dancing.

A ride on the historic train is another local option. The wooden Sóller train passes through Bunyola and connects several of Mallorca’s most noteworthy places. From Bunyola’s small railway station, you can take a historic train through the Serra de Tramuntana, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to travel by bicycle, you can choose a circular route that starts in Bunyola, passes through olive groves to Coll de Sóller and continues via Sóller, Deià and Valldemossa before returning to Bunyola.

You can also discover Orient, Palmanyola, Algaida, Campanet, Capdepera, Ariañy, Soller and Petra as other destinations.

For the wider travel overview: Mallorca.