Orient Holidays
Tucked-away mountain village
Holidays to Orient offer some of Majorca’s most scenic and serene surroundings. This little village is tucked away in the island’s Tramuntana Mountains, so it’s prime escapism territory.
It’s a traditional looking place, with cobbled streets and timewarp stone houses. There’s not much here – just a handful of restaurants and a couple of local stores, but there lies its charm. Orient is a brilliant springboard for exploring the local countryside – hiking and biking trails lace through the landscape here.
Nearby Alaró has a number of restaurants to try and a market held every week. You’re also close to the impressive vineyards of Binissalem and Santa Maria – the latter is home to an 18-hole golf course
If you’re seeking beaches, it’s a 25-minute drive from the sandy stretch in Soller. It’s lined with bars and restaurants if you fancy stopping for a dinner after a day laying out, too.
Explore our map of Orient
YOUR ORIENT QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We’d recommend Orient for those with older children, as there’s not much to do for really little ones.
Yes, and if you fancy touring with a knowledgeable local, the bike tours of the surrounding countryside are highly recommended.
If you’ve chosen to stay in Orient you’re probably trying to avoid the crowds in other parts of Majorca – and, whatever time of year you come, you’ll manage that. Even in the height of summer, tiny Orient is never going to be too busy. Bear in mind that the heat of the summer may make it difficult to enjoy some of the walking trails. The advantage of coming in the winter is, of course, discounted accommodation, and day trips to places that aren’t packed with tourists.
With a population of just 30 people, Orient is not clubbing territory. Night-time action centres on hotel dinners and cocktails.
This little mountain village is tucked away high in the Tramuntana Mountains. The green landscape is broken up with red rocks, and the rare heavy winter rains leave waterfalls rushing around the area. There’s a forest nearby and some areas of farmland. This dramatic setting is home to only about 30 permanent residents who live in the 14th-century houses that still stand. A stay in Orient is a chance to see a very different side to Majorca.
If you’re into walking, Orient is a splendid choice. You’re right in the mountains and multiple trails start or go through here. There’s a fortress about a two-hour hike away, or you can even walk down to the coast and Soller, the nearest large town. If you want to walk straight from your front door to discover the trails in the mountains, Orient will certainly satisfy.
Orient itself is so small there’s no market here, but you’re only a 45-minute drive from the capital, Palma, which has daily markets. Although some of these are created with tourists in mind – including the ones in the main square and near the cathedral. A covered market in Santa Catalina is full of fresh produce, as is the covered Olivar Market in the heart of Palma. Soller has a weekly market with handicrafts nestled alongside piles of vegetables.
Absolutely – you’ll need one to get there. It’s just 45 minutes from Palma but best not to tackle this if you’re a nervous driver. The roads here are winding with steep drop-offs and it’s not for the fainthearted. The Soller Railway, which runs between Palma and Soller, takes you through the dramatic mountain scenery, but you’ll still need to take a bus to get up to Orient.
This tiny hamlet is ancient. Most of the houses are from the 14th and 15th centuries. You can visit the carefully preserved former public laundries by the 18th-century church built on the ancient site of a chapel, and see estates and olive mills that have now been turned into luxury hotels. Nearby Bunyola is also packed with history and is a wonderful place to explore for a few hours. Head to the western coast for ancient fishing villages and picturesque harbours that have been used for centuries.